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1929 Duesenberg Model J news, pictures, and information
 |  | View more photos Dual Cowl Phaeton Coachwork: LeBaron Designer: LeBaron |
Any discussion of the Model J leads to engines and horsepower. The car is powered by a Lycoming, straight-eight, 420-cid, engine with an advertised 265 horsepower and some said was even higher. The engine was equipped with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, a performance enhancement used to this day. The car was capable of 89 mph in 2nd gear and 112-116 in high gear. The speedometer is calibrated to 150 mph. This made the oversized hydraulic, vacuum-assisted, brakes a necessity.
There were a total of only 470 chassic and 480 engines built between 1929 and 1936.
 |  | View more photos Convertible Sedan Coachwork: Willoughby Chassis Num: 2253 Engine Num: J245 |
In 1916, the Duesenberg Motors Corporation moved into a new factory in Elizabeth, New Jersey. They had built a solid reputation for creating highly successful board track racers which had enabled them to begin series production. Plans changed, and instead of entering production, they built aero engines in support of the war effort.
Production of the Duesenberg automobiles resumed in 1922. By this time, the brothers had given the company a new name, the Duesenberg Automobile and Motors Corporation, of Indianapolis. The Model A had been shown in prototype form in 1920 and powered by a horizontal-valve, straight-eight engine and hydraulic brakes. When it emerged a few years later in production guise, it had an overhead-camshaft engine.
The Model A did well in racing, but in the market place it fared less well. By 1927, less than 700 examples had been constructed.
In 1926, Errett Lobban Cord purchased the Duesenberg Company. A short time later, the most powerful American car made appeared, the Duesenberg Model J. It was powered by a twin-overhead-camshaft, 32-valve, straight-eight engine capable of producing 265 horsepower. The elegant bodies sat atop of a wheelbase that came in two sizes, 142.5- or 153.5-inches. In 1932, the supercharged SJ was introduced, which increased horsepower to 320. A short time later, it was increased farther with the 'ram's horn' manifolding.
This 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan started life as a Sedan/Limousine with coachwork by Willoughby and Criteser & Company. It carries chassis number 2253 and engine number J245. Its first owner was a Chicago, Illinois resident who kept the car until 1958, when it was sold to Charles D. Turek, also of Illinois. By this point in history, the car had been converted to an open coachwork configuration. The car was purchased in the mid-1980s by Don Criteser of Oregon. Under his care, the car was treated to a complete restoration. This task was completed in 1987. Most of the body is the original Willoughby coachwork, albeit from the waistline upwards.
This car is a Pebble Beach invitee, and an award winner at numerous concours events. It was awarded the 'Sweepstake' award at Forest Grove, 'Best Duesenberg' at Palo Alto in 2005, and 'Best in Class' and 'Judges Pick' at Hillsboro in 2006.
This car was offered for sale at the 2006 Bonhams & Butterfields auction held at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, California where it was estimated to sell between $500,000 - $600,000. The lot was sold for $502,000, just barely satisfying the estimated value and meeting the reserve. The Model J cars are among the most sought after in the collector car market, and this brilliant Willoughby example will most certainly be an excellent addition to any collection and a welcomed contender for high honors at any major concours. The restoration still appears to be very fresh and is said to be in excellent running condition.
 |  | View more photos Convertible 2-Door Coachwork: Derham Designer: Gordon Buehrig Chassis Num: J150 |
This car has recently been shown at the 2007 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance and later at the 2007 Eastern Concours of the United States. It is a very attractive car that is sporty, elegant, and refined. The potent eight-cylinder engine is capable of carrying this car at speeds greater than most other machines on the road, during the early 1930s. It was a symbol of wealth and accomplishment, something that is still true in modern times. Its beauty is timeless and the allure is undeniable.
