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Tragic Story Of The Duesenberg Model J "Sweepstakes"

The 1930 Duesenberg Model J "Sweepstakes" is one of the most iconic, elusive vehicles in automotive history. The Duesenberg Model J, introduced in 1929, was a symbol of luxury and performance, with a robust 265-horsepower engine, making it one of the most powerful cars of its era. The "Sweepstakes" variant was a custom-bodied Duesenberg, created for a wealthy client who wanted a car that would both impress and perform. This car was unique due to its bespoke design, which included an elongated chassis and intricate, luxury finishes, making it a rare gem in the Model J lineage.

However, the "Sweepstakes" model met an unfortunate fate. The car was originally constructed for a well-known figure, but the exact details of its ownership and modifications remain unclear in historical records. In the early years of the car's life, it was rumored to have been involved in a significant accident. The most widely accepted story is that it was either lost or destroyed during World War II. Some sources claim the car was dismantled, while others believe it was scrapped in the post-war period due to its high cost of maintenance and repair. Because of this, no known examples of the Model J "Sweepstakes" remain today.

(image credit: heritagemuseumsandgardens)

Despite its disappearance, the Duesenberg Model J "Sweepstakes" continues to captivate car enthusiasts and collectors. Its loss adds a layer of mystique to the Duesenberg brand, which was known for its precision engineering and luxurious designs. Many classic car historians have searched for any traces of the "Sweepstakes" model, but as of now, it remains a ghost of automotive history. Its story has been romanticized as one of the great "what-ifs" of the classic car world, especially given the importance of the Duesenberg Model J as a precursor to the luxury and performance cars of the 1930s.

The legacy of the 1930 Duesenberg Model J "Sweepstakes" can still be felt today. Despite its loss, the Model J remains a high point of automotive engineering from the pre-war era. The car's extraordinary craftsmanship, luxurious features, and remarkable engineering serve as a benchmark for classic cars. While the "Sweepstakes" model itself is lost to history, its tale reminds us of the fleeting nature of certain automotive masterpieces and the stories that still endure in the annals of car culture. For enthusiasts, it is not just a lost car, but a symbol of a time when craftsmanship and performance ruled the roads.

If you are interested in exploring advertising with us, I encourage you to get in touch. Please feel free to contact me directly, and I will be more than happy to provide you with further information, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the process.

Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | sales@classicmotorsforsale.com +44(0) 2392 160 809 | www.classicmotorsforsale.com

The Missing $100 Dollar Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic

The 1938 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic is one of the most mysterious and valuable lost cars in automotive history. Designed by Jean Bugatti, son of the legendary Ettore Bugatti, this car was built as an ultra-exclusive, high-performance model with only four units ever produced. Distinguished by its flowing, aerodynamic body, riveted dorsal seam, and supercharged straight-eight engine, the Type 57 SC Atlantic was intended to combine both luxury and speed in a uniquely French design. Today, three of the four original cars are known to exist, but the fourth has been missing since World War II, making it one of the most sought-after and legendary missing vehicles.

The story of the lost Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic starts in the late 1930s, a tumultuous period as Europe edged closer to war. Bugatti was an influential and innovative marque, and Jean Bugatti’s new creation, the Type 57 SC Atlantic, was a rare treasure meant for select clients. Known as the “La Voiture Noire” (“The Black Car”), this missing Atlantic was Jean Bugatti’s personal car. It was last seen in the Bugatti factory in Molsheim, France, around 1938. As Germany advanced into France in 1940, it's believed that Bugatti or one of its workers may have hidden or relocated the car to protect it from being seized by the Nazis. From there, the trail went cold.

(image credit: Bugattiatlantic)

Since its disappearance, rumors and speculations have swirled around the fate of the “La Voiture Noire.” Some believe it may have been hidden by Bugatti’s staff, concealed in a remote barn or abandoned in a hidden location to avoid Nazi confiscation. Others suggest it was shipped abroad, either destroyed en route or lost during transit. There have also been occasional claims of sightings, but none have proven credible. The story of this car’s disappearance has only added to its allure and value, as collectors and historians remain captivated by the mystery of where it might be hidden, waiting to be rediscovered.

If found, the missing Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic would be a historic discovery, likely the most valuable car in the world, with estimates suggesting it could be worth over $100 million. Despite intensive searches by collectors and automotive historians, its location remains unknown. For the classic car community, the Bugatti’s enduring mystery is a reminder of both the fragility and value of automotive history. The lost Type 57 Atlantic is not only a masterpiece of design and engineering but also an elusive treasure that represents a time when automobiles were crafted with unparalleled artistry and ingenuity.

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Tragic Story Of The Duesenberg Model J "Sweepstakes"

The Missing $100 Dollar Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic