1931 Duesenberg Model Y Indy Racer news, pictures, and information

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This 1931 Duesenberg Rigling & Hennin Indianapolis Race Car participated in the 1931 Indy 500, driven by Babe Strapp. It qualified at 110.120 miles per hour and started 6th place. It retired after 9 laps with an oil leak and clutch problems. it finished in 35th and was awarded $275 in prize money. The car participated in the 1933 Indy 500 entered as the 'Jack C. Carr Special' and finished in 13th place.

This original chassis/body survived the years in outstanding condition regarding the group of parts and the lack of modifications to those parts. This fact is unusual for any racing car, especially pre-war racecars. The only other known Model Y Duesenber is a road car, not a racecar.

Produced by the Duesenberg Company, the Model Y was a transitional model produced between the Model X and the Model J. Though only one vehicle was ever produced the Model Y was without a doubt one of the most unique and unusual Duesenbergs in the earth.

Several engines variations were constructed, but only one model was every fully completed. The model Y was a prototype and the car was destroyed by Augie Duesenberg after testing was completed on the prototype. The body was kept, though he completely destroyed the engine and the chassis which he later mounted on a Duesenberg Model A chassis and added non-Duesenberg wheels.

It is believed that the Model Y prototype was the original Duesenberg to employ both design and styling characteristics that were eventually utilized in the Model J design. Today the Model Y is on display at the Auburn-Cord-Museum in Auburn, Indiana.

Jessica Donaldson

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