1937 Duesenberg Model J Aerodynamic Coupe

The now famous 'Mudd Coupe' was originally built as a short-wheelbase Derham sedan. It was sold to Dr. Seeley Mudd (an American cardiologist, professor, and major academic philanthropist) who set out to improve the car's performance as well as its design. He had the manufacturer upgrade the stock Model J engine to include a supercharger (the supercharger and exhaust pipe are from engine J-496), and two-barrel carburetors. It is one of only five such vehicles for which this was done. Dr. Mudd then sent the car to Bohman and Schwartz to have a new body fitted. His idea was to have an aerodynamic coupe design that would be way ahead of its time: he knew what he wanted and participated in the design. The body panels were covered in leather-like cloth and the car featured a sliding sunroof, unusual in those days. The four-door sedan coachwork was thus transformed into a sleek, aerodynamic fastback coupe. A Duesenberg chassis had never received such a streamlined look.

Dr. Mudd kept this car until his death in 1968. Though the car has an extensive history, the aerodynamic streamlined look of this Duesenberg sets it apart from all others.