Few closed-body Duesenbergs combine design significance, rarity, performance, and concours pedigree as completely as chassis 2538, the only factory-supercharged SJ Beverly Sedan ever built. Widely regarded as one of Gordon Buehrig’s masterpieces, this remarkable automobile represents the ultimate development of the celebrated Beverly design and is often considered among the most beautiful closed Duesenbergs in existence.

Buehrig sought to reduce the visual weight traditionally associated with luxury sedans. To achieve this, he incorporated several distinctive features:

- Small triangular side windows framing the windshield

- A distinctive V-shaped roof dip between the side windows

- Compact, close-coupled proportions

- Subtle aircraft-inspired design influences

The result was a sedan that appeared lighter, lower, and more modern than its contemporaries.

The interior was equally innovative. Buehrig designed the rear compartment around two individual armchair-style seats separated by a fixed center armrest. A cabinet behind the front seat contained a radio, glove compartment, and rear-seat instrumentation.

As Buehrig later explained:

Only ten Beverly Sedans were ever built, eight by Murphy and two by Rollston, and no two were exactly alike.

It was commissioned by G. E. Crandall, an executive of Montgomery Ward and a resident of Chicago’s prestigious Gold Coast district. Having likely admired the original Beverly at the Chicago Auto Salon, Crandall ordered a nearly identical example for himself. Crandall retained the car for less than two years before returning it to the Duesenberg branch in Chicago.

By this point, the Murphy company had ceased operations. Rather than create an entirely new Beverly body, Duesenberg transferred Crandall’s Beverly coachwork onto a brand-new SJ chassis, number 2538, powered by engine J‑512.

Before installation, the body was updated to reflect contemporary styling trends, including:

- Fender skirts

- Various refinements to exterior trim

This configuration became:

- The final Beverly delivered to a customer

- The only Beverly built without a division window

The absence of a divider suggests that Crosley intended to drive the car himself, a fitting choice for a businessman known for his energetic and hands-on personality.

Among its notable caretakers was Edward Bonham, an early collector with extraordinary foresight, whose garage housed other significant classics including another Duesenberg and a 1934 Packard LeBaron Sport Phaeton.

Following Bonham’s untimely death, the car passed to Fred Benson, a dedicated Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club member. Discovering that the SJ had been dormant since the 1950s, Benson returned it to running condition and actively drove it at club events.

In a 1971 club newsletter, Benson enthusiastically noted:

Subsequent owners included:

- Dave Deuble

- Minnesota collector Andrew Darling

- Lee Herrington

Although reproduction units were available, Herrington was determined to locate an authentic original Duesenberg supercharger, one of only 36 factory-produced units. After a lengthy and costly search, he succeeded in acquiring a genuine original blower. This achievement proved vital to the car’s future authenticity.

The restoration was exhaustive:

- Mechanical rebuilding throughout

- Refurbishment of all original components where possible

- Restoration of the wood framework, which was found largely intact

- Reinstallation of the authentic factory supercharger

- Recreation of the original upholstery patterns and interior finishes

During the work, evidence of the Beverly’s original center armrest was discovered beneath later upholstery. This long-lost feature was faithfully recreated and returned to the car.

The fenders were restored to their original open configuration and proper chrome wire wheels were installed.

Awards include:

- Best in Class, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (2008)

- Best of Show, Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance (2009)

- Best in Class, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance (2010)

- Best of Show, Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles (2010)

With its unique status, impeccable restoration, original supercharger, and unparalleled concours record, it stands not only as the finest Beverly ever built, but as a strong contender for the title of the most beautiful closed-body Duesenberg in existence.