One of the most sought-after American cars vanished in Africa and has still never been found

There are many highly prized American cars, and the Duesenberg SJ-506 is amongst the most sought-after out there.

The classic American vehicle isn’t just a feat of iconic design, it’s also become the subject of a car treasure hunt after it went missing in the 1960s.

Over six decades later and it’s disappearance and whereabouts still remain a mystery.

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The missing Duesenberg

The Duesenberg SJ-506 is considered one of the most beautiful cars of all time and was created as a supercharged version of the brand’s earlier styles.

The motor was based on the company’s successful racing engines of the 1920s, and could reach a top speed of 104 miles per hour (167 km/h) in second gear and have a top speed of 135–140 mph (217–225 km/h) in third.

Whilst other cars featured a bigger engine, the Duesenberg SJ-506 was still the fastest and most expensive American automobile on the market.

The SJ-506 is extremely rare and only a handful were ever created.

The design is a two-door convertible on a long wheelbase chassis, featuring three small windshield wipers and two-tone paint.

This car below isn’t actual the same model, but you can get a flavor of what craftsmanship went in to creating a Duesenberg.

The classic design caught the eye of rich perfume maker and racer Emile Beghain after it appeared at the 1934 Paris Salon.

After purchasing it, he drove it from Paris to his home in Algeria.

After civil war broke out in Algeria in 1962, Emile was forced to leave his home and leave the prized car behind.

It was never seen again.

Some theories believe the car was destroyed in the war, but no evidence has ever been found.

Others believe it could have been stolen, and it’s now considered to be worth $21.8m.

Duesenberg fans

The Duesenberg SJ-506 is just one of the models from the brand that has become famous, with another well sought after despite the fact it will never be sold.

The Duesenberg Straight Eight belongs to a man named Jimmy Castle, who has vowed never to sell it. At one point Jay Leno once offered a blank check to the owner, but Jimmy refused.

Experts estimate that Jimmy’s car could sell for over $100 million, making it one of the most expensive auction cars ever even though it will never be available.

Other Duesenberg cars have become famous thanks to their owners, including celebrities like Clark Gable and Greta Garbo.

They’ve also made an appearance in several films and TV shows, including The Great Gatsby, Arthur, and Carrie.