 |  | View more photos Coupe Coachwork: Judkins Designer: Gordon Buehrig Chassis Num: 2162 Engine Num: J137 |
 |  | View more photos Dual Cowl Phaeton Coachwork: Union City Designer: Gordon Buehrig Engine Num: J188 |
 |  | View more photos Berline Coachwork: Bohman & Schwartz Chassis Num: 2143 Engine Num: J-118 |
 |  | View more photos Dual Cowl Phaeton Coachwork: LeBaron Designer: LeBaron Chassis Num: 2149 Engine Num: J126 |
The Duesenberg Model J's were custom built automobiles and crafted to meet the specific needs of their clientele. To carry these large bodies, the cars were powered by potent power-plants. An optional supercharger raised that figure even further.
This 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton with coachwork by LeBaron, was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was estimated to sell between $1,600,000 - $2,000,000. It is powered by a 420 cubic-inch twin overhead camshaft eight-cylinder engine capable of producing 265 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. The Drop Top body sits on a 142.5-inch wheelbase.
The vehicles first owner was S. D. Locke of Bridgeport, CT. It was sold a short time later to Hugh Herndon, who kept it until 1933 before selling it to Jack R. Aron of New York City. Jack kept the car about five years before selling it to R. S. Huested.
After the Second World War, the car was again up for sale, this time with a $500 price tag. The car passed through ownership throughout the years. During the 1960s, the owner at the time had the car restored and had an external exhaust added. It was shown at the AACA National Fall meet in 1970 where it earned a National First Prize. It was shown at the Classic Car Club of America judging where it was awarded a National First Place in the Senior division.
The car passed through several more owners during the 1970s before being sold to Tom Barrett on behalf of Axel Wars for a friend of his, Federico Medarazo of Mexico. The car passed through two more owners from Mexico before returning to the United States.
A full mechanical and cosmetic restoration of the vehicle began in the early 2000s. The vehicle is equipped with proper Pilot Ray driving lights, wind wings, and external exhaust.
This elegant vehicle retains its original body and mechanical components. It is nearly identical to the condition in which the original owner took possession. At the RM Auction, the car found a new owner, though it sold for less than the estimated value. Bidding topped the one million dollar scale, selling for $1,490,400.
In 2009, this Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton with coachwork by LeBaron was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $1,250,000 - $1,750,000. As the gavel came down for the third and final time, the lot had been sold for the sum of $1,375,000 including buyer's premium.
|  | View more photos Sport Phaeton Coachwork: Derham Designer: Gordon Buehrig Chassis Num: 2136 Engine Num: J-116 |
The J model, introduced in December 1928, is powered with a 420 cid straight eight engine built by Lycoming. The horsepower rating is advertised at 265 horsepower. Features of the engine include two overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Brakes were oversized and hydraulic with vacuum assistance.
Aluminum alloy was extensively used in the engine, dash, steering column, differential and flywheel housing, crankcase, timing chain cover, water pump, intake manifold, brake shoes and even the gas tank. The use of aluminum kept this massive car just below 5,200 pounds.
The J model was capable of a staggering 89 mph in second gear and 112-116 mph in high gear.
This Phaeton was rented to MGM in the 1960s for an Elvis Presley film, Spinout. Presley dinged the underside of the radiator shroud loading the car onto the trailer. He called the owner, apologized, and said he would have George Barris repair the dent. (At the time, Barris was in the process of restyling a Greyhound bus for Elvis.) Presley offered to buy the 1929 saying he would trade a new Cadillac plus cash for the Duesy! Thorpe said it was not for sale, and Elvis did not push it further.
 |  | View more photos Dual Cowl Phaeton Coachwork: LeBaron Designer: LeBaron Chassis Num: 2127 Engine Num: J-103 |
J103 was later sold to a Canadian named William Christie, grandson of the founder of the Christie Cookie Company. In 1931 the car was traded at a Cadillac Dealership and later resold to a Toronto businessman named Arnold Burke. While in Burke's care, the car was shipped back to the Duesenberg factory where it was fitted with the LeBaron Convertible Berline Body, which it retains today.
