Duesenberg: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|American engine and automobile manufacturer}} |
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{{Other uses}} |
{{Other uses}} |
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{{Coord|39|46|00|N|86|11|17|W|display=title}} |
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{{Good article}} |
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{{Use American English|date=September 2022}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2011}} |
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2011}} |
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{{Infobox company |
{{Infobox company |
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| name |
| name = Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc. |
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| logo |
| logo = Duesenberg logo.jpg |
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| type = |
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| traded_as = |
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| fate = Dissolved |
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| predecessor = Duesenberg Motors Company (1913–1919) |
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| fate = |
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| successor = |
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| foundation = [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]], U.S. ({{Start date|1920}}) |
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| successor = |
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| founders = {{ubl|[[August Duesenberg]]|[[Fred Duesenberg]]}} |
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| foundation = [[Des Moines, Iowa|Des Moines]], [[Iowa]], United States ({{Start date|1913}}) |
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| defunct = {{End date and age|1937}} |
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| founder = {{ubl | [[August Duesenberg]] | [[Fred Duesenberg|Frederick Duesenberg]] }} |
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| location_city = [[Auburn, Indiana]] |
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| defunct = {{End date|1937}} |
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| location_country = U.S. |
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| location_city = [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]] |
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| locations = |
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| location_country = United States |
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| area_served = |
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| key_people = {{ubl|August Duesenberg<br>(co-founder)|Fred Duesenberg<br>(co-founder)|[[Errett Lobban Cord]]<br>(owner from 1926 to 1937)}} |
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| area_served = |
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| industry = {{ubl|Automobile manufacturing|Engine manufacturing}} |
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| key_people = |
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| products = {{hlist|[[Duesenberg Model A|Model A]]|[[#Model X (1926–1927)|Model X]]|[[Duesenberg Model J|Model J]]}} |
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| industry = {{ubl | Automobile manufacturing | Engine manufacturing }} |
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| services = |
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| products = {{ubl | Model A | Model J | Model X }} |
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| parent = [[Auburn Automobile|Auburn Automobile Company]] |
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| homepage = <!-- {{URL|examplesite.com}} --> |
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'''Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc.''' was an American [[race car|racing]] and [[luxury car|luxury automobile]] manufacturer founded in [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]], by brothers [[Fred Duesenberg|Fred]] and [[August Duesenberg]] in 1920. The company is known for popularizing the [[straight-eight engine]] and four-wheel [[hydraulic brakes]]. A Duesenberg car was the first American car to win a Grand Prix race, winning the [[1921 French Grand Prix]]. Duesenbergs won the [[Indianapolis 500]] in [[1922 Indianapolis 500|1922]] (when eight of the top ten finishers were Duesenbergs), [[1924 Indianapolis 500|1924]], [[1925 Indianapolis 500|1925]] and [[1927 Indianapolis 500|1927]]. Transportation executive [[Errett Lobban Cord]] acquired the Duesenberg corporation in 1926. The company was sold and dissolved in 1937. |
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'''Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc.''' (sometimes referred to as [[Duesenberg#Etymological note|"Duesy"]]) was an American manufacturer of luxury [[automobile]]s. Founded in [[Des Moines, Iowa|Des Moines]], [[Iowa]], United States by brothers [[August Duesenberg]] and [[Fred Duesenberg|Frederick Duesenberg]], the company's principal place of operations moved to [[Auburn, Indiana|Auburn]], [[Indiana]]. Duesenberg was active in various forms from 1913 to 1937. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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[[File:Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Co. 1921.jpg|thumb|230px|Half a share, issued in June 1921]] |
