1966 Duesenberg Model D

The saying, 'making a name for yourself' allows for progression at one's own pace, defining your goals and expectations, and making adjustments along the way. The original Duesenberg Company had built an enviable reputation in racing and in car production. Their Model J and SJ were some of the most powerful, elegant, and costly vehicles of their era. Unfortunately, like many other automakers, they fell victim to the Great Depression and were forced out of business.

In 1964, an attempt was made to revive the legendary Duesenberg name. It was a very bold undertaking, trying to fill the shoes of one of the greatest automakers to ever put rubber to the road. The company was started by Augie's son (of Fred and August Duesenberg, the founders of the original Duesenberg company) Fred A. 'Fritz' Duesenberg. He had just resigned as chief engineer for the Labeco test-equipment company. With the help of Milo N. Record, a sales and promotion specialist working at Goodyear, the two set out to revitalize the past and resurrect the Duesenberg name. Texas real estate baron Fred J. McManis, Jr. helped with raising the $5 million in start-up funds. Fritz was the chairman while McManis was the president of the new Duesenberg Corporation of Indianapolis, Indiana.

The design was courtesy of former Chrysler chief designer Virgil Exner and his son Virgil Exner Jr. with coachwork handcrafted in Italy by Carrozzeria Ghia. Power was from a 1966 Imperial and so it had a 440 cubic-inch V8 rated at 350 horsepower. The wheelbase measured 137.5 inches and 244.7 inches in length. Inside, there is cashmere and leather. Options included a built-in television, bars, rear seat instrumentation, Motorola stereo tap, and magnesium wheels. Body styles included a four-door brougham sedan with future plans for a convertible.

Standard equipment included climate control A/C, autopilot, and AM/FM radio.
Unfortunately, the revival of the Duesenberg nameplate was short-lived, and only a one-off prototype was built.

The idea was to show the prototype at select shows (both in the US and Europe) in an attempt to attract suitable and capable buyers who could handle the steep $19,500 price. After orders were received, it was believed that production would take about a year to complete. The company offered a warranty on the Chrysler drivetrain for three years.

It is believed that around 50 orders were received for the Duesenberg 8. Initial plans had been to build around 200 to 1000 units.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014