1933 Duesenberg Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton

When E.L. Cord, President of Auburn Motor Cars purchased control of Duesenberg Inc., of Indianapolis in 1926, he said that, with the assistance of Fred S. Duesenberg, he would build the world's best automobile.

The Model J Duesenberg was powered by an inline eight-cylinder engine with dual, chain-driven overhead camshafts. The engine had a displacement of 420 cubic inches and developed an amazing 265 horsepower. The top speed was 116 miles per hour.

This 1933 Duesenberg sports a dual cowl phaeton body that was designed by Gordon Buehrig in the Duesenberg factory design department and built by the Union City Body Company. The cars that were designed at Duesenberg and built by Union City were given the designation 'La Grande' and were sold by Duesenberg as completed cars, as opposed to most of their sales which were basically chassis that were sent outside to get bodies built, usually at the request of the purchaser.

This example is one of nineteen LaGrande dual cowl phaetons built, fourteen of which were built on the short 142.5-inch wheelbase chassis. It sold for over $18,000 when it was new, about the price of twenty new Fords!

The Duesenberg J has been called the King of Classics, America's Mightiest Motor Car, and the Pursuit of Perfection. It is the ultimate from the Golden Age of motoring.

The LeGrande is one of the most striking bodies ever built by Duesenberg. This example has been treated to a 100-point restoration done over 10 years ago and the Duesy is still very fresh. It is very strong in every respect. It was awarded Best of Class at Meadowbrook this year (2007).

In 2009, this Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas, presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. The lot was estimated to sell for $1,600,000 - $1,800,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot failed to sell after achieving a high bid of $1.25 million.