383 ci Overhead Valve Chrysler V-8
4-Barrel Carburetor, Paxton Centrifugal Supercharger
504bhp at 4,800rpm
Chrysler Loadflite 3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Coil Spring Front Suspension, Leaf Spring Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Power Drum Brakes

* Formerly owned by Sammy Davis, Jr.
* Bought originally by Harrah's Club
* Regarded as one of the best 70s Duesenbergs
* Supercharged like the original SSJ
* Luxuriously equipped


THE DUESENBERG II

Duesenberg historian J.L. Elbert titled his history of the company The Mightiest American Motor Car. Fred Roe subtitled his Duesenberg book The Pursuit of Perfection. Definitive source Automobile Quarterly called its early (Volume 10 Number 2) Duesenberg issue the World's Finest Motor Car. No wonder, then, that automobile enthusiasts have been trying to recreate or update the Duesenberg Model J legacy, magic and mystique ever since.

Even when the Model J was well within living memory there were versions with modern chassis and engines. Some went for updated concepts like the dramatic 4-door sedan penned by Virgil Exner (originator of the Chrysler "Forward Look"). Others preferred to replicate the look of the original Model J, SJ, SN and SSJ that had been created under the visionary guidance of E.L. Cord in the 1920s.

Bernard Miller, a Duesenberg enthusiast who owned at least two Model Js, J-252 and J-583, determined in the late 60s to build an accurate replica using modern techniques, chassis and drivetrains. He incorporated a new company, "Duesenberg Corporation" and put it to use.

He started with a Dodge truck frame, suspension and brakes that was, in description at least, a close parallel with the Duesenberg J although Miller's Duesenberg benefitted from the truck's coil spring front suspension. Starting with the Dodge truck let Miller use modern suspension materials and components and a rugged 383 engine from Chrysler's Industrial and Marine operation.

Details, like outside exhaust head pipes exited on the right side of the hood as they did on the original Model SJ but were joined up with the V-8's left bank exhaust system with a crossover pipe that preserved the authenticity of the right side 1929 Model J exhaust, and some of its aural appeal. Both SJs had mechanically driven centrifugal superchargers. Miller's 70s Duesenbergs were monumentally powerful, making 504hp from 383 cubic inches at 4,800rpm, reflecting the 30s versions' 320hp from 420 cubic inches.

The Miller Duesenbergs are known for the quality of their hand-made steel fenders and aluminum bodies. Appointments, equipment, materials and colors were specified individually, and they were favored by thoughtful owners who appreciated their quality construction, exceptional performance and modern amenities.


THE CAR OFFERED

Sammy Davis, Jr. was one of Bill Harrah's favorite performers. According to an AI search Davis had 684 shows at Harrah's Lake Tahoe and 256 at Harrah's Reno. The affinity between these two self-made men is widely documented, but nowhere better exemplified than with this Duesenberg SSJ Roadster.

According to records in the Harrah's Automobile Collection/National Automobile Museum files, this Duesenberg SSJ Roadster was purchased by Harrah's in 1972 from Duesenberg Corporation through Leo Gephart as a new car. It seems from the file information to have been maintained at Harrah's and was probably used by Sammy Davis, Jr. until its title was later transferred to him.

In 1987 it was formally loaned to the Harrah Automobile Foundation. Eventually Sammy Davis, Jr. transferred it to the Collection and ultimately to the National Automobile Museum.

Now showing just 5,247 miles at the time of cataloging, Sammy Davis, Jr.'s 1971 Duesenberg is a barely used and sympathetically preserved example. Finished in its original Maroon with Dark Red sweep panel paint, it rides on 7.00-18 Firestone wide whitewall tires with wheel covers over its steel wheels. The 383/504hp Chrysler V-8 engine takes full advantage of the LoadFlite automatic transmission. It has all the amenities it could ask: power steering and brakes, authentic Bijur chassis lubrication, T-3 driving lights, wood rim steering wheel. Lear Jet 8-track stereo, VDO gauges and a Breitling Waxman chronometer.

The interior is upholstered in rich brown leather. The top is black leatherette. It is distinctive, luxurious, sporty and fast ... really, really fast with 504 supercharged horsepower. It has been part of the Harrah's family its entire life, first as the "loaner" when Sammy Davis, Jr. was performing at Lake Tahoe or Reno, later as his personal car and finally returned to the Harrah's Automobile Collection for display.

The Bernard Miller Duesenbergs are widely regarded as superior expressions of the Duesenberg concept with all metal bodies and particularly the 1971s with their supercharged engines like the originals. With continuous celebrity history, ownership and care from new in the famed and meticulous Harrah's Collection and preservation in unaltered nearly new condition, this 1971 Duesenberg represents a rare opportunity for an enthusiastic collector.