Duesenberg Model J chassis 2614, powered by supercharged engine J‑585, is widely considered one of the most extraordinary and prestigious Duesenbergs ever created. As one of the final Model J chassis produced, it represents the ultimate evolution of the marque, combining American engineering brilliance with bespoke European coachbuilding and royal patronage.

This remarkable automobile was sold through R.S.M. Automobiles Ltd. of London, Duesenberg’s British representative, and specially commissioned for Maharajah Holkar of Indore, India. For the coachwork, the Maharajah selected Gurney Nutting, one of Britain’s most elite coachbuilders, known for its elegant, high-quality creations for royalty and aristocracy.

Mounted on the imposing 153.5‑inch long-wheelbase chassis, Gurney Nutting created a spectacular supercharged speedster body, a bold and unconventional choice for a royal automobile. The design combines sweeping, voluptuous lines with a distinctly sporting character, balancing grandeur with performance in a way rarely seen among Duesenberg’s typically formal clientele.

The car was richly appointed with a number of unique and highly personalized details befitting its royal owner, including:

- A distinctive wicker-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing both grip and exotic character

- Blue and red signal lights mounted on the front fenders, indicating whether the Maharajah or the Maharanee was driving

These bespoke features emphasize the car’s dual role as both a symbol of prestige and a highly personalized expression of its owner’s status and lifestyle.

Powered by a supercharged 420‑cubic‑inch inline eight-cylinder engine producing approximately 320 horsepower, the car delivered performance truly extraordinary for its time. Combined with its advanced chassis and long wheelbase, it offered both immense speed and exceptional ride quality, reinforcing its position at the pinnacle of automotive engineering.

The delivery of this car was shaped by the uncertainty of the Second World War. Although intended for India, the Duesenberg was instead delivered to the Maharajah at his California residence in Santa Ana, due to concerns over regional instability and the threat of Japanese expansion. Only after the war did the car finally make its way to India, where it remained until 1959, when it was returned to the United States.

Since its return, chassis 2614 has benefited from careful restoration and preservation, emerging as one of the most celebrated Duesenbergs on the concours circuit. Its rarity, royal provenance, and exceptional design have earned it top awards at numerous prestigious events, further solidifying its status as a standout example among even the most elite Model Js.

Today, as the highest-numbered Model J chassis and one of the most distinctive in existence, this Gurney Nutting Speedster represents the ultimate combination of American engineering, European craftsmanship, and royal heritage, a true masterpiece of the Classic Era.