Duesenberg Model J
1935 Duesenberg Model SJ
Average Auction Sale: $2,282,955
Median Auction Sale: $1,650,000
Chassis Profiles
Average Auction Sale: $2,282,955
Median Auction Sale: $1,650,000
Chassis Profiles
1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Special Mormon Meteor
Average Auction Sale: $4,455,000
Median Auction Sale: $4,455,000
Chassis Profiles
Average Auction Sale: $4,455,000
Median Auction Sale: $4,455,000
Chassis Profiles
1935 Duesenberg Model SSJ
Average Auction Sale: $22,000,000
Median Auction Sale: $22,000,000
Chassis Profiles
Average Auction Sale: $22,000,000
Median Auction Sale: $22,000,000
Chassis Profiles
1933 Duesenberg Model SJ
Original Price: $17,000
Average Auction Sale: $1,537,786
Median Auction Sale: $1,595,000
Chassis Profiles
Original Price: $17,000
Average Auction Sale: $1,537,786
Median Auction Sale: $1,595,000
Chassis Profiles
1929 Duesenberg Model SJ
Average Auction Sale: $1,105,500
Median Auction Sale: $1,105,500
Chassis Profiles
Average Auction Sale: $1,105,500
Median Auction Sale: $1,105,500
Chassis Profiles
Total Production: 36
1935 Duesenberg Model J
Average Auction Sale: $2,080,640
Median Auction Sale: $1,485,000
Chassis Profiles
Average Auction Sale: $2,080,640
Median Auction Sale: $1,485,000
Chassis Profiles
1934 Duesenberg Model J
Original Price: $8,500
Average Auction Sale: $1,250,077
Median Auction Sale: $990,000
Chassis Profiles
Original Price: $8,500
Average Auction Sale: $1,250,077
Median Auction Sale: $990,000
Chassis Profiles
1933 Duesenberg Model J
Original Price: $18,200
Average Auction Sale: $1,888,500
Median Auction Sale: $1,546,000
Chassis Profiles
Original Price: $18,200
Average Auction Sale: $1,888,500
Median Auction Sale: $1,546,000
Chassis Profiles
1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy
Average Auction Sale: $602,325
Median Auction Sale: $588,650
Chassis Profiles
Average Auction Sale: $602,325
Median Auction Sale: $588,650
Chassis Profiles
1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy
Original Price: $18,000
Average Auction Sale: $3,394,688
Median Auction Sale: $2,642,500
Chassis Profiles
Original Price: $18,000
Average Auction Sale: $3,394,688
Median Auction Sale: $2,642,500
Chassis Profiles
1931 Duesenberg Model J
Average Auction Sale: $1,045,602
Median Auction Sale: $841,250
Chassis Profiles
Average Auction Sale: $1,045,602
Median Auction Sale: $841,250
Chassis Profiles
1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy
Average Auction Sale: $1,725,476
Median Auction Sale: $1,425,000
Chassis Profiles
Average Auction Sale: $1,725,476
Median Auction Sale: $1,425,000
Chassis Profiles
1930 Duesenberg Model J
Average Auction Sale: $1,038,796
Median Auction Sale: $950,000
Chassis Profiles
Average Auction Sale: $1,038,796
Median Auction Sale: $950,000
Chassis Profiles
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy
Average Auction Sale: $1,588,022
Median Auction Sale: $1,319,888
Chassis Profiles
Average Auction Sale: $1,588,022
Median Auction Sale: $1,319,888
Chassis Profiles
1929 Duesenberg Model J
Average Auction Sale: $1,191,205
Median Auction Sale: $990,000
Chassis Profiles
Average Auction Sale: $1,191,205
Median Auction Sale: $990,000
Chassis Profiles
Created to build sports cars, the Company began its life in Des Moines, Iowa by two men who were self-taught engineers that produced various experimental vehicles. Unfortunately, the brothers did have much selling capability, and due to this the company claimed bankruptcy and closed in 1922.
Purchasing the Duesenberg Company in 1926, Errett Lobban Cord, the owner of Cord Automobile, Auburn Automobile, and several other transportation companies acquired the Duesenberg Brothers' engineering skills along with a brand name. Setting out to produce the Model J, Cord hired Fred Duesenberg to design both the engine and the chassis that would eventually be the best in the world.
Displayed at the New York Car Show of 1928, the Model J (Judkins) Duesenberg was indeed impressive. While only the engine and chassis were put on display at the show, the body and interior of the vehicle would be eventually custom-made by an extremely experienced coachbuilder to the owner's specification. Coachbuilders in both Europe and North America were responsible for the extensive bodywork. The finished product was the grandest, largest, and most beautiful vehicle ever before created. The base model cost around $13,500, while the top of the line model sold for an extreme $25,000.
With a lack of supercharged form, the Model J was renowned for its incredibly 265 horsepower, straight-8 engine, and dual overhead camshafts. Able to reach an impressive top speed of 119 mph, and 94 mph in 2nd gear, the Model J was a success.
While other top-of-the-line vehicles of the time period could barely reach 100 mph, the Duesenberg models were definitely turning some heads. The 1932 SJ was estimated to reach 104 mph in 2nd gear, a top speed of 135-140 mph in 2nd, and turned around 0-60 in 8 seconds. The supercharged Model J came with 320 HP and the supercharger was placed alongside the engine, with creased exhaust pipes to make room for it. The SJ models were easily recognizable due to their shiny creased tubes, a trademark by E. L. Cord. Weighing around two and a half tons, due to the large array of custom coachwork available, the Duesenbergs were not any heavier than their fellow competitors.
Rapidly becoming of the most popular vehicles in the world, the Duesenberg was a status symbol for the elite. Such famous owners of the Duesenberg were Clark Gable, the Duke of Windsor, and Gary Cooper.
Advertised to be the 'best car in the world', Duesenberg's have held up to its status for numerous years. Following world-beating performance along with high regard and standard for quality, the Duesenberg continued to hold the reputation for opulence.
A total of 481 Model Js and SJs were produced between 1928 and 1937. Following E. L. Cord's financial empire collapsing, Duesenberg ceased production in 1937. It is estimated that approximately 50% of these classic cars are still on the road today. Both Duesenberg Model J's and SJ's are among the most desired collectible classic cars in the world.By Jessica Donaldson
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