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1931 Duesenberg Model J

When news of the Duesenberg J first broke of its upcoming launch in 1928, the announcement halted trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. By this point in history, the Duesenberg Motor Corporation was part of the E.L. Cord empire, including Auburn Automobile, and other transportation firms. Cord acquired the company on October 26th of 1926 primarily for the Duesenberg brothers' talent, engineering skills, and brand name. August Duesenberg, who had been instrumental in the development of the Model A and X, had nothing to do with the initial design of the J and had no formal connection with the Cord-run Duesenberg Company, until later. Fred Duesenberg, however, was positioned as vice president in charge of engineering and experimental work and was tasked by Cord to build the most magnificent and greatest car ever to travel the road.

The Model J made its debut on December 1st at the 1928 New York Car Show. It made its European debut in 1929 at the 'Salon de l'automobile de Paris.' When introduced in New York, only one example had been built - J-101 - a LeBaron dual cowl phaeton, finished in black and silver. By October of 1929, the beginning of the Great Depression, Duesenberg had built around 200 examples. An additional 100 orders were filled in 1930. Most engines and chassis were made in 1929 and 1930, and sold throughout subsequent years.

At the heart of the Duesenberg was a straight-eight engine based on the company's successful racing engines of the 1920s. They were designed by Duesenberg but manufactured by Lycoming, another company owned by Cord. The 420 cubic-inch powerplant had dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and produced 265 horsepower in a normally aspirated configuration. Top speed was achieved at 119 mph, and 94 mph in 2nd gear. Although Cadillac had a larger engine with twice as many cylinders, it only produced 175 horsepower, nearly 100 hp less. For customers seeking even more power, Duesenberg offered the 320 horsepower supercharged 'SJ' model, developed by Fred Duesenberg and introduced in May of 1932. It was capable of 105 miles per hour in second gear and had a top speed of around 135 mph. The supercharger was positioned beside the engine. Originally a one-piece eight-into-one Monel manifold was used to re-route the exhaust away from the engine, outside the engine compartment, and through a single hole in the right front fender. After the eight-port manifold proved inadequate and was prone to cracking, it was replaced by a second manifold arrangement that routed four branches through the passenger's side hood and front fender. This design was attributed to Cord and used in his supercharged Auburns and Cords.

The Model J initially came with a four-speed transmission, vacuum-assisted four-wheel hydraulic brakes, a front beam axle, a live rear axle, and a standard 142.5-inch wheelbase. An optional 153.5-inch platform was available, along with a shorter 'SSJ' 125-inch wheelbase (two examples were built on this platform).

Several modifications were made to the Model J during its production lifespan, including the replacement of the four-speed gearbox as it was unable to handle the engine's power. In its place was an unsynchronised three-speed gearbox.

As was customary at the time, Duesenberg built the chassis and engine, leaving the coachwork to be built to the owner's specifications by custom coachbuilders. Around half the Model Js built by Duesenberg had coachworks devised by the company's chief body designer, Gordon Buehrig, and built under the name La Grande by company branches in Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Florida, and Denver, as well as by smaller dealers. Other coachbuilders included Judkins, Le Baron, Murphy, Derham, Rollston, Walker, Saoutchik, Weymann, Willoughby, Fernandez et Darrin, Franay, and Gurney Nutting, among others.

The chassis cost $8,500, and after 1932 that figure rose another $1,000. Most completed vehicles with coachwork ranged from $13,000 and $19,000. Two American-bodied Model J's reached $25,000.

Two examples of the short-wheelbase Super J, known as the SSJ, were built. 36 Model SJs were built, and 10 of the JN were built. All of the Model JNs received Rollston coachwork and were produced in 1935. They rode on a smaller 17-inch diameter wheel, instead of 19 inches, had skirted fenders, bullet-shaped taillights, and bodies resting on the frame rails resulting in a lower appearance. Model JNs with the supercharger is known as the Model SJN.

by Dan Vaughan

Tourster by Derham
Chassis number: 2440
Engine number: J423

Today, luxurious sportscars are not all that uncommon. In many respects, the luxuriously appointed sportscar is practically a must. However, in the early 20th century there was certainly a separation of the two, that is until people like Fred Duesenberg came along.

Recalling such names as Bentley or Duesenberg, the mind almost naturally strays to thoughts of comfort and luxury. However, like Bugatti and Bentley, Fred Duesenberg's Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company would be as much about performance as it would be about luxury.

Throughout the nineteen-teens and the 1920s, Duesenberg would make a name for itself on the racetrack, particularly in Indianapolis. In 1914, the future World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker would drive a Duesenberg to a 10th finish in the Indianapolis 500. By the mid-1920s, Duesenbergs were the car to have to win the race in 1924, 1925, and 1927.

But the success wouldn't just come in the United States. In 1921, Jimmy Murphy would pilot a Duesenberg to victory at the French Grand Prix. The race would actually be held at the Le Mans racetrack.

Success on the racetrack was a very important focus of Duesenberg's company. Though founded in Des Moines, Iowa, Duesenberg would see his company in Europe competing against the best machines of the day, cars like the Ballot and Mercedes-Benz. In the case of the 1921 French Grand Prix, the experience gained motor racing led to Murphy having an advantage with his Duesenberg. The braking system on the car was better than any of its competition and allowed Murphy to carry more speed deeper into the corners. He would use this advantage gained through competition to his advantage and would go on to take the victory.

Racing was certainly Duesenberg's test bed. However, when the company unveiled its Model J at the New York Auto Salon in December of 1928, Duesenberg's reputation for luxury and opulence would be firmly cemented.

When the car went on sale in 1929, prices for the Model J started out at $8,500. By 1931, and despite an ever-worsening Depression, the starting price for the Model J would increase to $9,500. Complete with their custom-built coach bodies, the Model J would be selling for around $16,500 and certainly represented the 'upper' price range in the luxury car market.

The coachworks employed to build bodies to fit atop the Model J chassis would be numerous and would include Murphy, Holbrook, Rollston, Bonham & Schwartz, LaGrande & LeBaron and others. One of the others was Derham.

Derham Body Co. would be established in Rosemont, outside of Philadelphia, in 1887. Over the course of their existence, Derham would build custom coachworks for such notable people as President Eisenhower, Gary Cooper, Pope Pius XII, King Farouk, and even Joseph Stalin.

It would be easy to understand why Derham had such a wide range of affluent clientele when Derham first produced its Tourster for the Model J. Gordon Buehrig would design the Model J Tourster, and he would come to consider the Tourster as his absolute favorite.

Each coachbuilder put their own reflection upon the original inspiration. Therefore, Derham, the exclusive builder of the Tourster, would end up taking advantage of the length of the Model J chassis and would actually design bodywork that would sit even lower than the original design. The length of the bodywork and the chassis would then actually exaggerate the lower look of the car. But, as a result of the longer chassis, Buehrig and Derham were able to build a coachbody that actually offered more room to the rear passengers as a result of the seats being moved ahead of the rear axle.

The result would be perfection in the eyes of Buehrig. And, in his autobiography, Buehrig would aptly describes his emotions concerning the Tourster Model J saying it was 'severely plain in ornamentation and having the unusual virtue of being equally handsome with the top in the raised position or when it is lowered.'

Buehrig wouldn't be the only one that would be taken back by the simple beauty of the Derham-bodied Tourster. Butler Hallanan was a part of Philadelphia's elite of which Derham intended its Tourster. Hallanan would become intrigued by the Tourster and would soon order one, car 2440/J-423.

Like a lifelong friend, the Model J Tourster would end up accompanying Hallanan on a number of adventures including a handful of grand tours of Europe. The car would see regular use but would suddenly face separation from its owner in 1939 as Hallanan escaped Mussolini's Italy. Hallanan would make it back to the United States, but the Duesenberg would not.

Alone and in a foreign land, the Duesenberg faced an unknown future. However, its charm and appeal would lead to someone hiding the car away in a haystack for nearly the whole of the Second World War.

Piles of haystacks dotted the European landscape throughout the Second World War. Undoubtedly, thousands upon thousands of troops passed by the occupied haystack without even so much as a clue as to what lay hidden underneath. All of a sudden, the phrase 'needle in a haystack' took on a new and literal meaning.

And, towards the end of the war, an American officer would, for some reason, decide to check that particular haystack. The surprise of finding a Duesenberg Model J Tourster must have defied reason, and certainly could have caused a moment of shock. However, the officer would get over the surprise of the moment and would have the car rescued from its natural camouflage.

Unable to list the car among his personal effects, the officer would be forced to leave behind the Duesenberg when he left to return to the United States. However, 2440/J-423 would eventually sell in 1946 to a Duesenberg enthusiast from Milan by the name of Dore Leto di Priolo. It would remain in his care for the next couple of decades and would undergo some restoration work.

American Anthony D. 'Tony' Pascucci had a passion for classic-era automobiles and particularly enjoyed collecting and owning Duesenberg Phaetons. However, Pascucci desired and sought after the most desirable. This would lead him to owning a number of Duesenbergs, including a LeBaron 'Sweep Panel' Phaeton and a LeBaron 'Barrelside' Phaeton. Constantly hunting and seeking the best, it wouldn't be too long before Pascucci would become aware of the Derham Tourster in Milan, Italy. He would make the trip to go and see the car. And when he returned, the car would come with him.

Finally, the Model J Tourster had made its way back home. Pascucci had managed to purchase an example of every Duesenberg Phaeton with the acquisition of the Tourster. And to be able to take its place amongst such a collection, Pascucci would commission Ted Billing to fully restore the car.

Al San Clemente, a friend of Billings, would be surprised by the character and makeup of the car after years in hiding in a haystack. He would recall the Tourster as 'a solid, mostly original car…All the specialized Derham hardware was still there. I was impressed with the car's presence, even with the amateur paint.'

The body of the car was found to be in excellent condition, the restoration to concours quality would not take very long. Still sporting its original wood framework, the restoration would be complete in 1971. The original condition of the car would be so good that the only major original part known to be missing from the car was its headlights. They would be replaced with period-correct headlights.

Now passed on to his son, the Tourster is rarely driven and is only showing minor signs of aging. Only occasionally shown to the public, a glimpse of the 1931 Model J Tourster is certainly a real treat to behold, and, at the 2013 RM Auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona, chassis 2440, engine number J-423 would emerge from its relative obscurity to be offered for purchase.

In the hands of the Pascucci family for nearly 50 years, this Model J Tourster is certainly one of the highly coveted Duesenbergs and remains a fine example of the simple elegance Buehrig originally designed and came to fall in love with.

Hidden away and protected throughout its lifetime, 2440/J-423 is a veritable time capsule to a bygone era. The Tourster itself reflects the same uncertainty, danger and adventure through which it survived.

Prior to auction, the 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham was estimated to garner between $1,200,000 and $1,600,000.

Sources:

'Lot No. 141: 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ13&CarID=r163). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ13&CarID=r163. Retrieved 14 January 2013.

'1931 Duesenberg Model J News, Pictures and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z14238/Duesenberg-Model-J.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z14238/Duesenberg-Model-J.aspx. Retrieved 14 January 2013.

'Duesenberg Model J History', (http://www.automobilemuseum.org/about/History/Pages/DuesenbergModelJHistory.aspx). Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. http://www.automobilemuseum.org/about/History/Pages/DuesenbergModelJHistory.aspx. Retrieved 14 January 2013.

'1930 Duesenberg Model J', (http://www.supercars.net/cars/468.html). Supercars.net. http://www.supercars.net/cars/468.html. Retrieved 14 January 2013.

'Derham Body Co.', (http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/d/derham/derham.htm). Coachbuilt. http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/d/derham/derham.htm. Retrieved 14 January 2013.