Burke cared for the car until 1957, when ownership passed to Alan Thurn. Thurn was a resident of Pennsylvania and an collector of Duisenberg's. After just two years, the car was sold to Canadian Tom Landreth of Galt, Ontario. Landreth had the car restored; upon completion, it was sold to a retired Indian school teacher named Ed Hedges in 1962. Hedges passed away the following year and the car was sold to Al Rodway of Ohio.
The car was sold again in 1969, 1974, and 1978. The 1978 purchaser was Larry and Marvin Kopp who kept the car for nearly ten years. The car received minor updates and restorations and was shown on several occasions. It was awarded its CCCA Senior (badge number 919) in the early 1980s. Ownership passed to George Walthers in 1987 and then to RM Classic Cars in 1996. RM sold the car to Denver collector, Roger Willbanks where it would remain for several years. In 2004 it was traded by to RM on another deal and RM later re-sold it to another customer. In 2008 the car was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $900,000 - $1,200,000. The lot was sold for $1,210,000.
| | View more photos Sport Phaeton Coachwork: Derham Designer: Gordon Buehrig Chassis Num: 2136 Engine Num: J-116 |
This beautiful one-of-a-kind Duesneberg was driven by Elvis Presley in the 1966 movie, Spinout. Presley dinged the underside of the radiator shroud loading the car onto the trailer. Presley adored the car so much he offered to purchase it but was told it was not for sale.
The car won the prestigious President's Trophy given annual by the members of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg club. The car also won several 'Peoples Choice' trophies in Southern California car shows, plus two 'Best in Show' awards.
This car has 20-inch wheelbase, but to most people's knowledge it was supposed to be equipped with 19-inch wheels. When the car was taken to the restoration shop, the restorer explained that he had worked at the factory, and the first four cars were demonstrator cars, and that they were still trying things out. This car, J-116 was one of the cars given 20-inch wheels at the factory.
Background
The Duesenberg Company produced high-end, luxury automobiles and racing cars from 1913 through 1937. It was created by the Duesenberg brothers, Fred and August, who formed the Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc. in Des Moines, Iowa with the intent on building sports cars. Just like many of their time, they were mostly self-taught engineers and had only constructed experimental cars up to this point.Duesenberg's place in history was officially solidified in 1914 when Eddie Richenbacker drove a Duesenberg to an astonishing 10th place finish at the Indianapolis 500. Duesenberg later went on to win the race, capturing overall victories in 1924, 1925, and 1927. A Duesenberg was used as a pace car for the Indianapolis 500 in 1923.
Starting with the companies first appearance at the Indianapolis 500 in 1913 and continuing for a consecutive 15 years, there were a total of 70 Duesenberg racing cars entered in the race. Thirty-two of the cars finished in the top ten. In 1922, eight of the top ten cars were Duesenberg-powered. Many great racing names, such as Eddie Rickenbacker, Rex Mays, Tommy Milton, Peter DePaolo, Albert Guyot, Ralph DePalma, Fred Frame, Stubby Stubblefield, Ab Jenkins, Ralph Mulford, Jimmy Murphy, Joe Russo, and Deacon Litz raced in a Duesenberg.
Duesenberg's racing pedigree was not just reserved for the United States; in 1921, Jimmy Murphy drove a Duesenberg to victory at the French Grand Prix at the LeMans racetrack. This made him the first American to win the French Grand Prix. It also made the Duesenberg the first vehicle to start a grand prix with hydraulic brakes.
The Duesenberg headquarters and factory was relocated in July of 1921 from New Jersey to Indianapolis. Part of the purpose for the move was to focus more on the production of passenger vehicles. The Company had a hard time selling their Model A car. This was a very advanced car with many features not available on other vehicles being offered at the time. The engine had dual overhead cams, four-valve cylinder heads and was the first passenger car to be equipped with hydraulic brakes.
