Real or Model #232 FINISHED!

[Harry P.]

Remember, if you know the answer for sure (you know the source of the photo),,, don't say anything here! It ruins the game for everyone else.

The answer: REAL!

[timc]

I say real this time.

[dw1603]

It looks so like a model that it must be real!

[kelson]

That's got to be Real.

[mrspex]

A behemoth! Either way. Going with real on this beauty.

[my66s55]

Looks real to me.

[chunkypeanutbutter]

I only say real because I haven't seen a kit of this car before...

[Harry P.]

I only say real because I haven't seen a kit of this car before...

Your mistake is assuming a model needs to come from a kit.

Ever heard of Gerald Wingrove? Or all the other modelers out there who create models completely from scratch?

Kit? They don't need no stinkin' kit!

[Belugawrx]

I say model... maybe

[Ace-Garageguy]

Sure is swoopy-slickly-molded, whatever it is. Looks like a '30s Batman's car for chauffeur-driven dates. Pretty cool.

[Harry P.]

Final vote: 23 REAL, 6 MODEL.

You guys got it... it's REAL!

[dw1603]

The tires screamed "model" but how would you reproduce that floor in scale? Whew, got away with it again!

[Ace-Garageguy]

This is another one-of-a-kind car that's instantly recognizable in some circles, and I've seen it before. Rolled the dice it hadn't been modeled (plus the panel fit and gloss on the paint just look too too good...)

Only things I really don't like on this car are the landau irons, which have absolutely no place on a non-convertible (or at least a fake convertible), and the hiccup in the body line at the cockpit.

Pretty stunning piece anyway though. Auburn-like nose...

Edited April 18, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy

[Ace-Garageguy]

The tires screamed "model" but how would you reproduce that floor in scale?

Ummm...Photoshop?

[bobthehobbyguy]

Harry what is it?

[Ace-Garageguy]

Harry what is it?

I'll answer for him.

'35 Duesenberg SJ Town Car by Bohman & Schwartz

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2014/12/04/1935-duesenberg-sj-town-cabriolet-reportedly-designed-for-mae-west-heads-to-auction/

Edited April 18, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy

[dw1603]

Ummm...Photoshop?

You could, but would you?

[dw1603]

Only things I really don't like on this car are the landau irons, which have absolutely no place on a non-convertible (or at least a fake convertible), and the hiccup in the body line at the cockpit.

Edited April 18, 2015 by dw1603

[Harry P.]

I agree on the landau bars. I mean, come on! Fake is fake!

I also agree on the side mounts. An early attempt at aerodynamics? But to me it looks like they're melting!

[Art Anderson]

This car is the Duesenberg SJN with coachwork by Bohmann & Schwartz of Pasadena CA, styled by J. Herbert Newport (who designed most of the SJN Duesenbergs circa 1935-36), for Mrs. Ethel V. Mars, founder and matriarch of Mars Candy Company.

Ethel Mars was known for her flamboyance--this car was originally painted in a brilliant metallic silver, and she outfitted her chauffeur with a metailic silver uniform and cap to go with the color of the car.

After the Mars family sold the car, a subsequent owner had it repainted in a very gawdy "Lipstick Red", and then the car was sold to an enthusiast who thought that as a formal, town car, it would look more appropriate in black, which is the color it is currently.

The mid-1930's being the heyday of "streamlining", Newport styled this distinctive grille shell, which lays over the standard Duesemberg chrome plated radiator shiell--the thermostatic shutters clearly visible if one sees the car up close from the front. Those "camel hump" shaped spare tire covers were a feature of at least a couple more SJN's, most notably the "Father Devine" town car, a gargantuan ride--on a 153" J chassis that was stretched out to a 187" wheelbase.

Art