Wikipedia contributors, 'Duesenberg', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 December 2012, 11:54 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Duesenberg&oldid=529820981 accessed 14 January 2013

Wikipedia contributors, 'Gordon Buehrig', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 9 October 2012, 20:28 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gordon_Buehrig&oldid=516881444 accessed 14 January 2013

by Jeremy McMullen

Tourster by Derham
Engine number: J206

On December 1, 1928, at the New York Auto Salon, the Duesenberg Model J was unveiled to the world. It was easily the highlight of the show. Duesenberg quickly ordered enough parts to build 500 Model Js with the first customer receiving their vehicle in May of 1929. Five months later, the stock market took a dive and the Great Depression was in full swing.

Duesenberg embarked on an aggressive marketing campaign that targeted the wealthy. The vehicles carried an ambiance that was virtually unmatched. The style, power, and durability quickly propelled the car into an elite group of automobiles that only a few marques have been able to achieve. Each vehicle was tailor-made to the buyer's specifications and desires.

Located in Rosemount, Pennsylvania was the Derham Body Company. They had built a reputation for constructing carriages and with the advent of the automobile, carried over their trade. They specialized in building limousines, town cars, and formal-bodied cars. They did experiment with a few open-bodied cars which are considered by many to be their ultimate achievement.

This example shown is a recreation of the Derham-bodied cars. The original body is believed to have been a Murphy-bodied Convertible.

This 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster with chassis number J206 has coachwork in the style of Derham. It is powered by a 420 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower. The three-speed manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels while the vacuum-assisted four-wheel hydraulic brakes provide the stopping power. The car is suspended in place by a front axle beam and a live rear axle.

by Dan Vaughan

Tapertail Speedster by Weymann
Chassis number: 2450
Engine number: J-437

Gordon Buehrig referred to his design for this Duesenberg with chassis number 2450 and engine J-437, as a tapertail speedster. This sleek design is accomplished without running boards or step plates. The addition of the sweep panel styling on the short-wheelbase chassis adds to the car's sporty appearance.

One of America's premier designers, Gordon Buehrig penned two Speedster designs for the Weymann Body Company. The first was for the short-wheelbase chassis and was known as the 'Tapertail' Speedster, and the second was for a supercharged long-wheelbase chassis, dubbed the 'Fishtail' Speedster. This Tapertail was Buehrig's favorite as the Speedster shape looked more at home on the shorter chassis. The lack of running boards and the sweep panel paint scheme add further elegance to Buehrig's design. The Duesenberg J is a true speedster lacking exterior door handles and roll-up windows. Other design elements unusual for the time include the single-passenger rumble seat as well as elegant pontoon fenders. The car also features a sleek canvas top that can be either folded back in place or removed completely.

Convertible Sedan by Bohman & Schwartz
Chassis number: 2479
Engine number: J 464

The Wrigley Corporation was a prominent business and very popular when Phillip K. Wrigley, heir to the fortune, purchased chassis number 2479 for the sum of $15,450. It was delivered on November 28th of 1931. While in his ownership, the Duesenberg was taken on several trips to the family estate on Santa Catalina Island near Los Angeles.

When the car was delivered to Mr. Wrigley, it wore Convertible Victoria coachwork by Rollston. Not satisfied with the design, he had the car restyled with larger doors. It was sent to H.A. Walker in Indianapolis, but the company went bankrupt almost as soon as the car arrived on their premises. It was returned to Wrigley in 1937 and then sent to Bohman and Schwartz in Pasadena, California.

During the Second World War, it was kept in storage at the Wrigley country home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. In February 1946 the car was sold to John Troka of Chicago, along with his other Duesenberg, J 501.

Troka sold the car in March of 1946 to Gerald Meeker of Michigan who then sold it to a noted early Duesenberg collector, Marshall Merkes. It remained in Merkes possession for just seven months before it was sold back to Troka in the fall of 1949. Soon after, it was sold to Mr. Paoli and then passed through two other Midwest collectors, even being displayed in Michigan's Poll Museum, where it remained from 1953 through 1964. From there, it passed through several prominent collectors, eventually coming into the care of Phil and Carol Bray in 1997. The Bray's had the engine rebuilt and was done to the highest of standards.

In the years that followed, the car was awarded CCCA Primary, Senior, and Premier awards, and an ACD Club certified as a Category One Original Car in 1998. It earned a score of 99 3/4 points at the July 1998 Grand Classic. At the Michigan Region CCCA it was presented an award for the most miles driven by a Full Classic.

During this car's existence, it has been driven just 61,000 miles and has been meticulously maintained. It is finished in a dramatic color scheme and features side mounts with correct metal covers, dual spotlights, driving lights, and horns. It rides on 17-inch chrome wire wheels.

In 2009, this Model J Convertible Sedan with coachwork by Bohman and Schwartz was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The lot failed to sell after its reserve was not met.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 2410
Engine number: J434

This Duesenberg Model J Roadster is very unusual. It has a Duesenberg chassis with a custom Packard body. Since Duesenberg did not offer a true, wind-in-your-hair, roadster, the original owner of this vehicle selected a Packard body. The roadster body offered a type of motoring experience that could not be achieved with a convertible body style. It had a minimal top with just enough area to provide shade from the sun and other elements. With an open body, the sides were lower and undeniably rakish.

The original owner of this car was George Tucker Smith, a surgeon for the U.S. Navy, stationed at the Brooklyn Naval Hospital. It was purchased in the late 1930s and fitted with a Derham Sport Sedan body. Nearly two years later, in March of 1932, it was returned to the New York Factory branch, where it was given a new Packard roadster body.

The chassis is the standard Duesenberg platform. With the lower cowl height of the Packard, several modifications were required. The result was a car that was longer than any Packard, yet lower than any Duesenberg. It is painted black and has a tan leather interior.

In November of 1933, Dr. Smith traded the Duesenberg back to the New York factory branch, where he bought a second new Duesenberg (J272 - a LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton). He later had the LeBaron coachwork of J272 removed and fitted with Rollston Quarter Window Victoria coachwork that had been removed from band leader Paul Whiteman's car.

Chassis 2410 was purchased by the second owner whose name is unknown. Delivery was taken in September 1934. The third owner was W.J. Calhoun, Jr., who purchased it on October 27th of 1936. The car passed through two more owners before it was acquired by Dr. Herbert A. Wiggins of New York, in August of 1942.

Soon after, the car was in Norfolk, Virginia, and in the ownership of USN Lt. Cecil Haycraft. The next owner was Theodore Cole, who later sold it to Peter Sosa of Atlanta, Georgia and then sold it to Conrad Clemens in Pennsylvania in 1946. Clemens died shortly after purchasing the vehicle, and Melvin Clemens of Huntington, West Virginia (Conrad's brother) purchased the car. While in Melvin's care, a new engine was fitted - J434, which still remains in the car to this day.

The car remained in Clemen's care for most of his life. In 1994, it was traded to Harry Yeaggy. The next owner was Bill Bools, who kept it until his recent passing.

In 2009, this Model J Duesenberg/Packard was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. The lot was estimated to sell for $900,000 - $1,200,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot failed to sell after reaching a high bid of $600,000.

by Dan Vaughan

Tourster by Derham
Chassis number: 2440
Engine number: J423

This car, chassis number 2440 and engine number J-423, was delivered in January of 1931 to Bob Hallahan. it was purchased in Milano, Italy, by the current owning family in the spring of 1968, from Count Carlo Letodi Priolo. The restoration work was completed in 1975, but the body and chassis have never been separated.

This car is an original Derham Tourister. The aluminum body and steel fenders are all original to the car and the engine has resided in that chassis for nearly 80 years. Occasionally, Duesenbergs are re-bodied, some as dual cowl phaetons, to increase their value. But this is one of eight original vehicles manufactured.

Convertible Victoria by Rollston & Company
Engine number: J-104

There were only 470 Duesenberg Mode J chassis produced, and in the case of the short-wheelbase Convertible Victoria, just three were created. This example wears coachwork by Rollston Company. This Duesenberg was built with a Holbrook body for the debut of the Model J at the 1928 New York Auto Salon. Following the show, it was delivered to Mrs. F.B. Lewis in Chicago, Illinois, who later sold the car to Hartshorne Motors in July of 1940. Noted Dusenberg dealer John Troka immediately saw its beauty and acquired it. In the 1960s it was in need of major restoration, and the Holbrook body was replaced with this Rollston Convertible Victoria body from J428, a car that was delivered new to the Vanderbilt family.

The dash houses a complex set of warning lights. A 'timing box' automatically lubricates the chassis every 75 miles. A red light indicates the system is functioning; it glows green when the reservoir is empty. A third light indicates when an oil change is due and yet another reminder when to check the battery fluid level.

Tourster by Derham
Chassis number: 2464
Engine number: J-448

Brothers Fred and August Duesenberg were born in Germany and settled in Des Moines, Iowa. They were self-taught engineers and began producing cars in 1913. Eddie Rickenbacker placed 10th in the 1914 Indianapolis 500 behind the wheel of a Duesenberg. In 1921, Jimmy Murphy was the first American to win the French Grand Prix, also driving a Duesenberg. The company moved to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1919 and eventually settled in Auburn, Indiana after being purchased by E.L. Cord. The Model J was the result of over two years of work by Fred. The company had expected to sell 500 per year but, due to the Great Depression, only 481 were sold by the time the company closed in 1937.

The Duesenberg Model J's debut at the New York Auto Show in 1928 was front-page news. The combination of the Duesenberg reputation and the Model J's grand concept made it the star of the show. Even during the Great Depression, Duesenberg's power and luxury were a metaphor for prosperity and success. Known for their formal limousines, Derham built relatively few open cars, and this Tourster design is considered to be the firm's masterpiece.

This Model J - chassis number 2646 with engine J-448 - is one of the few retaining the original body, chassis, engine, and other major components. The 420 cubic-inch 'Straight Eight' engine delivered 265 horsepower in naturally aspirated form with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. When new, this was the only Model J equipped with vertical hood louvers. The SC-specification external exhaust pipes provided period flair and performance is enhanced by an exhaust system dump at the flip of a lever on the floor. The exhaust-dump system was a rare option; it bypasses the exhaust system and redirects the airflow through a three-inch open pipe.

The Tourster features a wind-up rear windshield that could be cranked from inside the front seat back. The deletion of the rear side vents and the rear cowl made it easier for passengers to enter and exit.

This car was one of eight Derham Toursters designed by Gordon Buehrig.

The current owners of this example have driven J448 on several thousand miles of cross-country touring events. It has a continuously documented history. This Tourster received a ***** and bolt restoration resulting in a Best of Show award at the Concours d'Elegance of America in 2013, best in class honors at Amelia Island and Pebble Beach Concours in 2012, where it was nominated for best of show.

Limousine by Willoughby
Chassis number: 2438
Engine number: J-430

After final testing at the Duesenberg factory in the fall of 1930, J-430 was delivered to Willoughby Company of Utica, New York, for coachwork. Willoughby specialized in closed, formal coachwork and over the years, they would create approximately 45 bodies for Duesenberg, divided between five- and seven-passenger sedans and limousines. Most of their work was done on the long-wheelbase Duesenberg chassis.

On May 29 of 1931, J-430 was sold new to Henry Dolfinger. By May of 1935, the Model J Limousines appeared for sale at Hilton Motors, a used car dealership in Brooklyn, New York. From there, the car was sold to Doris Garfinkel. Sometime later, the Model J was sold to Dr. H. Breitenstool, a fellow New York City resident. It is believed that Mr. Breitenstool retained the car throughout the 1940s, during which time he also owned a similar Willoughby Limousine, J-271.

In September of 1955, the car was reportedly given to Dr. J. Lawrence Pool. While in his care, the car was cleaned and repainted. In November 1958, Homer Fitterling of South Bend, Indiana, purchased J-430 for a mere $2,500. In 1959, the car was displayed at the annual ACD meet in Auburn, Indiana, where it earned a First Place Primary award. During Mr. Fitterling's three-decade ownership, the J-430 was pictured in Fred Roe's book, Duesenberg: The Pursuit of Perfection.

Following his death in 1989, the remainder of the Fitterling collection - including J-430 - was sold to Ed Weaver. When Mr. Weaver passed away in 1995, the Willoughby Limousine was sold to the Imperial Palace Collection. Approximately five years later, J-430 joined a museum collection in Chicago, Illinois, only to return to the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, soon after.

The current owner is a Los Angeles, California resident who acquired the car in 2004. Currently, it shows less than 44,500 miles. The inside retains its original gray broadcloth upholstery. It is outfitted with a roll-up divider, folding jump seats, silk curtains, rope pulls, and a Philco radio.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $400,000 - $500,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $330,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible by Franay
Chassis number: 2465
Engine number: J-446

'Its a Doozy!'

Within a short period of time after the debut of the Model J Duesenberg at the 1928 New York Automobile show, a newly-coined exclamation became part of the American vocabulary: 'It's a Doozy!' The phrase was generally used to describe anything of beauty, elegance, or excitement and the Model J Duesenberg fits the phrase perfectly.

The Model J Duesenbergs were the first luxury cars designed to be driven by their owners. Those fortunate owners of the Model J Duesenberg ranged from New York City stockbrokers to Hollywood movie stars.

This unusual Duesenberg was purchased new by Queen Marie of Yugoslavia in 1931. During this year, the queen visited the Duesenberg stand at the Paris Automobile show and ordered a new Duesenberg chassis at a cost of nearly $9,000. She commissioned the French coachbuilder Franay to construct this four-door convertible sedan body, which cost an additional $9,000.

Queen Marie used the car extensively in the south of France and even displayed the car at the Cannes Concours when it was new.

Convertible Victoria by Rollston & Company
Chassis number: 2454
Engine number: J-456

Considered by many to be the finest automobile ever built, the metaphor 'It's a Duesie!' remains a part of the American lexicon to this day. In St. Paul, Minnesota in 1913, the Duesenberg brothers began building the most successful racing cars made in America. Their race-bred overhead cam straight-eight engine with aluminum pistons and hydraulically-operated four-wheel brakes were both firsts for American industry. The brothers moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1916 to build military engines. When their government contracts were canceled in 1919, the company moved to Indianapolis. Late in 1926, Duesenberg became part of the E.L. Cord empire.

This particular example features a five-passenger convertible victoria body by the New York City concern of Rollston. Most of the Rollston convertible victorias had the blind quarter top; this quarter window type is especially rare. It is built on a 153.5-inch long-wheelbase chassis and is fitted with the normally aspirated 420 cubic-inch straight-eight that produces 265 horsepower.

A body-off-frame restoration was completed in 2002, including a complete engine rebuild. Also included is a full photo album of before, during, and after. Awards: 2002 AACA National First Place, 2002 CCCA (100) Points, 2002 First in Class @ Meadowbrook, Best Duesenberg @ Meadowbrook, Best Automotive Finish for entire field @ Meadowbrook, 2002 AACA National Award for being best Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg of the Year and received other local 1st place awards. Delivered new to Harry McGee January 20, 1931 2nd J.L. Snydam 3rd Harry McGee 4th Lou Lazarus 5th Ray Lutgert 6th Jim Southard 7th Burt Sugarman 8th Dr. Bob Grant 9th Norm Herstein, 10th Imperial Palace

by Duesenberg

La Grand Torpedo Phaeton by Weymann
Engine number: J 396

Duesenberg J 396 is a re-bodied Weymann La Grand Torpedo Phaeton, which is said to be the ultimate expression of the Model J in all its glory. The original design was penned by stylist Gordon Buehrig, and built by Brunn. Only five original Torpedo Phaetons were built, and they sit on a 154.5-inch wheelbase. This car won best of show for new coachwork at the ACD meet in Auburn, IN, and won the Bill Mitchell award for best design at the Meadow Brook Concours. An interesting feature is the instrumentation in the back seat so passengers in the back can observe the speed driven. This elegant 'Duesy' is the result of a 20-year restoration.

by Dan Vaughan

Phaeton by LeBaron
Chassis number: 2313
Engine number: J-492

This LeBaron Phaeton was sold new to big band leader Paul Whiteman in May of 1930. This body was initially on a short wheelbase chassis, but in 1932, Mr. Whiteman returned the car to the factory branch in New York or Philadelphia, where the body was removed and held inventory. In 1937 the owner of a Duesenberg Town Car had the body mounted onto this long-wheelbase chassis number 2313 and engine J-492.

Speedster by Figoni
Chassis number: 2509
Engine number: J-465

Figoni built three bodies for the Duesenberg chassis. This car, with chassis number 2509 and engine number J-465, is a true speedster without side windows. It is one of the few Duesenbergs to receive a steel body, rather than one created from aluminum.

This Duesenberg was shipped without coachwork to European distributor E. Z. Sadovich's Motors Deluxe of Paris, and their famed coachbuilder Joseph Figoni fitted it with a unique Sports Torpedo complete with a hood extended back to a low vee'd windshield and a tapered tail. It wore a two-tone blue paint scheme, was devoid of a rear bumper or running boards, and had French lights. Sadovich drove the car in the 1932 Paris-Nice Rallye before delivery to its first owner, Peruvian sugar heir and prolific Duesenberg customer Antonio Chopitea, who exhibited it at a concourse at Cannes, winning the 'Grand Prix'. The following year this Model J moved Stateside; in the 1960s its original coachwork was removed and ultimately mounted to another Model J chassis. The new coachwork was different than the original Figoni Speedster design, as was the red and black paint scheme. It was given a replica supercharger and bumpers. During the early 1980s, the Duesenberg was given a restoration, but many of the alternations made during the 1960s were retained.

