1936 Duesenberg Model SJN

The Duesenberg Model J was introduced in 1928 and produced through 1937 with a total of 481 examples built, including 36 equipped with factory-supplied superchargers. The 420 cubic-inch DOHC straight-8 engine delivered 265 horsepower (in naturally aspirated configuration), making them among the most powerful cars in the world. With the help of the supercharger, output rose to 320 bhp. Most examples rested on a 142.5-inch wheelbase platform which made them among the largest on the road. A longer 153.5-inch platform was also available, and two examples (SSJs) rested on a shortened 125-inch wheelbase. A few chassis were extended to 160 inches.

The 420 cubic-inch, dual overhead camshaft, inline 8-cylinder engine breathed through a single Stromberg Downdraft carburetor and delivered 265 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. When equipped with a supercharger, the unit was positioned beside the engine and the vertical driving shaft required the exhaust manifold arrangement to be redesign. Initially, the exhaust was re-routed away from the engine in a one-piece eight into one Monel manifold. Most of the Model SJs had four exposed exhaust pipes encased within bright, flexible metal conduit tubes that exited the right side panel of the hood.

The engine was paired with a three-speed manual gearbox, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided stopping power. At the front was a beam-axle suspension and in the back was a live axle, with semi-elliptical leaf springs all round.

The Duesenberg company slogan was The World's Finest Motor Car, and its racing heritage led to a quality passenger car that was advertised as being able to achieve 104 mph in 2nd gear.

Duesenberg Model JN
Even though the Duesenberg Model J was among the most exclusive and expensive automobiles in the world, some of the company's clientele requested something even more special. For these customers, Duesenberg offered the Model JN, and just ten examples were built. All were bodied by Rollston, wore styling by Herb Newport, and each example was a unique masterpiece. They rode on smaller diameter 17-inch wheels, wore bullet-shaped taillights, modern skirted fenders, sleeker running boards concealing the frame rails, and received redesigned battery and tool boxes to allow the doors to close over the frame.

Duesenberg Model SJN
The supercharged version of the Model JN was logically dubbed the 'SJN.'

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2023