1935 Duesenberg SJ Speedster Set to Steal the Spotlight at Salon Privé 2026

Few cars can claim royal origins, unique coachwork and international concours success. Yet the remarkable 1935 Duesenberg SJ Gurney Nutting Speedster ticks every box. This September, visitors to Salon Privé 2026 will have the rare opportunity to see this extraordinary machine in person during a special display at Blenheim Palace.

Widely regarded as one of the most significant pre-war automobiles ever created, the one-off Duesenberg will be showcased during the Concours days on 2 and 3 September. Its appearance marks the first public display since securing one of the collector car world’s most prestigious honours.

A Rare Opportunity to See an Automotive Icon

Salon Privé has built a reputation for attracting some of the finest cars on the planet. However, the arrival of the Duesenberg SJ Gurney Nutting Speedster elevates this year’s event to another level.

Known by chassis number J-585/2614, the car earned global recognition when it won the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award in 2023. Vehicles that have already triumphed at the world’s leading concours events earn this accolade, placing the Duesenberg among the elite of automotive history.

For enthusiasts, collectors and historians alike, its appearance at Blenheim Palace will be one of the standout moments of the 2026 motoring calendar.

The Only One of Its Kind

The Duesenberg Model J has long been considered one of the greatest luxury-performance cars ever built.

Its rarity alone makes it special:

• Only 481 Duesenberg Model Js were produced
• Just 38 received supercharged SJ specification
• Only 30 chassis were sent to European coachbuilders
• Only one example was bodied by renowned British coachbuilder Gurney Nutting

That final point makes this car completely unique.

The long-wheelbase Speedster combines American engineering with British craftsmanship, resulting in a design unlike any other Duesenberg ever created. Nearly a century after it first appeared, its proportions and detailing remain striking.

Commissioned by Indian Royalty

The story behind this remarkable Duesenberg SJ Gurney Nutting Speedster is every bit as fascinating as its design.

The Speedster was commissioned by Maharajah Yeshwant Rao Holkar II of Indore, one of the most progressive and influential rulers of his era. At only 28 years old, he sought a motor car that reflected both prestige and individuality.

Gurney Nutting delivered exactly that.

Several bespoke features were incorporated specifically for royal use, including:

• Chrome-mounted flagstaffs
• Distinctive red and blue wing-mounted lights
• Custom fittings identifying whether the Maharajah or Maharanee was travelling

These details transformed the Duesenberg into far more than a luxury automobile. It became a symbol of status, diplomacy and royal identity.

A Journey Across Continents

Following completion in London, the car embarked on an extraordinary journey.

The team shipped the Duesenberg SJ Gurney Nutting Speedster to New York before its engineers drove it to Indianapolis to complete the final preparation work.

Political uncertainty in Asia during the 1930s influenced its delivery route. Concerns about regional instability meant the car was initially sent to the Maharajah’s residence in California before eventually making its way to India through Singapore.

The Speedster remained in India for many years before returning to the United States during the 1950s. It has remained there ever since.

Today, it stands as the highest-numbered Duesenberg chassis ever produced, adding another layer of significance to an already remarkable story.

Restored With Extraordinary Care

The car’s preservation has been as impressive as its history.

Following its return to America, the Duesenberg SJ Gurney Nutting Speedster underwent restoration work that carefully protected its unique royal features and original character.

Its quality quickly gained recognition.

In 1963, the car achieved an outstanding score of 99.5 points at the Eastern Grand Classic meeting organised by the Classic Car Club of America. As a result, that achievement confirmed its place among the finest restored Duesenbergs in existence.

Further recognition followed decades later when the Speedster claimed the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, cementing its status as one of the world’s most important collector cars.

Why This Duesenberg Matters

Many classic cars are rare. Some possess fascinating histories. Very few offer both in such abundance.

The Duesenberg SJ Gurney Nutting Speedster combines:

• Unique coachbuilt design
• Royal ownership history
• International concours success
• Exceptional preservation
• Global automotive significance

As a result, it occupies a place few vehicles can match.

Its appearance at Salon Privé offers visitors the chance to see a car that rarely leaves private collections and is seldom displayed publicly.

Salon Privé 2026 Returns to Blenheim Palace

Now celebrating its 21st year, Salon Privé continues to be one of Britain’s most prestigious automotive gatherings.

Set against the spectacular backdrop of Blenheim Palace, the five-day event also brings together an impressive mix of classic cars, supercars, luxury brands and hospitality experiences.

Highlights for 2026 include:

Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients

A showcase of some of the world’s rarest privately owned vehicles, judged by leading international experts.

Ladies’ Day by Boodles

One of the social highlights of the event, blending automotive excellence with fashion and luxury.

Concours de Vente

An opportunity to view and purchase exceptional collector vehicles.

Club Trophy Presented by Lockton

Celebrating outstanding enthusiast-owned cars from across the UK.

Supercar Sunday and Lifestyle Clubs Day

A crowd-pleasing finale featuring high-performance machinery and enthusiast communities.

A Must-See Display for Classic Car Enthusiasts + Win Tickets – Competition Coming Soon

Salon Privé has hosted many extraordinary automobiles over the years, but the arrival of the 1935 Duesenberg SJ Gurney Nutting Speedster promises to be one of its most memorable attractions.

Its combination of rarity, craftsmanship and royal heritage places it among the most important classic cars ever built. For visitors attending Blenheim Palace this September, the opportunity to see it up close may not come around again for many years.

We are about to launch an exclusive ticket competition for our loyal readers and followers. Don’t miss your chance to win a pair of complimentary tickets to Salon Privé 2026.

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Conclusion

The 1935 Duesenberg SJ Gurney Nutting Speedster is far more than a beautiful classic car. It is a unique piece of automotive history that spans continents, royal ownership and concours success.

Will it be the star attraction of Salon Privé 2026? Does any other pre-war automobile combine such rarity and provenance? And if you could choose one historic car to see at Blenheim Palace this year, what would it be?

Let us know in the comments below.

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