1927 Duesenberg Model X

The Duesenberg brothers' first road-going passenger vehicle was called the Model A, and approximately 650 examples were built between 1921 and 1927. The brother's second design was the Model X and around twelve (possibly thirteen; five are known to have survived) examples were constructed before the company was sold to E.L. Cord in the fall of 1926. At the heart of the Model X was the straight eight engine, the same unit powering the Model A with identical bore and stroke size but with a non-crossflow head. The water pump and generator were in different location and the manifolds were all on one (the right) side. The Model A produced 88 horsepower at 3,600 RPM and 170 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 RPM, while the Model X had 100 horsepower at its disposal. Another difference was the Model X's hypoid differential.

The Model A and Model X had similar chassis sizes, with the Model X being one inch longer in its wheelbase (at 135 inches) and having tubular cross-members. The location of the front springs of the Model X were now on top of the front axle, above the frame rail, thus, lowering the center of gravity, and the wheels were changed to 21-inch Buffalo units. External styling differences including cast aluminum running boards, and unique fenders with a more deeply crowned design.

When the Model A was introduced in late 1920 in New York City, it was known as the Duesenberg Straight Eight. It was the first automobile in the United States with a straight-eight engine and the first automobile in series production to have hydraulic brakes. Although the company was newly formed, it benefitted from the Duesenberg brother's vast automobile racing experience. When a Duesenberg car won the 1921 French Grand Prix, it became the first American car to win a Grand Prix race. Duesenberg race cars claimed victory at the Indianapolis 500 in 1922, 1924, 1925 and 1927. The road-going cars that followed from the Duesenberg factory benefitted from this engineering prowess, culminating with the mighty Model J.

The Duesenberg Model X was considered a sportier and upgraded version of the previously produced Model A, and was the last series of Duesenbergs to be designed by Fred Duesenberg. Additionally, it was the final model produced by Duesenberg Motors as an independent company, built in the last months before E.L. Cord took control.

by Dan Vaughan

Locke Touring by Locke

The Duesenberg brothers parlayed their automobile racing successes into the creation of passenger cars, beginning with what is now termed the Model 'A' cars from 1916 to 1926.

During this period fewer than 300 cars were produced, all carrying the 'Straight Eight' motor which had garnered the firm four Indianapolis 500 Victories during this period.

The Duesenberg Model X, an upgrade to the previously produced Model A, was the last series of Duesenbergs to be designed by Fred Duesenberg. The Duesenberg Company had intended to mass-produce the X, but production was cut short when the company was acquired by E.L. Cord in 1927.

This car was originally owned by Arnold Kirkeby, an owner of Chicago hotels and a one-time Indianapolis 500 racing car sponsor. It is one of the only four Model 'X' cars remaining (all of different body types) and is considered 'by far the most exotic.' Original paint and leather were discovered on the chassis and were repeated in this striking color scheme.

This car was displayed at the November 1927 New York Auto Show. Although 13 bodies were planned for the new Duesenberg 'X' chassis, just a few were actually built. Each had a different body configuration - four-door salon, Town Car, Limousine, and this one and only 'X' is the most exotic.

This beautiful 1927 Model X is owned by Late Show host Jay Leno. It had been found in a garage believed to have been parked and abandoned around the late 1940s. There were a few inches of dust and only two tires had air left in them but other than that the car was in pretty good condition. The ultimate find!

It is believed that only 13 examples of the Duesenberg Model Xs were ever produced, with only four surviving. This particular example, the last Duesenberg to be designed by Fred Duesenberg before the company was sold to E.L. Cord, was bodied by Locke & Company.

by Dan Vaughan

Tourer by Brunn
Chassis number: 095R

In 1900, German immigrants and now Iowa bicycle makers August and Fred Duesenberg began experimenting with gasoline engines. In 1913 they began to manufacture cars. Their company failed, but they developed an engine that did well in the Indianapolis 500. During World War I, they built aircraft engines for the military and then used this expertise to design their famous straight-eight engine.

This 1927 Duesenberg Model X rides on a wheelbase that measures 141 inches and originally sold for approximately $75000. Power is from an in-line eight-cylinder engine offering 100 horsepower. It is very original and was owned new by the chief engineer of General Electric. It has its original interior, paint, and hat holder in the ceiling. This Model X carries series #095R and is fitted with sedan coachwork by Brunn.

The company had parts produced for 13 Model Xs before the program was cut short, and only four are accounted for today. The Model X is considered by many to be a transitional model between the Model A and the Model J. It was Fred Duesenberg's attempt to update and upgrade the Model A on a very limited budget. The Model X was similar to the Model A, however, the X version featured revised suspension and a slightly more powerful engine with a reverse-flow head. One of the bodies fitted on the Model X chassis would form the inspiration for the later Auburn Speedster.

The Model X was similar to the Model A, but featured a revised suspension, hypoid differential, and a slightly more powerful engine with a reverse-flow head. The eight-cylinder engine was capable of carrying the car to a top speed in the neighborhood of 100 mph. It rides on a 141-inch wheelbase and sports hydraulic brakes that Fred first used on his 1914 race cars. The brake design alone could have earned him a fortune had he the foresight to obtain a patent. Originally, just the chassis cost $7,500.

by Dan Vaughan

Tourer by Brunn
Chassis number: 81792

The Model A was the Duesenberg brother's first passenger vehicle. Just 650 were built and sold between 1921 and 1927, partially due to their high price tag. During 1926, the brothers were working on their second design, the Model X, which was an improved version of the Model A, featuring a more powerful motor and a better suspension. However, only a few were built as the company was sold to E.L. Cord in the fall of 1926. It is believed there were enough parts to build 13 Model Xs, with around 4 known to exist in modern times. This particular example is on display at the Miami Auto Museum and is a Phaeton.

by Dan Vaughan