In 2007, the Duesenberg was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance as an 'exhibit only' display. Since that time, it has been reunited with its original coachwork and a restoration has brought it back to its original configuration and color scheme. The result of this effort was rewarded in 2022 with Best of Show honors at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Roadster
Chassis number: 2410
Engine number: J434

Much like changes in season or fashion, it was not uncommon for the coachwork to change on high-priced automobiles. This car, S/N 2410, was originally purchased by George Tucker Smith, a U.S. Navy Surgeon, in late 1930. It was originally fitted with a Derham Sport Sedan body.

In March of 1932, he returned the car to Duesenberg's New York factory branch, where it was fitted with a new modified Packard Roadster body, similar in style to the Model 745. The result was a car that was longer than any Packard, and yet lower than any other Duesenberg. This provided a lower, more raked-back body, along with a sportier roadster feel. It was finished in black over tan.

18 months after being acquired by its original owner, (G. Tucker Smith of Virginia), it was traded at the Philadelphia Factory Branch. The car changed hands numerous times until being acquired by noted Duesenberg collector Melvin Clemans. It was under his ownership (until 1992) the car became known as the Green Hornet Duesenberg.

The car was restored in 2011, by R.M. Auto restorations. It is the sole example of this type of roadster body mated to a Model J chassis.

Convertible Sedan by LeBaron
Chassis number: 2350
Engine number: J-338

William S. Rupert of Philadelphia, PA took delivery of this Model J Duesenberg which had previously been used as a factory demonstrator. Originally, the car wore an Arlington sedan body built by Derham. In 1933, the car was purchased by William Ferguson, also of Philadelphia. Mr. Marion Roberts of Grand Island, New York purchased the car (along with J-127/2152) near the close of 1944. J-127, following a previous chassis renovation, had been fitted with a new Lebaron convertible sedan body. The LeBaron body had originally been destined to be installed on a Packard chassis. The Duesenbergs languished in his property before finally selling the automobiles as a pair to John North of Maryland in 1965. By mid-1967 Mr. North sold the pair to noted Duesenberg collector Homer Fitterling. During Mr. Fitterling's ownership, J-338 was treated to a thorough restoration. At that time, the LeBaron Convertible Sedan body was removed from chassis 2152 along with its firewall and installed on the restored chassis of J-338/2350. Upon completion, the car was put on display in the foyer of his museum.

In July of 1988, J-338 was inspected and certified by Duesenberg historian Fred Roe and was granted ACD Category One status. Upon Mr. Fitterling's passing, his entire collection was purchased as a group for $13 million by collector Ed Weaver. After Mr. Weaver's passing, his estate was sold at auction. J-338 was sold along with 20 other Duesenbergs among approximately 200 collector automobiles.

J-338 was subsequently shown at the 1996 Port Gardner Bay Concours where it earned high marks. In 2001, the convertible sedan was purchased by the current owner.

The car is currently finished in red and maroon over a red leather interior.

by Dan Vaughan

Tourster by Derham
Chassis number: 2456
Engine number: J-444

This Duesenberg Model J with chassis number 2456 and engine number J-444 rests on a large, 153.5-inch wheelbase. The long chassis was exaggerated by the car's lowered proportions, created by moving the rear seat ahead of the rear axle and the footwells within the frame rails. These changes increased room for passengers while allowing the top and sides of the body to be lower than on a standard phaeton.

The standard phaetons were popular and the second windshield did provide weather protection to the rear passengers. The problem was that the windshields were mounted on hinged metal tonneaus that had to be swung out of the way each time a passenger exited or entered the vehicle. With the Tourster, Buehring solved this common problem by having a rear windshield that slips up and down out of the back of the front seat with the turn of a crank. The windshield performed well and had a nice appearance, but could also be stowed away.

The Tourster body style was built exclusively by the Derham Body Company in Rosemont, Pennsylvania. A total of eight were originally produced, of which this car is the third.

The original owner of this car was comedian and actor Joe E. Brown. Brown retained the car for seven years. It then passed through a Cadillac dealer, who turned it over to Clement Hirsch. Several months later, when World War II began, Hirsch traded the car to his brother-in-law, Mark Jelmeland, who traded it into yet another dealership, Kal Kam Ford. The Ford dealer sold the car to William Hunter, from whom it was purchased by Hughes Aircraft.

The company of aviator Howard Hughes elected to remove the rear body section, in order to use the Model J to tow gliders aloft. The car's torque allowed it to launch even the largest aircraft, and it continued to serve as a test vehicle for Briegleb Aircraft after it was sold to them in 1945.

Robert Straede of Santa Monica purchased the car in 1948. It then passed to Lassiter Hoyle. Hoyle sold the car in June of 1949 to Fred Buesse Jr., who kept it for 11 years before selling it to Nate Derus in January of 1960. Now missing the remaining body panels, the car eventually passed to Phil Renick and then to Lewis Landoli, who had restorer Harry Andrews reconstruct the original body. The work was completed in the mid-1970s by new owner Frank McGowan. McGowan sold the finished car to Otis Chandler who would keep the car for 10 years. Chandler showed the car on a few occasions and displayed it for the rest of the time in his private museum in Oxnard, California. During Chandler's ownership, the car was awarded a CCCA National First Prize, followed by its Senior Award in October 1989.

In March of 1996, Chandler sold the car to John McMullen, of Michigan. In Mr. McMullen's care, it earned Best in Show at the Gilmore Car Museum's Grand Experience in 2001 and numerous Best in Class and class awards, including, notably, Best in Class at the 1995 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance and the Gordon Buehrig Memorial Award for Best ACD Car at the same event the following year.

