Duesenberg Sj 1935
| Duesenberg Model J | |
|---|---|
1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Torpedo Convertible
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Duesenberg |
| Also called |
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| Production | 1928–1937 |
| Assembly | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |
| Designer | Gordon Buehrig |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size luxury car |
| Body style | Coachbuilt to owner's preference |
| Layout | Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 7 L (420 cu in) DOHC straight-8, optional supercharger |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
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| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Duesenberg Model A |
The supercharged version, often referred to as "SJ", was reputed to be capable of 104 miles per hour (167 km/h) in second gear and have a top speed of 135–140 mph (217–225 km/h) in third gear.
Zero-to-60 mph (97 km/h) times of around eight seconds and 0–100 mph (0–161 km/h) in 17 seconds were reported for the SJ in spite of the unsynchronized transmissions, at a time when even the best cars of the era were not likely to reach 100 mph (160 km/h). Duesenbergs generally weighed around two and a half tons; up to three tons was not unusual, considering the wide array of custom coachwork available. The wheelbase was 142.5 in (362 cm).
The supercharged Model J, with 320 hp (239 kW) was also created by Fred Duesenberg and introduced in May 1932, only 36 units were built. The SJ's supercharger was located beside the engine; the vertical driving shaft necessitated a redesigned exhaust manifold arrangement; originally this took the form of a one-piece eight into one Monel manifold that re-routed the exhaust away from the engine, outside the engine compartment and through a single hole in the right front fender. The eight port manifold was found to be prone to cracking and was quickly superseded by a second manifold arrangement that routed four branches through the right side panel of the hood and right front fender. At least one supercharged car retains its original eight port manifold while most can be recognized by the four exposed exhaust pipes encased within bright flexible metal conduit tubes, a design which Cord registered as a trademark and used in his other supercharged cars from Cord and Auburn.[citation needed] However, despite being a characteristic of the supercharged Model Js, these external exhaust pipes were offered as an option on normally aspirated Model Js, and were also offered for retrofitting to earlier Model Js. It was said,[who?] "The only car that could pass a Duesenberg was another Duesenberg—and that was with the first owner's consent."[citation needed]
Fred Duesenberg died of pneumonia on July 26, 1932, resulting from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in which he was driving a Murphy SJ convertible. His brother, Augie, took over Fred's duties as chief engineer and Harold T. Ames became president of Duesenberg, Inc.