1931 Duesenberg Model J

When news of the Duesenberg J first broke of its upcoming launch in 1928, the announcement halted trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. By this point in history, the Duesenberg Motor Corporation was part of the E.L. Cord empire, including Auburn Automobile, and other transportation firms. Cord acquired the company on October 26th of 1926 primarily for the Duesenberg brothers' talent, engineering skills, and brand name. August Duesenberg, who had been instrumental in the development of the Model A and X, had nothing to do with the initial design of the J and had no formal connection with the Cord-run Duesenberg Company, until later. Fred Duesenberg, however, was positioned as vice president in charge of engineering and experimental work and was tasked by Cord to build the most magnificent and greatest car ever to travel the road.

The Model J made its debut on December 1st at the 1928 New York Car Show. It made its European debut in 1929 at the 'Salon de l'automobile de Paris.' When introduced in New York, only one example had been built - J-101 - a LeBaron dual cowl phaeton, finished in black and silver. By October of 1929, the beginning of the Great Depression, Duesenberg had built around 200 examples. An additional 100 orders were filled in 1930. Most engines and chassis were made in 1929 and 1930, and sold throughout subsequent years.

At the heart of the Duesenberg was a straight-eight engine based on the company's successful racing engines of the 1920s. They were designed by Duesenberg but manufactured by Lycoming, another company owned by Cord. The 420 cubic-inch powerplant had dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and produced 265 horsepower in a normally aspirated configuration. Top speed was achieved at 119 mph, and 94 mph in 2nd gear. Although Cadillac had a larger engine with twice as many cylinders, it only produced 175 horsepower, nearly 100 hp less. For customers seeking even more power, Duesenberg offered the 320 horsepower supercharged 'SJ' model, developed by Fred Duesenberg and introduced in May of 1932. It was capable of 105 miles per hour in second gear and had a top speed of around 135 mph. The supercharger was positioned beside the engine. Originally a one-piece eight-into-one Monel manifold was used to re-route the exhaust away from the engine, outside the engine compartment, and through a single hole in the right front fender. After the eight-port manifold proved inadequate and was prone to cracking, it was replaced by a second manifold arrangement that routed four branches through the passenger's side hood and front fender. This design was attributed to Cord and used in his supercharged Auburns and Cords.

The Model J initially came with a four-speed transmission, vacuum-assisted four-wheel hydraulic brakes, a front beam axle, a live rear axle, and a standard 142.5-inch wheelbase. An optional 153.5-inch platform was available, along with a shorter 'SSJ' 125-inch wheelbase (two examples were built on this platform).

Several modifications were made to the Model J during its production lifespan, including the replacement of the four-speed gearbox as it was unable to handle the engine's power. In its place was an unsynchronised three-speed gearbox.

As was customary at the time, Duesenberg built the chassis and engine, leaving the coachwork to be built to the owner's specifications by custom coachbuilders. Around half the Model Js built by Duesenberg had coachworks devised by the company's chief body designer, Gordon Buehrig, and built under the name La Grande by company branches in Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Florida, and Denver, as well as by smaller dealers. Other coachbuilders included Judkins, Le Baron, Murphy, Derham, Rollston, Walker, Saoutchik, Weymann, Willoughby, Fernandez et Darrin, Franay, and Gurney Nutting, among others.

The chassis cost $8,500, and after 1932 that figure rose another $1,000. Most completed vehicles with coachwork ranged from $13,000 and $19,000. Two American-bodied Model J's reached $25,000.

Two examples of the short-wheelbase Super J, known as the SSJ, were built. 36 Model SJs were built, and 10 of the JN were built. All of the Model JNs received Rollston coachwork and were produced in 1935. They rode on a smaller 17-inch diameter wheel, instead of 19 inches, had skirted fenders, bullet-shaped taillights, and bodies resting on the frame rails resulting in a lower appearance. Model JNs with the supercharger is known as the Model SJN.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2020