The car joined the John O'Quinn collection in 2007. In 2013, it came to auction at RM Auction's Amelia Island Sale where it was sold for $825,000 including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Tourster by Derham
Engine number: J-408

This car featured not only great mechanical engineering but inspired design and quality coachwork as well. This Duesenberg was delivered to Charles Groff on November 20, 1931, in Philadelphia, PA. It is powered by a Straight-8, overhead-valve configuration actuated by dual overhead camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder, producing 265 horsepower, and is coupled with a three-speed transmission. Over the years, it passed through several documented owners. Ted Billings was restoring another Derham Tourster and meticulously copied the body, thus creating this near-perfect re-bodied Tourster car. The current owners acquired the Duesenberg in June of 2008 and commissioned the restoration. The car was shown at the 2016 Amelia Island Concours as a chassis only, the way Fred Duesenberg sold it. A year later, at the 2017 edition of the Amelia Island Concours, the restoration had been completed.

This J-408 Phaeton was ordered by Charles Groff on August 24, 1930 and was delivered on November 20, 1931. The Duesenberg Model J was the choice of movie stars, millionaires, magnates, and royalty. It had been bodied by Willoughby of Utica, New York with one of their berline bodies.

Willoughby was a producer of custom bodies built in short series for major American automobile companies. Usually, the bodies were produced in runs of 50 or less with individual specifications allowing purchasers to add special details that set their automobile apart, while still maintaining the financial benefits of series production. These details include upholstery materials and design, and interior and exterior hardware is supplied to the customer's specifications. The main body construction was superbly done and utilized clever processes to speed up production while maintaining quality. An example of this was their use of complicated thin-wall castings to provide excellent body details with minimum handwork.

After an accident in the 1950s, the original Willoughby Berline body was replaced by a copy of the Tourster body designed by Gordon Buehrig, of which eight were built by Derham. This body was created in Ted Billings' restoration facility in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Billings built several Derham Tourster bodies for use on Duesenberg chassis that had missing or deteriorated original coachwork. These bodies are essentially duplicates of the original design and were built of aluminum over wood framing.

This car is powered by a 420 cubic-inch double-overhead-cam, supercharged, straight 8 engine developing 320 horsepower, coupled to a 3-speed manual transmission making it capable of a top speed of 150 mph. This 5,280 lb. vehicle rides on 18-inch wire wheels fitted with 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. The chassis alone sold for $9,000 in 1932.

The vehicle was re-bodied using a Derham Phaeton for a pattern and it is coming off a three-year restoration. The long-wheelbase chassis, eight-cylinder double overhead cam engine, and body have been restored by Scott Arnstrom of Lakeland Motors Inc., to the original grandeur and performance the Duesenberg and Derham represented.

Convertible Sedan by Dietrich

This Dietrich body Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan epitomizes the true essence of a world-class luxury automobile.

This automobile is believed to have been sold new to Clara S. Peck at the Chicago Duesenberg showroom. Ms. Peck was the heiress to the Woolworth department store fortune and a lifelong breeder of thoroughbred horses. She was also known to be a collector of fine exotic automobiles and rare books.

This Model J is currently the only Dietrich body convertible sedan known to exist, as a sister car was destroyed many years ago. It truly represents the pinnacle of American luxury and performance at a time when nearly every man was struggling to survive.

Of course, Duesenberg was not immune to the financial struggles and worries of the 1930s. Sales fell far short of their 500 unit per year sales target. This would eventually lead to the failure of E.L. Cord's automotive conglomerate of Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg.

A total of just 481 Model J Duesenbergs were produced with various coach-built bodies over a period of nearly ten years, from 1928-1937. Today, the few surviving examples are among the most prized and coveted American automobiles ever produced.

Tourster by Derham
Chassis number: 2468
Engine number: J-451

This Duesenberg is one of the eight original Toursters. It was built on March 23rd of 1931 and given Derham body number 2323. The first owner was David G. Joyce of Chicago. In 1935, Gerald Morava of Chicago acquired the car and subsequently traded it in on a Cadillac in 1942. It was acquired from the Cadillac Motor Car Company of Chicago by D. Cameron Peck, for the sum of $325. Mr. Peck sold his Tourster in 1948 to A.C. Baker of Michigan, who passed it a decade later to Ernest R. Mills of Indiana. Mr. Mills began a restoration, and worked on it for about fifteen years, sourcing pieces of original equipment and hardware, and rebuilding it mechanically. The body was finished in pale green with white trim, a tan interior, and a tan top.

The restored car was sold in the mid-1970s to Johnnie Basset of Arkansas. Two years later it was acquired by the Jerry J. Moore Museum in Houston, Texas, and subsequently through the Blackhawk Collection into Dr. Joseph Murphy's collection in New Hope, Pennsylvania.

The current owner acquired the car in 2001 and it has been maintained in his European collection since.

by Dan Vaughan

Tourster by Derham
Chassis number: 2468
Engine number: J-451

The Duesenberg Model J was available on either a long wheelbase of 153.5 inches for 7-passenger coachwork or a standard chassis of 142.5 inches. This Duesenberg J with Tourster coachwork by Derham is built on the longer chassis. The Tourster style was designed by Gordon Buehrig and, unlike other Dual Cowl Phaetons, it features a second windshield that slides up and down behind the front seat by means of a crank handle. The Tourster was Buehrig's favorite design and he chose the Derham Body Company of Rosemont, Pennsylvania, to be the exclusive builder of this coachwork. This Duesenberg is one of eight original Tourster models. It was sold new to David G. Joyce of Chicago. Today it is one of the very few remaining original examples of what many consider to be Derham's most beautiful coachwork.

Convertible Sedan by LeBaron
Chassis number: 2350
Engine number: J-338

This Duesenberg Model J was originally fitted with an Arlington sedan body by Derham and used as a factory demonstrator. After Several owners, the car was sold in 1944 to Mr. Marion Roberts of Grand Island, New York, where it joined another Duesenberg, (J127 on chassis 2152), which had originally been fitted with this LeBaron Convertible Sedan body. Both Duesenbergs were then sold to noted Duesenberg collector Homer Fitterling, who undertook a restoration on this Model J but sadly determined its original Derham body was beyond repair. A body swap was carried out, and the LeBaron Convertible Sedan was installed on the restored chassis of this car. Upon completion, the car was granted ACD Category One status by Duesenberg historian Fred Roe. More recently, the car spent a few years in the Petersen Collection. The current owner acquired it in 2013 and a new restoration has just been completed.

