Auctions America has added one of most significant Duesenbergs to be offered at auction in recent years to the lineup for its flagship Auburn Fall sale, scheduled for August 31-September 3 at the Auburn Auction Park in Auburn, Indiana.
Formerly part of the renowned Lyon Family Collection, the 1933 Duesenberg Model SJ “Sweep Panel” Phaeton by LaGrande (above, Darin Schnabel photo courtesy of RM Sotheby’s) boasts a fascinating ownership history. One of only 11 models of its specification produced on the long-wheelbase Model J chassis, and one of only three that were supercharged SJ models, it was delivered new to Bernard E. ”Ben” Smith, a floor trader with W.E. Hutton & Company in New York City.
After spending its first decade at the Smith Family home in New York state, Ben Jr. and his new wife drove it to Mexico in 1946 when they partnered in a major horse racing facility near Mexico City. Smith’s partner purchased the business outright shortly thereafter, and the Model SJ was included as part of the transaction. Its further custodianship in Mexico City during the ’40s and ’50s led to it being nicknamed the “Mexico City SJ.”
It remained there until the late ’60s, when an American enthusiast successfully negotiated the Duesenberg’s sale and returned it to the U.S. Since then, the SJ has been a member of some of the finest collections in the country, including the renowned Lyon Family Collection for 25 years. Still well-presented and attractive down to the last detail, it retains its original body, engine and chassis, and is accompanied by Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Category One Certification.
“It is a true honor to have the opportunity to offer a car with such significance as the Model SJ at a venue rich with American automotive history and during a festival dedicated to preserving these great Classics,” said Donnie Gould, president of Auctions America. “The demand for exceptional American Classics at auction has shown incredible momentum over the last few years, and it is standout cars like this SJ that underpin the strength of the market and the collector car hobby overall.”
As many as 850 quality collector cars, a selection of automobilia and a roster of automotive-themed activities will fill out the Labor Day weekend event. For more complete information please visit www.auctionsamerica.com
