The Legendary 1935 Duesenberg SJ Gurney Nutting Speedster to Make Historic Appearance at Salon Privé 2026

Salon Privé has announced one of the most anticipated highlights of its 2026 edition. The extraordinary 1935 Duesenberg SJ Gurney Nutting Speedster, widely regarded as one of the most important classic automobiles ever created, will be displayed at Blenheim Palace this September during the event’s prestigious Concours days.

The appearance marks the car’s first public outing since being crowned winner of the highly coveted Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award 2023, an honour reserved for the world’s most exceptional collector automobiles.

For enthusiasts, historians and collectors alike, the arrival of this remarkable machine in the United Kingdom is set to become one of the defining automotive moments of the year.

A One Of One Automotive Masterpiece

Of the 481 Duesenberg Model Js ever produced, only 38 were fitted with the legendary supercharged SJ engine. Of those, just 30 chassis were sent to European coachbuilders.

Even more remarkable is the fact that only one Duesenberg was bodied by the celebrated British coachbuilder Gurney Nutting.

The result was chassis J 585 / 2614, a truly unique automobile that combines American engineering excellence with British craftsmanship, creating a vehicle unlike any other in existence.

Built for Royalty

The story behind the Speedster is as fascinating as its design.

The car was commissioned by Maharajah Holkar of Indore, one of India’s most progressive and influential rulers, when he was only 28 years old. Designed specifically for royal use, the vehicle featured a number of bespoke details reflecting its distinguished status.

Among its unique features were chrome flagstaffs and red and blue signal lights mounted on the front wings, allowing observers to identify whether the Maharajah or Maharanee was travelling inside.

Following its construction in London, the car was shipped to New York before being driven to Indianapolis by Duesenberg employees for final preparation.

Amid growing concerns regarding political instability in Asia at the time, the Speedster was initially delivered to the Maharajah’s California residence before eventually making its journey to India via Singapore.

The car remained there until the 1950s, when it returned to the United States, where it has remained ever since.

Preserved with Extraordinary Care

Over the decades, the Duesenberg has undergone meticulous restoration work, always with a strong emphasis on preserving its original royal features and historic authenticity.

Its craftsmanship and attention to detail earned widespread recognition as early as 1963, when it achieved an impressive score of 99.5 points at the Eastern Grand Classic Meeting of the Classic Car Club of America.

More recently, the Speedster achieved global acclaim after receiving the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, cementing its place among the most significant classic automobiles in the world.

A Defining Moment for Salon Privé

Andrew Bagley, Chairman and Co Founder of Salon Privé, described the opportunity to host the Speedster as a landmark moment for the event.

With its unparalleled provenance, historical significance and commanding presence, the Duesenberg represents the very pinnacle of automotive artistry and craftsmanship.

Its selection of Salon Privé as the venue for its first public appearance since winning the Peninsula Classics award further reinforces the event’s standing among the world’s premier automotive gatherings.

Blenheim Palace Welcomes Automotive Excellence

Now celebrating its 21st year, Salon Privé returns to the spectacular surroundings of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a programme that combines some of the world’s most desirable classic cars, hypercars and luxury brands.

Alongside the renowned Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients, visitors can enjoy the Ladies’ Day by Boodles, the Concours de Vente, the Club Trophy presented by Lockton, Supercar Sunday, Lifestyle Clubs Day, luxury retail experiences and exceptional hospitality.

The presence of the 1935 Duesenberg SJ Gurney Nutting Speedster promises to be one of the defining attractions of the 2026 edition, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience a vehicle that transcends engineering and occupies a unique place in automotive history.

Salon Privé 2026 will take place from 2 to 6 September at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, bringing together some of the finest automobiles ever created in one of Britain’s most magnificent settings.