Home»All Photographs»Automobiles As Art 1930s (free downloads)»1936 Duesenberg Model SJ Custom Convertible

This 1936 Duesenberg Model SJ custom convertible sedan was photographed at Blackhawk Automotive Museum in Danville, Calif.

“The Duesenberg Model SJ designation indicates that this is a supercharged (S) version of the Model J,” according to a summary provided by Blackhawk.

“The supercharged Lycoming engine became available in 1932 and substantially increased the horsepower from 265 to 320!

“This custom convertible sedan body was created by Bohman & Schwartz Coach Builders of Pasadena, Calif., which was founded in 1932 by Christian Bohman and Maurice Schwartz ~ both of whom had previously been employed by the renowned coachbuilding firm of Walter M. Murphy Co. at the same Pasadena location.

“Bohman & Schwartz design trademarks included skirted rear fenders, spare tire covers, external exhaust pipes (external exhausts were standard factory issue for the supercharged cars), lengthening the hood to the windshield, sloping painted radiator shells (the standard chrome radiator shell is evident through the grille), and lowered, sharply raked windshields.”

Bohman & Schwartz closed business in 1944.

“This car was first owned by Henry J. (Bob) Topping Jr., millionaire and socialite, who owned the New York Yankees and who was married to actress Lana Turner from 1948 to 1952.”

Engine: 8-cylinder, in-line DOHC; 320 hp at 4200 rpm.

The car was manufactured by Indianapolis-based Duesenberg Inc. It cost $16,000 in 1936 dollars when new.