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[[Image:Geburtshaus duesenberg.jpg|150px|left|thumb|A model J in front of Fred & Augie Duesenberg birthplace in Kirchheide Germany]] |
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[[File:1922 Duesenberg Indianapolis 500 winner (15965822369).jpg|thumb|230px|The Murphy Special, in which [[Jimmy Murphy (racing driver)|Jimmy Murphy]] won the [[1921 French Grand Prix]] and the 1922 [[Indianapolis 500]]]] |
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In 1913, brothers [[Fred Duesenberg|Frederick]] and [[August Duesenberg]] founded Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc. on 915 Grand Avenue in [[Des Moines, Iowa]], to build [[sports car]]s. Born in 1876 and 1879 respectively in Kirchheide<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helipad-consulting.com/duesy/duesyeng.html |title=''Fred & Augie Duesenberg: The carbuilders from Kirchheide'' (2008) | first=Ulrich | last=Schumacher |publisher=Helipad-consulting.com |date=2007-09-03 |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> ([[Lemgo]]), [[Germany]], the two brothers were self-taught engineers and built many experimental cars. Duesenberg cars were considered some of the very best cars of the time, and were built entirely by hand. In 1914, [[Eddie Rickenbacker]] drove a "Duesy" to finish in 10th place at the [[Indianapolis 500]], and a Duesenberg won the race in 1924, 1925, and 1927. The fledgling company sidestepped into aviation engine manufacturing when [[Raynal Bolling|Colonel R.C. Bolling]] and his commission acquired a license to produce the [[Bugatti U-16]] for the U.S. military aviation. The end of [[World War I]] stopped this project before it could ever mature. |
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[[Fred Duesenberg|Fred]] and [[August Duesenberg]] began designing engines in the early 1900s, after Fred became involved with [[bicycle racing]].<ref name="Indy1">{{cite book |last1=Vanderstel |first1=Sheryl D. |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=Duesenberg, Fred S. and August S. "Augie" |date=November 22, 1994 |publisher=[[Indiana University Press]] |isbn=978-0-253-11249-1 |page=513 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bg13QcMSsq8C&pg=PA513 |access-date=March 29, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407010418/https://books.google.com/books?id=bg13QcMSsq8C&pg=PA513 |url-status=live }}</ref> The brothers designed a vehicle in 1905, and they formed the [[Mason Motor Car Company]] in 1906 with funds from lawyer Edward R. Mason in [[Des Moines]], [[Iowa]].<ref name="Indy1"/> [[Frederick Louis Maytag I|F.{{nbs}}L.]] and [[Elmer Henry Maytag|Elmer Maytag]] acquired a majority stake in the company and renamed it the [[Maytag-Mason Motor Company|Maytag-Mason Automobile Company]] until they sold their stake in 1912.<ref name="Newton1">{{cite news |title=Historic Maytag-Mason automobile now on exhibit |last1=Barthelman |first1=Ken |url=https://www.newtondailynews.com/2015/06/01/historic-maytag-mason-automobile-now-on-exhibit/a9s9y3z/ |work=[[Newton Daily News]] |date=June 2, 2015 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418032830/https://www.newtondailynews.com/2015/06/01/historic-maytag-mason-automobile-now-on-exhibit/a9s9y3z/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The Duesenberg brothers then moved to [[Saint Paul (city)|Saint Paul]], [[Minnesota]], where they established the Duesenberg Motors Company in 1913. [[Eddie Rickenbacker]] drove the first Duesenberg-designed vehicle to race at the [[Indianapolis 500]] in 1914, placing tenth. During [[World War I]], the Duesenbergs designed and built aircraft engines in [[Elizabeth, New Jersey|Elizabeth]], [[New Jersey]]. A Duesenberg driven by [[Tommy Milton]] won the 1919 [[Elgin National Road Races|Elgin Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kalracing.com/Autoracing/Elgin_National_Road_Races_History.htm |title=Elgin National Road Races History |publisher=kalracing.com |access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref> In 1919, the brothers sold their Saint Paul factories.<ref name="PC1">{{cite news |last1=Spaulding |first1=George |title=High-end carmaker was 'duesey' |work=[[The Post and Courier]] |date=April 28, 2007}}</ref> |
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In 1923, drivers at Indianapolis 500 used Duesenbergs as [[pace car]]s. In 1921, [[James Anthony Murphy|Jimmy Murphy]] became the first American to win the [[French Grand Prix]] when he drove a Duesenberg to victory at the [[Le Mans]] racetrack. |
