1934 Duesenberg Model SJ Torpedo Convertible

E.L. Cord unabashedly advertised his Duesenberg as 'The World's Finest Motor Car,' and the only copy used in many of the company's advertisements was simple, 'He or She drives a Duesenberg,' without even an image of a car. Duesenberg owners included some of Hollywood's biggest stars, along with captains of industry.

The Duesenberg SJ, introduced in 1932, had a supercharged dual overhead cam, 8-cylinder, 320 horsepower Lycoming engine and was one of the most powerful motorcars in the world, capable of a top speed approaching 140 mph. That engine, combined with this Rollston Torpedo Convertible Victoria coachwork, makes this Model SJ finished in November of 1933 one of the most stunning Duesenbergs ever created.

This car, engine number SJ-517, was first purchased by Miss Margaret L. Flick, who later became Mrs. Margaret Hoffman of New York City. The car has a known history from new. In 1955 it was acquired by Vernon Jarvis who lent his entire collection to the Early American Museum in Silver Springs, Florida. It became part of the current caretaker's collection in 1986 and a total restoration was completed in 1990.

The Rollston-bodied Torpedo Convertible Victoria is one of the most stunning Duesenbergs ever created. Its long, low profile with a gracefully sculpted body and the Rollston-designed 'scoop' fenders create a powerful 'mean-looking' presentation that embodies the ultimate in Classic-era styling. The rear body section has a shapely, incorporated trunk without the boxiness of many designs of the era. A lid behind the rear seat lifts up to provide for a completely disappearing top assembly, quite a feat for a top of this size. The side view of the front 'scoop' fenders follows the famous angle of the hood ornament and gives the appearance of forward motion while the car is sitting still. Being one of only 30 Duesenbergs originally fitted with a single-carburetor supercharger, the commanding side exhaust pipes only enhance its powerful appearance. Unique features include a pair of glove boxes in the instrument panel, a reclining rear seat, an optional second tail lamp, and a rare banjo-style steering wheel. The dark original shade of Roosevelt Maroon paint and blacktop contrast strikingly with all of the brilliant external plating.

There were four similar bodies built by Rollston. Power is supplied by a 420 CID, 320 horsepower OHC supercharged straight-eight with four valves per cylinder - quite heady technology in the 1930s. Its interior is fitted with dual glove compartments in the instrument panel, a reclining rear seat, and a rare banjo-style steering wheel.