1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Torpedo Phaeton / 2608 Chassis Information

Sold for $1,650,000 at 2005 RM Sothebys.
The Model J was produced in Indianapolis from 1929 until 1937 with a 420 cubic-inch DOHC engine producing 265 horsepower in stock form and 320 horsepower in supercharged form. Each of the chassis sold received custom coachwork built to the whims of the owner. Prices ranged from $13,500 to $25,000. Five torpedo Phaetons were built to Gordon Buehrig's design. The first body was produced by Brunn and two subsequent bodies were built by Weymann.

This car is one of the last two Torpedo Phaetons, which were built by the A.J. Walker Company to the Gordon Buehrig design specifications. The Phaeton Convertible was a result of an ingenious body design that allowed the rear body, behind the rear seat, to open as a spacious compartment into which the top could be lowered completely. Both front and rear doors have roll-up windows. Combined with low windshields and the short-coupled body on the longer wheelbase chassis, the Torpedo Phaetons are among the sportiest four passenger bodies ever mounted on the Model J chassis.

It was originally delivered new to E.L. King of Winona, Wisconsin as J-558 on chassis $2558. Mr. King was apparently not satisfied with the car and Duesenberg agreed to replace the complete chassis and engine. The original body was installed on chassis #2608 with engine J-582.

During the car's early history, it was in the ownership of several caretakers, until it was crashed in the 1940s. Many of its parts were cannibalized. In the early 1960s, plans emerged to resurrect the vehicle. Over the course of a decade, many parts were sourced, and work began in 1973. The damaged chassis was discarded and chassis 2470 was then used to fit the LaGrande body. The project proved too much, and the Duesenberg and parts were sold to a new owner who later finished the work in 1987. The completed car made its debut at the CCCA Grand Classic where it scored a perfect 100 points.

In 2005, the car was offered at RM Auctions annual Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook hall where it was sold to a new owner.

A complete restoration returning this classic to its original glory was completed in 2017.