1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Mormon Meteor Speedster Gallery

Ab and Augie started with an unnumbered Model J chassis that had a standard wheelbase of 142.5 inches. The first step was to get a body made, so Herbert Newport was enlisted to begin doing so in May 1934. His design had a minimal frontal area including a single cyclops headlight and heavily raked radiator. The rest of the body resembled an oversize speedster that was quite narrow, but still able to accommodate two seats. Other features included a full belly pan, as well as a long sloping tail to reduce drag.

The steel chassis was kept pretty much standard except for a dropped front suspension which lowered the nose several degrees. The largest available Firestone tires were fitted onto 18 inch wire wheels. Just behind those sat small sponsons that were used to reduce air turbulence along with integrated fairings to cover the suspension and chassis. Detachable fenders were made to make the car road-worthy, but never used during the record runs.

Learn about the 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Mormon Meteor Speedster