At least seven of the cars in attendance during the Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance were Duesenberg cars so it was not a surprise at all that a Duesenberg car particularly the 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ won the Bets of Show Awards. This model, which has an estimated price of between $2.3 million to $3 million was up at live auctioneers with a starting bid of $90,000.

So called the ultimate American classic car, the 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ has always been a fascinating vehicle thanks to its performance, style, coachwork and specifications. But behind that fascination lies a greater and more fascinating story about the dominance of the Duesenberg in the history of American racing.

The Duesenberg is an outstanding formal town car that came about thanks to the creativity of Maurice Schwartz and Christian Bohman. Ethel mars, heiress of the mars Candy Company, commissioned the SJ553 which is however just one among the 36 Duesenbergs supercharged in its factories. It is also one of the few which have retained the original chassis, drivetrain and coachwork.