1935 Duesenberg Model SSJ

Near the end of production, Duesenberg prepared a short-wheel-base version of the Model SJ for LaGrande to produce a sporting Roadster.

Only two such cars were produced on J563 and J567. Our feature car was chassis J563 which was first owned by American film actor Gary Cooper. Later it passed to Briggs Cunningham and included as part of his impressive collection which was eventually sold to the Collier Collection.

Story by Richard Michael Owen

See full 1935 Duesenberg Model SSJ Gallery

In Detail

type	Limited Production Car
built at	USA
coachbuilder	LaGrande
production	2
engine	Lycoming Straight-8
position	Front, Longitudinal
aspiration	Centrifugal, Gear Driven Supercharger
valvetrain	DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
displacement	6878 cc / 419.72 in³
bore	95.25 mm / 3.75 in
stroke	120.65 mm / 4.75 in
power	238.6 kw / 320 bhp @ 4200 rpm
specific output	46.53 bhp per litre
torque	576.2 nm / 425 ft lbs @ 2400 rpm
redline	5200
body / frame	Custom Body over Steel Frame
driven wheels	RWD
front brakes	Drums w/Hydrualic Assist
rear brakes	Drums w/Hydrualic Assist
front wheels	F 48.3 x 17.8 cm / 19 x 7 in
rear wheels	R 48.3 x 17.8 cm / 19 x 7 in
steering	Ross Cam and Lever
f suspension	Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs, Double-Acting Hydraulic-Lever Shock Absorbers
r suspension	Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs, Double-Acting Hydraulic-Lever Shock Absorbers
transmission	Warner Hy-Flew 3-Speed Manual
gear ratios	2.485:1, 1.397:1, 1.000:1