1940 Duesenberg Model SJ Fully Collapsible Town Car

Though the Duesenberg Company ceased production in 1937, there were still individuals interested in having a Duesenberg automobile. 481 examples of the Model J and Model SJ combined had been constructed which left few options for acquiring an example. A wealthy German, named Bauer, commissioned one to be constructed, even though the company had gone out of business. A demonstration chassis was in the possession of Felz Motors though it had a damaged cylinder and a LeBaron body. Felz Motors had purchased most of the spare chassis when the company folded.

The chassis was lengthened considerably to accommodate a larger body. Bauer's goal was to construct the longest car ever to be driven on roadways. There were many considerations when trying to achieve this goal; such as 'is it feasible' and could it be done?' The weight of the body and the stress applied to the chassis, suspension, and tires would be considerable. The spare tire was moved to the rear of the vehicle and the running boards were discarded. The front end was lengthened and a new grille was used for the front. The largest Duesenberg hood ornament ever to grace a Model J/SJ was built and placed in the front of the vehicle.

The LeBaron body was removed and the engine was repaired. Bauer drew up the designs for his Duesenberg and commissioned the German-based coachbuilder, Erdmann & Rossi to construct the body. The chassis was prepared for shipping and sent to NY to be loaded on a ship that would take it to Germany. Just before the vehicle was loaded onto the ship, Bauer had a change of heart due to the demise of the conditions in Europe. The car remained in the United States and was sent to Rollson to be bodied.

In the early 1940s, the vehicle was completed and delivered to its owner. This is the last Duesenberg Model J/SJ ever constructed.

This vehicle is still in original condition and was shown at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was awarded a Second In Class in the preservation class.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2018