The Duesenberg Company produced 667 examples of the Model A, making it their first mass-produced vehicle. The Model A was powered by a 183-cubic-inch single overhead camshaft inline eight-cylinder engine. The strain of racing, moving, and lack of selling automobiles sent the company into receivership in 1922. After a few years, it's debts had been resolved, thank in-part to an investor group. The company re-opened in 1925 as the Duesenberg Motors Company.
In 1926, Errett Lobban Cord purchased the Duesenberg Company. The company appealed to E.L. Cord, owner of the Cord and Auburn Automobile Company, because of its history, the engineering ingenuity of the products, brand name, and the skill of the Duesenberg Brothers. The purpose was to transform the company into a producer of luxury automobiles.
Duesenberg Model J and Model SJ
Fred Duesenberg was a master of creating engines and was a creative designer. He had a talent for conceiving new ideas and ways of doing things. The engines he constructed were beautiful, mechanically sound, and advanced. E.L. Cord gave him one task: 'Create the best car in the world.' This was a very tall order and came at a very difficult time in history. The onset of the Great Depression and the Stock Market crash was just around the corner. Competition in the luxury car segment was fierce and involved all facets of the automobile. The cylinder wars that began in the 1920s and continued into the 1930s had marque's trying to outdo each other on the bases of their engines output, number of cylinders, and the speed of their ultra-luxury automobiles. Styling continued to be very important and often outsourced to the greatest designers and coachbuilders of the time. Maruqee's such as Cadillac, Packard, Rolls-Royce, Hispano-Suiza, Isotta Fraschini, Bugatti, and others were all trying to out-do each other and continue in business during this difficult point in history.
The Duesenberg Model J was first unveiled to the public at the New York Car Show on December 1st of 1928. Only the chassis and engine were shown and it still impressed enough to make front page news. The wheelbase was 142-inches making it nearly 12 feet. The chassis had a six cross-members made it very sturdy and able to accommodate the heaviest of bodies. The engine had dual overhead camshafts and eight-cylinders with four valves per cylinder. It displaced 420 cubic-inches and produced an impressive 265 horsepower in un-supercharged form. The engine had been designed by Fred Duesenberg and constructed by the Lycoming Company, which had been recently acquired by E.L. Cord. There was a brilliant lubrication system which automatically lubricated various mechanical components after sixty to eighty miles. Two lights mounted on the dashboard indicated when the lubrication process was transpiring. After 750 miles, lights mounted on the dashboard would light-up indicating the oil required changing. After 1500 miles, the lights would illuminate indicating the battery should be inspected. Top speed was 119 mph and 94 mph in second gear. With the use of a supercharger, the top speed increased even further, to nearly 140 mph. Zero-to-sixty took around eight seconds with 100 mph being achieved in seventeen seconds.
Each chassis was driven at speed for 100 miles at Indianapolis before being delivered to the customer or coachbuilder.
The coachwork was left to the discretion of the buyer and the talents of the coachbuilders. Prominent coachbuilders from North American and Europe were selected to cloth the Model J and Model SJ in some of the grandest and elegant coachwork ever created.
The cost of a rolling chassis prior to 1932 was $8,00. The rolling chassis usually included all mechanical components, front fenders, radiator grille, bumpers, running boards, dashboard, and sometimes a swiveling spot-light. After 1932, the price was raised to $9,500. After the coachwork was completed, the base price was $13,500 with a top-of-the line model fetching as much as $25,000 or more. To put this in perspective, the entry level Ford Model T in the early 1930s cost around $435 with the most expensive version selling for about $650. Many individuals in very prominent careers, such as doctors, made around $3,000 annually. The Great Depression meant the number of individuals capable of affording an automobile of this caliber soon dwindled. Those who could afford one often bought modest vehicles to avoid public uprising and ridicule. The pool of marques who catered to the upper-class of society did all they could to attract buyers; prices were lowered and incentives were made just to attract another sale. Needless to say, competition was fierce.
