In the annals of automotive history, few names resonate with the same level of prestige and opulence as Duesenberg. Revered for their engineering brilliance and unparalleled luxury, Duesenberg cars epitomized the epitome of American craftsmanship in the early 20th century. Among these legendary automobiles, the 1935 Duesenberg SJ LA Phaeton stands as an enduring symbol of automotive excellence, combining power, beauty, and exclusivity into a rolling work of art.
The Duesenberg SJ LA Phaeton was born from the vision of two brothers, Fred and August Duesenberg, who founded the Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company in 1913. Known for their racing prowess and mechanical innovations, the Duesenberg brothers quickly became synonymous with automotive engineering at its finest. Their cars boasted powerful engines, innovative technology, and meticulous craftsmanship that appealed to the wealthy elite of the era.
The "SJ" in the Duesenberg SJ LA Phaeton's name stood for "Supercharged" and "Short Wheelbase." At the heart of this luxurious machine was an extraordinary 6.9-liter inline-eight engine. What set the SJ apart from its contemporaries was the installation of a centrifugal supercharger, which propelled its power output to a remarkable 320 horsepower. In an age when most cars struggled to exceed 100 horsepower, the Duesenberg SJ LA Phaeton was an engineering marvel, capable of reaching speeds in excess of 140 miles per hour. It was, without a doubt, one of the fastest and most powerful cars of its time.
The design of the Duesenberg SJ LA Phaeton was a harmonious blend of elegance and grandeur. The long, sweeping fenders and gracefully sculpted lines exuded a sense of timeless beauty, while the classic Phaeton body style added a touch of sophistication. Each Duesenberg was custom-built to the owner's specifications, ensuring exclusivity and uniqueness for every vehicle produced. The bodywork, typically crafted by renowned coachbuilders such as Rollston, LaGrande, or Murphy, was a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that went into each car's creation.
Inside the Duesenberg SJ LA Phaeton's cabin, one was greeted with the utmost luxury and refinement. Sumptuous leather upholstery, finely crafted wood accents, and an array of dials and gauges created an atmosphere of opulence and elegance. Innovative features, like adjustable shock absorbers and automatic chassis lubrication, further emphasized Duesenberg's commitment to engineering excellence and ride comfort.
The price of such automotive brilliance came with an appropriately steep price tag. In the midst of the Great Depression, the Duesenberg SJ LA Phaeton commanded a staggering cost of around $20,000 - an astronomical sum at the time. Only a select few could afford to indulge in the unparalleled luxury and performance of a Duesenberg, further cementing its status as a symbol of prestige and success.
1935 Duesenberg SJ LA Phaeton - Photo by Georg Eiermann on Unsplash
Today, the Duesenberg SJ LA Phaeton stands as a prized collector's item, sought after by automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike. The limited production run of approximately 36 units adds to its rarity, making it a true treasure in the classic car world. When one of these exceptional machines graces the auction block, it can fetch millions of dollars, a testament to its enduring appeal and historical significance.
In conclusion, the 1935 Duesenberg SJ LA Phaeton remains an enduring icon of automotive excellence. Its combination of powerful performance, timeless design, and exquisite craftsmanship solidified its place in history as one of the finest examples of American engineering and luxury. The Duesenberg SJ LA Phaeton's legacy lives on through the passion of collectors and the admiration of automotive enthusiasts, ensuring that this extraordinary automobile will forever be celebrated as a symbol of automotive greatness.
