1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Bohman & Schwartz Town Car
- Engine
- 6.9L (420 cu. in.) DOHC inline-eight with centrifugal supercharger, 320 bhp
- Colour
- Black
The 1935 Duesenberg SJ Bohman & Schwartz Town Car, chassis carrying engine number J-553, was bodied to a J. Herbert Newport design originally conceived for actress Mae West but ultimately commissioned by Ethel V. Mars, widow of the confectionery magnate. One of only a handful of four-door formal cars fitted with the factory supercharger from new, it was finished in Chinchilla Grey with fur-trimmed interior and appeared in both the 1936 Time magazine New York Auto Show coverage and Vogue Tires advertising. After passing through Chicago-area owners, the Harrah Automobile Collection, and a full restoration by Hibernia Auto Restoration, it has been recognised as an Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Category 1 car and appears in every major published work on the Duesenberg marque.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$3,630,000
- 1935 → 1945Factory deliveryEthel V. Marsfull documentation
Original commissioner of the coachwork, based on a design intended for Mae West. Vehicle finished in grey with matching chauffeur uniform and fur interior; cost reportedly around $20,000.
- 1945 → 1946InheritanceEstate of Ethel V. Marspartial documentation
Car held by estate following Mrs. Mars's death until sold the following year.
- 1946 → 1951Private saleJohn Trokapartial documentation
Prominent Chicago-based Duesenberg dealer who acquired the car from the estate for $2,500 and cycled it through several local owners during this period, including use as a taxi and as a bank executive's occasional vehicle.
- 1951 → 1966Private saleWalter and Wladzia Podbielniakpartial documentation
Engineer-inventors who had amassed wealth through laboratory equipment manufacturing. Mrs. Podbielniak used the car as a chauffeur-driven vehicle between their Chicago offices and residence; retained the car after a liquidation sale in 1961 failed to meet her reserve price.
- 1966 → 1986Private saleWilliam Harrah Automobile Collectionfull documentation
Displayed in Sparks, Nevada for approximately two decades in largely original but worn condition. Shortly before sale, the Harrah workshop refinished the car in bright red. Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club certification as Category 1 car D-044 was issued during this period of ownership.
- 1986 → 1995Private saleRichard Dickerfull documentation
Retired railroad executive who commissioned a thorough restoration by Hibernia Auto Restoration in New Jersey, returning the car to grey finish with correct interior and a reproduction supercharger. The car was exhibited widely at North American concours events during his ownership.
- 1995 →Private saleBlackhawk Collectionpartial documentation
Acquired following Dicker's death; subsequently sold to further private enthusiast owners.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownTwo unidentified collectorsnone documentation
Described only as respected enthusiasts who owned the vehicle between the Blackhawk Collection and the Andrews Collection.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownAndrews Collectionpartial documentation
During this tenure the car was refinished in black with a coral interior by RM Auto Restoration, and was shown at select major concours events.
Competition
- —Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
One of a small number of prominent concours appearances made while in the Andrews Collection.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1986BodyworkHarrah Automobile Collection workshop
The car was repainted in bright red by the Harrah Collection's workshop prior to its sale, departing from the original grey livery.
Carried out while still in Harrah ownership, shortly before the 1986 sale to Richard Dicker.
- —RestorationHibernia Auto Restoration
Comprehensive restoration carried out by Hibernia Auto Restoration, encompassing a repaint in Chinchilla Grey Poly, correct re-upholstery of the interior, and installation of a correct reproduction supercharger to replace the original unit removed in the 1940s.
Commissioned by Richard Dicker following his 1986 acquisition; Hibernia was directed by Robert Turnquist and was based in New Jersey.
- —BodyworkRM Auto Restoration
The car was refinished in black with a coral interior executed to the original design specification, giving it a bold new appearance while retaining the historic interior layout.
Carried out during or prior to the Andrews Collection ownership period.
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