1935 Duesenberg Model SJ (J-542) Convertible Victoria by Fernandez & Darrin, Paris
During his years in Paris, Darrin designed and built roughly ten custom Duesenbergs. This was likely the last one, built on the short 142 ½ -inch wheelbase supercharged SJ chassis. This Convertible Victoria was ordered by E.Z. Sadovich and delivered in May 1935 to Enzo Fiermonte and his wife Madeliene, the former Mrs. John Jacob Astor of New York, NY.
Gene S. Cofer purchased this car from Mr. E.J. Welker of Hazel Park, Michigan in March of 1967 making him the 4th owner. This Duesenberg is a national Senior AACA grand champion and won the Rolex award for the Automobile of "Timeless Elegance" at the 2004 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
The chassis and engine were built in Indianapolis, IN at a cost of $8500. The total price when new with coachwork was $25,000.
The outstanding features on the car include a Bijur lubricating system, which automatically services the car every 80 miles. The first known indicator lights on the engine turned nickel dash denoting changing of oil, chassis lubrication and battery care. Other features include an ammeter, adjustable brake pedal pressure lever, oil pressure gauge, tachometer, split second Jaeger stop clock and an altimeter. The wrap around brass band is original to the car. The gasoline fill is located in the trunk in a locked leather box. Note the real backing light and the STOP light.
The first four-wheel Hydraulic brakes were designed by Mr. Duesenberg in 1921 and are featured on this car. For hill climbing ability the car was capable of 90 miles per hour in 2nd gear. A mercury vile balanced crankshaft was used to insure smooth engine operation. The horsepower was rated at 265 and 320 when supercharged. A tubular rear axle was used to provide great strength and light weight.
Specifications Engine: Straight Eight 420 C.I
3 ¾ bore x 4 ¾ stroke
32 valve double overhead cam
Fuel capacity 26.5 gals. 8 mpg
Weight 5924 lbs. length 205"
Wheelbase 142 ½ inches
Gene S. Cofer purchased this car from Mr. E.J. Welker of Hazel Park, Michigan in March of 1967 making him the 4th owner. This Duesenberg is a national Senior AACA grand champion and won the Rolex award for the Automobile of "Timeless Elegance" at the 2004 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
The chassis and engine were built in Indianapolis, IN at a cost of $8500. The total price when new with coachwork was $25,000.
The outstanding features on the car include a Bijur lubricating system, which automatically services the car every 80 miles. The first known indicator lights on the engine turned nickel dash denoting changing of oil, chassis lubrication and battery care. Other features include an ammeter, adjustable brake pedal pressure lever, oil pressure gauge, tachometer, split second Jaeger stop clock and an altimeter. The wrap around brass band is original to the car. The gasoline fill is located in the trunk in a locked leather box. Note the real backing light and the STOP light.
The first four-wheel Hydraulic brakes were designed by Mr. Duesenberg in 1921 and are featured on this car. For hill climbing ability the car was capable of 90 miles per hour in 2nd gear. A mercury vile balanced crankshaft was used to insure smooth engine operation. The horsepower was rated at 265 and 320 when supercharged. A tubular rear axle was used to provide great strength and light weight.
Specifications Engine: Straight Eight 420 C.I
3 ¾ bore x 4 ¾ stroke
32 valve double overhead cam
Fuel capacity 26.5 gals. 8 mpg
Weight 5924 lbs. length 205"
Wheelbase 142 ½ inches