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In 1920, the Duesenberg brothers relocated to [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]], where they founded the Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, manufacturing the [[Duesenberg Model A]].<ref name="Indy2">{{cite book |last1=Buttermore |first1=Gregg |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=Duesenberg |date=November 22, 1994 |publisher=Indiana University Press |isbn=978-0-253-11249-1 |pages=513–514 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bg13QcMSsq8C&pg=PA513 |access-date=March 29, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407010418/https://books.google.com/books?id=bg13QcMSsq8C&pg=PA513 |url-status=live }}</ref> The brothers assumed engineering roles after signing over the naming rights and patents for Duesenberg engines to promoters Newton E. Van Zandt and Luther M. Rankin.{{r|"Borgeson1"|p=40}} The first Model{{nbs}}A was commissioned by Hawaiian businessman and politician [[Samuel Northrup Castle]]. The car had a {{convert|260|cuin|L|adj=on}} [[straight-eight engine]] that output {{convert|88|hp}}, the largest engine in a commercially available vehicle at the time, and was the first to have hydraulic brakes on all its wheels.<ref name="Drive1">{{cite web |last1=Shaw |first1=Kristin V. |title=1921 Duesenberg Model A Belonged to the Same Family for Almost a Century |url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/39252/1921-duesenberg-model-a-belonged-to-the-same-family-for-almost-a-century |website=The Drive |access-date=April 14, 2022 |language=en |date=February 13, 2021 |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414232018/https://www.thedrive.com/news/39252/1921-duesenberg-model-a-belonged-to-the-same-family-for-almost-a-century |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Indy2"/> |
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==Products== |
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===Model A (1921–1927)=== |
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At the end of World War I, they ceased building aviation and marine engines in [[Elizabeth, New Jersey|Elizabeth]], [[New Jersey]]. In 1919 the Duesenberg brothers sold their [[Minnesota]] and New Jersey factories to [[John Willys]] and moved to a new headquarters and factory in [[Indianapolis]], where the "Duesenberg Automobile and Motors Company, Inc." was established in 1920 to begin production of passenger cars. The plant was located on a {{convert|17|acre|m2|adj=on}} site on West [[Washington Street (Indianapolis)|Washington street]] at Harding street until 1937.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.es/books?id=bg13QcMSsq8C&lpg=PP1&dq=the%20encyclopedia%20of%20indianapolis&pg=PA513#v=onepage&q=&f=true | first1=David J. | last1= Bodenhamer |first2= Robert Graham | last2= Barrows | title= The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis| year= 1994| page= 513 |publisher=Books.google.es |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> |
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The company continued to build race cars as well, and a Duesenberg driven by [[Jimmy Murphy (racing driver)|Jimmy Murphy]] won the [[1921 French Grand Prix]], the first American car to do so. Duesenberg cars also performed well at the Indianapolis 500 during the 1920s, winning the race in 1922, 1924, 1925 and 1927.<ref name="Indy1"/><ref name="VS1">{{cite news |last1=Gershkovitch |first1=Eli |last2=McEwen |first2=Harvey |title=Real doozy debuts at Concours: Duesenberg to be seen Saturday was owner's 53-year labour of love |work=[[The Vancouver Sun]] |date=September 3, 2004}}</ref> |
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Although the Duesenberg brothers were world-class engineers, they were neither good businessmen nor administrators; they were unable to sell all the units of their first passenger car, the Model A. This had the [[Duesenberg Straight-8 engine|first "mass-produced" straight eight engine]] in the U.S.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} It was an extremely advanced and expensive automobile (prices began at $6,500),<ref name="books.google.es">{{cite book|url=http://books.google.es/books?id=IB4lNRyclpkC&lpg=PP1&dq=American%20Horsepower%3A%20100%20Years%20of%20Great%20Car%20Engines%20mike%20mueller&pg=PA51#v=onepage&q=&f=true) |title=American Horsepower: 100 Years of Grear Car Engines | first= Mike | last= Mueller |year= 2006 |page= 51 |publisher=Books.google.es |date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> offering features such as single [[overhead camshaft]]s, four-valve [[cylinder head]]s, and the first four wheel (16"<ref name="oldcarbrochures.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/enwiki/static/NA/Duesenberg/1922_Duesenberg_Model_A_Catalogue/1922%20Duesenberg%20Model%20A%20Catalogue-08.html |title=Directory Index: Duesenberg/1922_Duesenberg_Model_A_Catalogue |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |date= |accessdate=2012-04-06}}</ref>) [[hydraulic brake]]s (designed by Fred)<ref name="AUiFxwYK6qwC 1984 p. 40">{{cite book|url=http://books.google.es/books?id=AUiFxwYK6qwC&lpg=PA3&dq=errett%20lobban%20griffith&pg=PA40#v=onepage&q=&f=true |title=Errett Lobban: His Empire, His Motor Cars: Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg | first=Griffith |last= Borgeson |year= 1984 | page= 40 |publisher=Books.google.es |date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> offered on a passenger car anywhere (predating Adler's introduction to the European market in 1927 on the "Standard 6"). The Model A was a lighter and smaller vehicle than the competition. It was more powerful and the fastest car of its time.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} Among the celebrities who purchased this model were [[Tom Mix]] and [[Rudolph Valentino]]. |
