The straight eight Model J motor was based on the company's successful racing engines of the 1920s. Though designed by Duesenberg, they were manufactured by Lycoming, another company owned by E.L. Cord, the owner of Auburn Automobile, and other firms, who had bought the company in October of 1926. In unsupercharged form it produced a period-impressive 265 horsepower from dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. The J Model was capable of a top speed of 119 mph, and 94 mph in 2nd gear. At the time, it was both the fastest and most expensive American automobile in the market.

All J Series Duesenbergs, supercharged or otherwise were considered the same car, since the supercharged "SJ" and "SSJ" were only a power option. Thus 481 cars were produced in the "J" series' lifetime.

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