1933 Duesenberg Model SJ Vehicle Profile

Duesenberg introduced the Model SJ in 1932; SJ denoting a supercharged version of the magnificent Duesenberg straight-eight that produced an incredible 320 horsepower .... 55 horsepower more than its normally aspirated brother. Just 36 SJ chassis were produced between 1932 and 1937 at an average cost of $1,000, making the SJ a $9,500 investment...before the owner spent a single cent on its custom body! This was a 120 mph car in an era when cars could barely reach 80 mph. The stunning coachwork is by the Walter M. Murphy of Pasadena, California, which built more bodies on Duesenberg chassis than any other coachbuilder; a total of 144. Murphy's clientele read like Hollywood's 'Who's Who', list including Mark Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Tom Mix and Bronco Billy, Gary Cooper, Clara Bow, Gloria Swanson, novelist Zane Gray, publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, and Im studio owners Hal Roach and Howard Hughes.

Seen by many as the most beautiful closed Duesenberg design, the Beverly sedan by the Walter M. Murphy Co. of Pasadena is truly an elegant blend of closed coachwork with the massive Duesenberg chassis Armchair seating, rear seat instrumentation, and unique art deco window designs are just a few of the features that grace this car. Just over 400 Duesenberg Model Js and SJs were built between 1928 and 1937.

This 1933 Duesenberg (SJ-512) is one of only 45 Duesenbergs produced with a factory-installed supercharger. This rare model SJ was first ordered by Powell Crosley, who resided in Cincinnati, Ohio, and made his fortune in radio and electronics during the 1920s. He took delivery July 1, 1933. Of the 45 Model SJs produced, only five of these were sold with enclosed bodies. This model sports a unique, highly placed and radically embossed belt line which drops down after the windshield. It is further highlighted by a small but dramatic triangular window that is located between the windshield and A-pillar. Unlike some, the model SJ-512 has always retained its original engine and its body has not been replaced or altered.