After the New York Show, Duesenberg ordered enough components to build 500 Model Js. Specifications and drawings of the chassis had been sent to prominent coachbuilders six months prior to its unveiling at the New York Show. This had been done to guarantee that a wide variety of bodies were available after its launch. Duesenberg ordered bodies in small quantities and offered the completed cars to have on-hand incase the customer wanted to take delivery immediately. The first customer took delivery of their Model J in May of 1929. This was just five weeks before Black Tuesday.
The Model SJ, a supercharged version of the Model J, produced 320 horsepower. The supercharger was located beside the engine with the exhaust pipes beneath through the side panel of the hood through creased tubes. The name 'SJ' was never used by the Duesenberg Company to reference these models.
Even though the Model J had received much attention from the press and promotional material was well circulated, sales were disappointing. The Duesenberg Company had hoped to construct 500 examples per year; this figure was never matched with a total of 481 examples constructed throughout its lifespan. Duesenberg did find customers such as Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo and James Cagney. Monarch, kings, queens, and the very wealthy accounted for the rest of the sales.
Production continued until the company ceased production in 1937. Little changed on the Model J over the years. The four-speed gearbox was replaced by a unsynchronized three-speed unit which was better suited to cope with the engines power. The last Model SJ's produced had ram-horn intakes and installed on two short-wheelbase chassis. Horsepower was reported to be as high as 400. These examples are commonly known as 'SSJ' in modern times.
In 1932, Fred Duesenberg was involved in a car accident which claimed his life. Development on the Model J had come to a halt which was not a problem at the time, but within a few years had become antiquated in comparison to the competition. An entirely new design and updated mechanical components were required for the Duesenberg name in 1937 in order to stay competitive. The cost and development time was too much for E.L. Cord to consider, and so he withdrew his financial support and the company dwindled.
August Duesenberg tried, unsuccessfully, to revive the Duesenberg name. Fritz Duesenberg tried again in the mid-1960s but again without success.
The Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc was founded and operated by Fred and August brother's who began their company in 1913. From the start their company has been a US based luxury automobile company with a standard to build the very best hand-built vehicles during the time period. Duesenberg vehicles lived up to this standard until 1937 when the company closed.
Created to build sports cars, the Company began its life in Des Moines, Iowa by two men who were self-taught engineers that produced various experimental vehicles. Unfortunately the brothers did have much selling capability, and due to this the company claimed bankruptcy and closed in 1922.
Purchasing the Duesenberg Company in 1926, Errett Lobban Cord, the owner of Cord Automobile, Auburn Automobile and several other transportation companies acquired the Duesenberg Brothers' engineering skills along with a brand name. Setting out to produce the Model J, Cord hired Fred Duesenberg to design both the engine and the chassis that would eventually be the best in the world.
Displayed at the New York Car Show of 1928, the Model J (Judkins) Duesenberg was indeed impressive. While only the engine and chassis were put on display at the show, the body and interior of the vehicle would be eventually custom-made by an extremely experienced coachbuilder to the owner's specification. Coachbuilders in both Europe and North America were responsible for the extensive bodywork. The finished product was the grandest, largest and most beautiful vehicle ever before created. The base model cost around $13,500, while the top of the line model sold for an extreme $25,000.
With a lack of supercharged form, the Model J was renowned for it incredibly 265 horsepower, straight-8 engine, and dual overhead camshafts. Able to reach an impressive top speed of 119 mph, and 94 mph in 2nd gear, the Model J was a success.
