The Duesenberg Model J stands as one of the quintessential symbols of American automotive luxury and engineering excellence from the early 20th century. Founded in 1919 by Fred and August Duesenberg, the Duesenberg Automobile and Motors Company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-performance, luxurious vehicles. The company’s fortunes took a significant turn when E.L. Cord acquired it, setting the stage for the creation of the Model J, a car that would become an icon in automotive history.
Cord challenged Fred Duesenberg to create a luxury car rivaling the best European models, resulting in the 1929 Duesenberg Model J. This car featured advanced engineering and opulent design, with a 420 cubic-inch inline-eight engine boasting double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, producing 265 horsepower. The supercharged variant, the SJ, had dual carburetors, generating up to 400 horsepower and reaching a top speed of about 135 mph.
Among the rarest and most coveted of the Model J variants is the supercharged, closed-body version. This specific example, one of only 35 produced with the factory-installed supercharger and one of just five built with a closed body, epitomizes exclusivity and luxury. The original owner, Mrs. Henry Evans, was a notable socialite and a dedicated Duesenberg enthusiast. J-514 was her third Duesenberg, reflecting her deep admiration for the brand. She traded in her previous Duesenberg, J-315, a Rollston limousine, to acquire this car from dealer J.S. Inskip, at a cost of $18,000—a sum equivalent to around $300,000 today.
Mrs. Evans ordered the car with a unique Continental Touring Berline body, a style produced by Rollston. Rollston made a total of 57 bodies for the J and JN chassis, but the one on J-514 stands out due to its bespoke specifications and premium features. Mrs. Evans used this car extensively, including on European tours, and the roof-mounted luggage rack was designed to handle up to 800 pounds, adding to the car’s practicality and luxury.
It is believed that the supercharger might have been removed early in the car’s life, potentially to enhance reliability during Mrs. Evans’ travels abroad. Despite this modification, the car retained its luxury and performance attributes. The unique Continental Touring Berline body and the presence of a rare mesh heat-shielding underhood further distinguish this particular Model J.
In 1944, Mrs. Evans returned the car to Inskip, where it was subsequently sold to Herbert Waller. The ownership of the car continued to evolve, eventually passing to Charles Kyner in June 1948. After Kyner’s passing, the car was sold to Jim Hoe and Judge John C. North II, and later to Robert McGowan.
The current caretaker acquired the unrestored Duesenberg in mid-2013 and undertook a meticulous, concours-quality restoration. The restoration included a color change from a two-tone brown to a striking two-tone maroon scheme and the installation of a Zapon fabric-covered roof, restoring the car to its original specifications. A new Brian Joseph-built supercharger was fitted, ensuring the car met its initial mechanical standards.
After restoration, the Duesenberg Model J SJ was showcased at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it participated in the Pebble Beach Tour and won the Honorary Chairman’s Award at the St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance. With matching numbers, low mileage, and its status as the last unrestored Model SJ, this Duesenberg Model J remains a rare and significant example of pre-war luxury cars, offering a glimpse into an era defined by opulence and engineering prowess.