Vehicle Description
Frederick and August Duesenberg are undoubtedly best known for
their iconic Model J of the 1930s. However, their groundbreaking
road cars may never have been built if it weren't for the notoriety
they achieved in motorsport in the early 20th century. The
brothers' racing efforts began in the mid-1910s, with their
proudest moment coming in 1924, when one of their supercharged,
twin-cam racers won the prestigious Indianapolis 500 mile race.
Despite their on-track prowess, the brothers struggled to achieve
financial success. Various partnerships with financial backers saw
the brothers bouncing around, building automobile, marine and
aircraft engines; none of which proved terribly rewarding for Fred
and Augie. Beginning in 1920, a new workshop was established in
Indianapolis and the Duesenberg brothers began production of a road
car under their own name, which they hoped would help fund their
sporting aspirations and provide them some financial stability. The
overhead cam, straight-eight Model A was a brilliant machine, but
delays in production dampened enthusiasm and a post WWI economic
recession hurt sales which almost spelled the end for the fledgling
company and the Brother's hopes of becoming full-fledged car
manufacturers. Thankfully, the Duesenberg's reputation in
motorsport caught the attention of E.L. Cord, who had recently
acquired Auburn and was looking to build a flagship motorcar for
his own growing manufacturing empire. Cord had successfully revived
the ailing Auburn, reestablishing the marque as a worthy competitor
to Cadillac and Packard. Now he set his sights on building a car
that could compete with, and surpass, the greatest names in Europe
such as Bugatti, Hispano-Suiza and Rolls-Royce. Cord bought out the
Duesenberg brothers, and put Fred in charge of engineering the
finest car in the world, giving him free rein and a clean sheet.
Fred relished in the opportunity to simply focus on building the
best car he could, meanwhile August clashed personally with Cord;
ultimately leaving the firm and playing little to no role in the
development of what would become the iconic Model J, only to return
after E.L. Cord's empire began to collapse. The Duesenberg Model J
was no doubt a world-beating automobile. With a Bugatti-inspired
twin-overhead cam, four-valve inline eight, four wheel hydraulic
brakes, a three-speed gearbox and 265 horsepower (or 320 with the
optional supercharger), the Model J could handily top 120 miles per
hour. It was built to a standard of quality that was unparalleled
for its day, and it was of course, astonishingly expensive. A bare
chassis started at $9500, with complete cars costing from $13,000,
and surpassing $25,000 for the most spectacular custom-bodied
examples. The greatest coachbuilders in the world such as LeBaron,
Franay, Murphy, Gurney Nutting and others displayed their talents
on the Model J chassis. Duesenbergs would carry a wide variety of
coachwork that ranged from short-wheelbase speedsters to lavish
limousines. Of the 481 units of the Model J built, including the SJ
and SSJ derivatives, approximately 378 survive today, and it
remains one of the most storied and important motorcars in history.
We are thrilled to present this stunning 1935 Duesenberg Model J
Special Berline. This gorgeous long-wheelbase Model J, serial
number 2557, retains its original engine; number J-540. The
original and elegant coachwork is by J.B. Judkins Co. of Amesbury,
Massachusetts. Judkins bodies are most commonly attributed with
Lincoln chassis, though the firm was quite well-known for fitting a
number of bodies to Duesenberg, Packard and Pierce-Arrow chassis
among others. Judkins' specialty was in closed cars, and their
craftsmanship and finely judged style was highly regarded by
manufacturers and wealthy clientele alike. According to records,
J-540 was originally delivered to Mrs. William W. Willock of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Syossett, New York on May 9, 1935. It
passed through just four subsequent owners before finding its way
to the most recent caretaker who set about restoring the car to its
former beauty. A comprehensive, fully researched restoration was
performed by Fran Roxas at Vintage Motor Group in Chicago over the
span of two years. During that time, the correct original colors
and interior materials were discovered, and J-540 was subsequently
returned to its striking original two-tone brown livery, topped by
a brown leatherette roof. The sophisticated style of the Judkins
body features rather handsome skirted fenders as well as a unique
split windscreen and dual side-mount spare wheels. Blackwall Dunlop
tires on 17-inch chrome wheels add just a hint of sporting appeal
to this otherwise formal design. The presentation is magnificent,
and the quality of the finish work is truly outstanding, as one
would come to expect from such a high-level restoration by a marque
expert. Since its exceptional restoration it remains in stunning
order, having been shown in numerous prestigious events. In more
recent years, J-540 has been used on the road and always maintained
in top order. Like the exterior, the interior is a blend of
driver-focused appeal and luxurious accommodations. The Judkins
Berline is distinguished by its blind rear quarters and lack of a
divider window, as the car was intended as a personal limousine
that could also be owner-driven. The configuration allows for more
comfortable seating up front, while still maintaining plenty of
room in the rear compartment. The lush interior is trimmed in
leather and cord cloth, executed in a lovely oatmeal tan color that
complements the body quite well. The driver faces an original
steering wheel and a full array of beautifully restored instruments
including an altimeter and Jaeger chronograph clock. As with the
body, the interior is beautifully presented; having mellowed ever
so lightly in the time since it was restored but still appearing
fresh and inviting. Mechanically, J-540 is in excellent order,
having been subtly upgraded for reliable high-speed touring. The
gorgeous Lycoming-built 420 cubic inch inline eight is fully
detailed and correctly finished in its signature bright green with
polished alloy cam covers. It is very well presented, with just a
bit of character from use apparent in places, and it runs
exceptionally well. In the interest of high-speed capability, a
full-synchromesh Tremec 5-speed gearbox has been discreetly adapted
to the engine, allowing the car to drive exceptionally well and
with greatly reduced effort. Importantly, the original gearbox and
associated parts will be included in the sale should one wish to
return it to original spec. With its 153 � - inch wheelbase
chassis, the Duesenberg rides exquisitely and the chassis has been
fully sorted by Mr. Roxas to ensure the car's performance lives up
to the legend. Since its restoration, J-540 has been shown at
numerous events, including the 2011 Amelia Island Concours
d'Elegance where it earned an Amelia Award in the Duesenberg class.
Comprehensively restored and fully sorted, this magnificent
Duesenberg Model J has been maintained in show-worthy condition,
and thanks to the subtle upgrades, it is ready to impress on CCCA
CARavan tours, ACD tours and any similar road event. This elegant
Model J Berline is a breathtaking example of what it arguably the
greatest American car ever produced.
