1934 Duesenberg Model J Brunn Riviera Phaeton (supercharged)
- Engine
- 420 cu in (approx. 6.9L) DOHC 32-valve inline-eight, dual Stromberg UU-3 two-barrel carburetors, Schwitzer-Cummins centrifugal supercharger, ~320 bhp
A supercharged Duesenberg Model J wearing Brunn & Company's rare Riviera Phaeton coachwork — one of only three built — originally delivered in June 1934 to Lt. Col. Jacob Schick, inventor of the cartridge razor. Its defining chapter came in the 1950s when Cincinnati enthusiast Harry Schulzinger transformed it into one of the quickest Duesenbergs of the era, assembling a bespoke engine from the best available components and achieving a verified 140 mph over a measured mile. Subsequently restored and exhibited at major concours events, it has earned Best of Show honours at the Concours d'Elegance of America and placed second in class at Pebble Beach.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,595,000
- 1934-06-01 →Factory deliveryLt. Col. Jacob Schickpartial documentation
Original recipient of the car upon its June 1934 delivery. The vehicle subsequently changed hands numerous times during its early history.
- 1950 → 1974Acquisition unknownHarry Schulzingerpartial documentation
Cincinnati enthusiast who commissioned a thorough performance rebuild, transferring the original body and firewall to a lower-mileage chassis and constructing a high-output engine; drove the car hard until his death.
- 1974 →Private saleDr. Donald Vesleypartial documentation
Louisiana-based enthusiast who restored the car to open-fender configuration, rebuilt the engine to supercharged specification with dual carburetors and a reproduction supercharger, and fitted period-correct ram's-horn manifolds.
- 2001 →Private saleRich Atwellpartial documentation
Fredericksburg, Texas collector who commissioned a full restoration by Fran Roxas; subsequently had the car freshened cosmetically and mechanically, including a new leather interior, before entering it in major concours events.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownBob Bahrenone documentation
Noted enthusiast who owned the car as part of a succession following the Vesley restoration.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownNoel Thompsonnone documentation
Respected enthusiast who held the car between the Bahre ownership and its period in the Imperial Palace collection.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownImperial Palace Auto Collectionspartial documentation
Las Vegas museum that displayed the car for an extended period alongside other restored Duesenbergs.
Competition
- —Auburn Cord Duesenberg ClubAuburn Cord Duesenberg Club National Reunion
The car made multiple appearances at this annual gathering during Schulzinger's ownership, gaining a reputation for its performance and sound.
- —Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John'sBest in Class and Best of Show American
Achieved two top awards at this prestigious American concours event under its present ownership.
- —Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance2nd in Class
Earned a class runner-up placing at the nationally prominent California concours.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1950ModificationJack Irwin / Irwin's Tire Service
The original firewall and Brunn phaeton body from chassis 2551 were transferred onto a lower-mileage chassis numbered 2577, effectively re-bodying the car for enhanced performance.
Work carried out in Huntington, West Virginia by Jack Irwin, a respected Duesenberg mechanic, on the instructions of new owner Harry Schulzinger.
- 2001RestorationFran Roxas
Comprehensive full restoration of the car carried out to a high standard suitable for concours presentation.
Commissioned by Rich Atwell following his purchase of the car.
- —Engine rebuildJack Irwin / Irwin's Tire Service
A new engine was assembled from selected components after the original unit failed catastrophically: the crankcase and bell-housing sourced from J-467, the block from J-487, and Jahnes racing pistons fitted throughout. The resulting unit reportedly enabled 140 mph over a measured mile.
The engine failure was triggered by an unofficial extended road trip. Bob Roller, a surviving member of the build team, confirmed the car's peak speed achievement.
- —Restoration
Car returned to open-fender configuration; unusual hood vents removed. Engine rebuilt to supercharged specification and fitted with dual carburetors, a reproduction supercharger, and period ram's horn intake manifolds.
Carried out under Dr. Donald Vesley's ownership. The removed hood vents subsequently entered the collection of Duesenberg historian Randy Ema.
- —ServiceFran Roxas
Substantial cosmetic and mechanical freshening performed, including fitting a new brown leather interior in the period-correct pattern and returning the car to fully operational condition.
Undertaken after a period of museum display, with the car returned to Roxas by its then-current owner.
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