Sport Convertible Sedan by Derham
Chassis number: 2486
Engine number: J-475

This Duesenberg Model J SWB Sport Convertible Sedan has coachwork by the Derham Body Company. The Derham Company has a history that dates back to 1887 when they built carriage bodies for many of the wealthy residents of Philadelphia, PA. With the invention of the automobile, many of Derham's elite clientele look to them to provide the same luxurious bodies for their new motorcars. Their client list included Pope Pius XII, King Farouk, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, film star Clark Gable, industrial designer Raymond Loewy, and many other prominent figures. Derham-bodied limousines were also used in some 15 coronation ceremonies around the world.

The Derham Company weathered the Great Depression years and World War II, remaining in business until 1971.

Nearly 40 bodies were built by Derham for the Duesenberg J and SJ chassis, most were formal town cars and limousines. This particular example is one of the few open cars built by Derham on the Duesenberg chassis. It is a Sport Convertible Sedan resting on the short-wheelbase Duesenberg Model J chassis. It is one of five Derham Sport Convertible Sedans manufactured, and one of two with the 'V' windshield. The other four Derham Sport Convertible Sedans were J-488, J-505, J-170 (engine only remains), and J-469 (scrapped).

The Horlick family owned three different Model Js in period, including this example. Maybelle Horlick of Racine, Wisconsin purchased this example and owned it until her death in 1938. It was then purchased on April 3rd of 1940 by noted Duesenberg re-seller, John Troka of Chicago. Mr. Troka sold it to Mr. L.E. Adams of Olympia, WA on August 1st of 1940. Mr. Miles Rorvig owned it for a brief period before selling it in 1952 to Mr. Gerald Stroheker, also located in the Pacific Northwest. After Mr. Strohecker's death, the car was willed to Mr. Charlie Norris of Portland, Oregon. It later sold the car and it was described as 'in need of a total restoration.' The current owner acquired the car from Mr. Norris and has remained in his care for the past 45 years. A restoration was performed during the mid-1980s. It was then shown at several meets, including the annual Auburn, Indiana Labor Day ACD Club Festival, and several Pacific Northwest classic events during his tenure. The car has also been displayed at The LeMan - America's Car Museum for approximately two years.

Phaeton by LeBaron
Chassis number: 2189
Engine number: J168

First fitted in late 1930 with 4-door sedan-style coachwork by Derham, this short-wheelbase Duesenberg J was re-bodied after a few months with this LeBaron Phaeton coachwork for the 1931 New York Auto Salon. The design is unique and features sculpted doors with concealed hinges and a steeply raked split windshield. The car was first sold to Bob McEldowney of Pennsylvania before going to Duesenberg dealer and collector John Troka in the late 1930s. Ten years later, it was restored by its then-owner Bob Robertson. After the war the car changed hands several times, spending ten years with Jack Passey, and was restored again in 1993. In 1999, it was bought by Otis Chandler, and when the Chandler collection was sold, the current owner was lucky enough to acquire the car for his well-known collection.

Tourster by Derham

The 1931 Tourster is said to be designer Gordon Buehrigs's favorite Duesenberg. With the many Duesenberg designs he is credited to, that is a very strong statement. Just eight were built in 1931 on a 153.5-inch wheelbase Model J chassis. The exclusive body builder for the Tourster was Derham Body Company of Rosemont, Pennsylvania. Beuhrig devised a unique way to address the common issue of dual-cowl Phaetons which required hinging the rear windscreen. The Tourster utilizes a sliding rear screen operated by a hand crank.

This Durham Tourster completed an extensive full restoration in (or around) 2021. The black finish is complemented by a grey ostrich interior with a grey canvas top. It went down to the bare chassis, and meticulous care was taken to return it to its original glory. the 2021 Concours d'Elegance at the Inn at St. Johns was its first public showing post-restoration.

Sport Convertible Sedan by Derham
Chassis number: 2486
Engine number: J-475

Pennsylvania coachbuilder Derham mounted five Duesenbergs with this handsome vee-windshield Convertible Sedan design. This particular car was one of no fewer than five Model Js originally delivered to malted milk heiress Maybelle Horlick Sidley of Racine, Wisconsin, a woman to whom the soda fountain craze had been very good over the years. Following her passing in 1938, the car was sold from her estate and driven across the country to a gentleman in Washington State, and it has remained in western ownership ever since. Most prominently it was long possessed by noted Duesenberg aficionado Charlie Norris of Oregon, then for 44 years by the late Clifford Stranburg, who loved the car and carefully undertook a full restoration. The current owners acquired the car from Mr. Stranburg, fulfilling a longtime dream of Model J ownership.

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, the 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 its 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 2nd, and turned around 0-60 in 8 seconds. The supercharged Model J came with 320 HP and the supercharger was placed alongside the engine, with creased exhaust pipes to make room for 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 competitors.

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 its 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.

by Jessican Donaldson

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 Rickenbacker 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 company's 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 were relocated in July of 1921 from New Jersey to Indianapolis. Part of the purpose of the move was to focus more on the production of passenger vehicles. The Company had a hard time selling its 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 the lack of selling automobiles sent the company into receivership in 1922. After a few years, it's debts had been resolved, thanks 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, the 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 engine output, the 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 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 that 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. The 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 America and Europe were selected to clothe the Model J and Model SJ in some of the grandest and most 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, a dashboard, and sometimes a swiveling spotlight. 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, the 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 in case 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. Monarchs, kings, queens, and the very wealthy accounted for the rest of the sales.

Production continued until the company ceased production in 1937. Little changed in the Model J over the years. The four-speed gearbox was replaced by an unsynchronized three-speed unit that was better suited to cope with the engine's power. The last Model SJ's produced had ram-horn intakes and were 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 that 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 were too much for E.L. Cord to consider, 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.

by Dan Vaughan