While other top of the line vehicles of the time period could barely reach 100 mph, the Duesenberg models were definitely turning some heads. The 1932 SJ was estimated to reach 104 mph in 2nd gear, a top speed of 135-140 mph in 2rd, and turned around 0-60 in 8 seconds. The supercharged Model J came with 320 HP and the supercharger placed alongside the engine, with creased exhaust pipes to make room it. The SJ models were easily recognizable due to their shiny creased tubes, a trademark by E. L. Cord. Weighing around two and a half tons, due to the large array of custom coachwork available, the Duesenbergs were not any heavier than their fellow competition.
Rapidly becoming of the most popular vehicles in the world, the Duesenberg was a status symbol for the elite. Such famous owners of the Duesenberg were Clark Gable, the Duke of Windsor and Gary Cooper.
Advertised to be the ‘best car in the world', Duesenberg's have held up to their status for numerous years. Following world-beating performance along with high regard and standard for quality, the Duesenberg continued to hold the reputation for opulence.
A total of 481 Model Js and SJs were produced between 1928 and 1937. Following E. L. Cord's financial empire collapsing, Duesenberg ceased production in 1937. It is estimated that approximately 50% of these classic cars are still on the road today. Both Duesenberg Model J's and SJ's are among the most desired collectible classic cars in the world.
Jay Leno owns four Model J Duesenbergs.Jessica Donaldson
For more information and related vehicles, click here© 1998-2009. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Created to build sports cars, the Company began its life in Des Moines, Iowa by two men who were self-taught engineers that produced various experimental vehicles. Unfortunately the brothers did have much selling capability, and due to this the company claimed bankruptcy and closed in 1922.
Purchasing the Duesenberg Company in 1926, Errett Lobban Cord, the owner of Cord Automobile, Auburn Automobile and several other transportation companies acquired the Duesenberg Brothers' engineering skills along with a brand name. Setting out to produce the Model J, Cord hired Fred Duesenberg to design both the engine and the chassis that would eventually be the best in the world.
Displayed at the New York Car Show of 1928, the Model J (Judkins) Duesenberg was indeed impressive. While only the engine and chassis were put on display at the show, the body and interior of the vehicle would be eventually custom-made by an extremely experienced coachbuilder to the owner's specification. Coachbuilders in both Europe and North America were responsible for the extensive bodywork. The finished product was the grandest, largest and most beautiful vehicle ever before created. The base model cost around $13,500, while the top of the line model sold for an extreme $25,000.
With a lack of supercharged form, the Model J was renowned for it incredibly 265 horsepower, straight-8 engine, and dual overhead camshafts. Able to reach an impressive top speed of 119 mph, and 94 mph in 2nd gear, the Model J was a success.
While other top of the line vehicles of the time period could barely reach 100 mph, the Duesenberg models were definitely turning some heads. The 1932 SJ was estimated to reach 104 mph in 2nd gear, a top speed of 135-140 mph in 2rd, and turned around 0-60 in 8 seconds. The supercharged Model J came with 320 HP and the supercharger placed alongside the engine, with creased exhaust pipes to make room it. The SJ models were easily recognizable due to their shiny creased tubes, a trademark by E. L. Cord. Weighing around two and a half tons, due to the large array of custom coachwork available, the Duesenbergs were not any heavier than their fellow competition.
Rapidly becoming of the most popular vehicles in the world, the Duesenberg was a status symbol for the elite. Such famous owners of the Duesenberg were Clark Gable, the Duke of Windsor and Gary Cooper.
Advertised to be the ‘best car in the world', Duesenberg's have held up to their status for numerous years. Following world-beating performance along with high regard and standard for quality, the Duesenberg continued to hold the reputation for opulence.
A total of 481 Model Js and SJs were produced between 1928 and 1937. Following E. L. Cord's financial empire collapsing, Duesenberg ceased production in 1937. It is estimated that approximately 50% of these classic cars are still on the road today. Both Duesenberg Model J's and SJ's are among the most desired collectible classic cars in the world.
Jay Leno owns four Model J Duesenbergs.Jessica Donaldson
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Automobile information, history, and specifications from concept to production. | © 1998-2009 Conceptcarz.com
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