1934 Duesenberg Model J ‘Prince of Wales’ Berline
Racing pedigree translated directly into luxury car development when Indianapolis success informed the Model J’s December 1928 introduction. New York coachbuilder Rollston created formal berline bodies for these exclusive chassis, with examples featured in factory catalogs for 1931 and 1933 at $16,000.
Established by former Brewster employees Harry Lonschein and Simon Primm, the firm specialized in Art Deco detailing and elaborate trim work suited to the era’s most expensive American automobile.
Forward-thinking berline designs incorporated low-mounted bodies that concealed the frame rails, creating a sleeker profile uncommon for large sedans of the period.
Some variants featured vee-shaped windshields that opened for ventilation. Formal interiors accommodated lavish appointments including division-mounted instruments, cocktail cabinets, and intercoms for rear-compartment passengers.
The 420-cubic-inch (6.9-liter) Lycoming straight-eight featured dual overhead camshafts and 32 valves, developing 265 horsepower at 4,200 rpm. Every chassis completed 500 miles of testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before coachwork installation.
Performance capabilities included maximum speeds of up to 116 mph, with approximately 90 mph achievable in second gear alone. Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided stopping power. Total Model J production amounted to about 481 chassis built through 1937.
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