This 1932 Duesenberg Model J Sports Torpedo that won the coveted 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show award. The Duesenberg’s breathtaking bodywork was completed by venerable French coachbuilder Joseph Figoni. The Model J was the most powerful and most luxurious American car of its era. A second unique Duesenberg Model J selected as a finalist is the 1934 J-531 LaGrande Convertible Coupé, which won Best of Show 2022 at The Amelia. One of the last Duesenbergs produced, this LaGrande Convertible Coupe could top 115 mph.
The Duesenberg Model J is one of the most iconic luxury automobiles in American history. Introduced in 1928 by the Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, it was known for its exceptional engineering, high performance, and opulent design. Here are some key details:
Key Features:
- Engine: The Model J was powered by a straight-eight engine, capable of producing 265 horsepower, a remarkable figure for its time.
- Performance: It was one of the fastest cars of its era, with a top speed of over 115 mph (185 km/h) and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 11 seconds.
- Design: The Model J was often custom-bodied by the most prestigious coachbuilders of the time, resulting in a wide variety of unique and stunning designs. It was characterized by its long hood, large wheels, and extravagant, Art Deco-inspired details.
- Luxury: The car was aimed at the super-wealthy, and only about 481 were made, each tailored to the buyer’s specifications. The interiors were lavish, with fine leather, wood, and metal finishes.
The Duesenberg Model J became a symbol of wealth and sophistication, owned by celebrities, royalty, and industrialists. It was a status symbol, often associated with Hollywood stars and the elite. Today, the Duesenberg Model J is highly prized by collectors, often fetching millions of dollars at auction. It represents the pinnacle of pre-Depression American automotive engineering and luxury.
Duesenberg Model J Sports Torpedo
The Duesenberg Model J Sports Torpedo is a rare and highly coveted variant of the legendary Model J, embodying both luxury and performance in a more streamlined, sporty design. This particular model showcases the craftsmanship and innovation that Duesenberg was known for, making it one of the most extraordinary automobiles of its time.
Key Features:
- Engine: Like the standard Model J, the Sports Torpedo is powered by the same 265-horsepower, straight-eight engine. This engine allowed the car to achieve impressive speeds and smooth, powerful acceleration, making it a performance leader of its era.
- Body Design: The Sports Torpedo is distinguished by its more aerodynamic and sleek body, designed by some of the finest coachbuilders of the time. The car typically features a long, low-slung profile with a gently curving, torpedo-like rear end, giving it a dynamic, sporty look while maintaining the elegance associated with the Duesenberg name.
- Coachbuilders: Many of the Sports Torpedo models were crafted by renowned coachbuilders such as Figoni et Falaschi, Murphy, or LeBaron, each bringing their unique style and flair to the design. The result was a car that was not only a technical marvel but also a work of art.
- Luxury and Craftsmanship: Inside, the Sports Torpedo offered the same level of luxury as other Model J variants, with exquisite materials and attention to detail. High-quality leather, polished wood, and finely crafted metalwork were standard, making the interior as luxurious as it was functional.
- Exclusivity: The Duesenberg Model J Sports Torpedo was extremely rare, with only a few examples ever produced. Each car was custom-built, often to the exacting specifications of its wealthy and discerning owner, making each one unique.
The Duesenberg Model J Sports Torpedo is one of the most collectible and admired classic cars in the world. Its rarity, combined with its historical significance and timeless design, has made it a centerpiece in some of the most prestigious car collections. Today, the Sports Torpedo is celebrated not only as a masterpiece of automotive engineering but also as a symbol of an era when cars were not just modes of transportation, but expressions of wealth, status, and artistic vision. It remains a dream car for many enthusiasts and collectors.
The Duesenberg Model J was produced from 1928 to 1937. However, production numbers were limited due to the Great Depression, which significantly impacted the market for luxury cars. Despite this, the Model J remained a symbol of prestige and opulence throughout its production run. The Sports Torpedo, being an even rarer and more specialized variant, would have been produced within this same timeframe, likely in very small numbers and often as a custom commission. The Duesenberg Model J Sports Torpedo stands as an enduring symbol of the grandeur and innovation of the golden age of American automobiles.
This 1934 Duesenberg J-531 Convertible Coupe features a 420-cubic inch, eight-cylinder engine with twin camshafts and equipped with factory-fitted dual Winfield carburetors. It’s an exquisite blend of luxury and performance and is capable of topping 115mph.