A truly exceptional piece of automotive history is set to take centre stage this September, as Salon Privé has confirmed the appearance of the extraordinary 1935 Duesenberg SJ Gurney Nutting Speedster at its 2026 event at Blenheim Palace.
The rare and historically significant motor car — chassis J-585 / 2614 — is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of the Duesenberg marque ever created. It will be displayed during the Concours days on Wednesday 02 and Thursday 03 September at Blenheim Palace, forming part of a showcase that already ranks among the most anticipated automotive gatherings of the year.
The vehicle itself occupies a unique position in motoring history. Of the 481 Duesenberg Model Js produced, only 38 were fitted with superchargers, and just 30 chassis were entrusted to European coachbuilders. Remarkably, only one was bodied by the celebrated British firm Gurney Nutting, making this long-wheelbase Speedster entirely singular in its design and provenance.
Commissioned for Maharajah Holkar of Indore at just 28 years old, the car was built as a royal statement piece, complete with bespoke detailing including chrome flag mounts and distinctive red and blue indicator lights on the front fenders to signal the presence of the Maharajah or Maharanee.
Its journey spanned continents, from London craftsmanship to New York transit and eventual return to Indianapolis, before being delivered to California and later transported to India via Singapore amid growing geopolitical uncertainty in the region.
Following decades abroad, the car returned to the United States in the 1950s, where it underwent a meticulous restoration in 1959. It would go on to achieve extraordinary acclaim, including a near-perfect 99.5-point score at the Eastern Grand Classic in 1963, before later being awarded the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award in 2023.
Now recognised as one of the most important surviving American classic automobiles, the Speedster represents an exceptional convergence of engineering, artistry and royal provenance. Its appearance at Salon Privé will mark its first public display since receiving the prestigious global award.
Andrew Bagley, Chairman and co-founder of Salon Privé, described the arrival of the car as a landmark moment for the event, highlighting its rarity, historical significance and enduring presence within automotive culture.
Now in its 21st year, Salon Privé continues to position itself as a leading destination for collectors and enthusiasts, blending concours-level motoring with luxury lifestyle experiences across five days of events. Alongside the Concours by Aviva Private Clients, the programme includes Ladies’ Day by Boodles, Concours de Vente, the Club Trophy presented by Lockton, Supercar Sunday and Lifestyle Club Day.
With hypercars, historic icons and rare collector vehicles all sharing the lawns of Blenheim Palace, the inclusion of the Duesenberg SJ Gurney Nutting Speedster is set to be one of the defining highlights of the 2026 automotive calendar.