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Van Zandt left the company in 1921, after which it struggled financially and entered [[receivership]] in 1924.{{r|"Borgeson1"|p=42}} Duesenberg was purchased by [[Errett Lobban Cord]] in 1926. August's role in the passenger-car side of the business declined after Cord's takeover, and August worked primarily in Duesenberg's racing division after 1926, designing all Duesenberg race cars built from that year until the company's dissolution.<ref name="Wolff1">{{cite news |last1=Wolff |first1=Raymond A. |title=Duesenberg: It's a grand old time |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=svPzoud4n_MC&pg=PA348 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |work=Automobile Quarterly |issue=4 |publisher=Automobile Quarterly Inc. |date=Spring 1966 |isbn=9781596131156 |language=en |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415000648/https://books.google.com/books?id=svPzoud4n_MC&pg=PA348 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|367}} Two years later, Cord had the Duesenbergs make a new model to "outclass" all other American cars. In 1929, the company began selling the [[Duesenberg Model J]], which was powered by a {{convert|265|hp|kW|adj=on}} straight-eight engine. The body and cabin were custom-built by [[coachbuilder]]s. Prices for the cars ranged from $14,000 to $20,000 at the time.<ref name="Indy2"/> |
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The model experienced various delays going from prototype to production. Deliveries to dealers did not start until December 1921.<ref name="AUiFxwYK6qwC 1984 p. 40"/> Sales lagged and the goal of building 100 Duesenbergs each month proved far too high, as the Indianapolis plant struggled to roll out one a day. In 1922 no more than 150 cars were manufactured,<ref>{{cite book| url=http://books.google.es/books?id=IB4lNRyclpkC&lpg=PP1&dq=American%20Horsepower%3A%20100%20Years%20of%20Great%20Car%20Engines%20mike%20mueller&pg=PA52#v=onepage&q=&f=true |first=Mike |last= Mueller |title= American Horsepower: 100 Years of Great Car Engines | year= 2006 | page= 52 |publisher=Books.google.es |date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> and only 650 Model As were sold over a period of six years. |
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Duesenbergs were considered to be among the most luxurious American cars ever made. Historian [[Donald Davidson (historian)|Donald Davidson]] called them the "most prestigious passenger car" in American history and likened them to an American version of the [[Rolls-Royce Motor Cars|Rolls-Royce]].<ref name="Star1">{{cite news |last1=Pointer |first1=Michael |title=Legendary landmarks |work=[[The Indianapolis Star]] |date=May 27, 2007}}</ref> The vehicles were popular with movie stars, royalty and other wealthy individuals. The company was sold by Cord and dissolved in 1937.<ref name="Indy2"/> The last Duesenberg to be made by the original company was completed in 1940, commissioned by German artist [[Rudolf Bauer (artist)|Rudolf Bauer]] and completed by August Duesenberg after the company had shut down.<ref name="Bloomberg1">{{cite web |last1=Apen |first1=John |title=The Longest Duesenberg |url=http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2007-04-13/the-longest-duesenbergbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice |website=[[Bloomberg Businessweek]] |access-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022002804/http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2007-04-13/the-longest-duesenbergbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |language=en |date=April 13, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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'''1922 Model A Specs''' |
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In 1998, [[The Franklin Mint]] started producing collectible [[scale models]] of [[Duesenberg Coupé Simone]], a fictitious custom-made luxury car allegedly manufactured in the late 1930s.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.automotive-art.com/how-franklin-mint-rocked-scale-model-collectors-with-fictitious-model/| title =How Franklin Mint rocked scale model collectors with fictitious model| publisher =Automotive-Art| date =| accessdate =7 March 2024| archive-date =July 10, 2017| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20170710015324/http://www.automotive-art.com/how-franklin-mint-rocked-scale-model-collectors-with-fictitious-model/| url-status =bot: unknown}}</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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! Engine !! Power !! Transmission !! Wheelbase !! Ground Clearance !! Frame |
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|260CID 1-bbl.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/enwiki/static/NA/Duesenberg/1922_Duesenberg_Model_A_Catalogue/1922%20Duesenberg%20Model%20A%20Catalogue-07.html |title=1922 Duesenberg Model A Catalogue |publisher= Oldcarbrochures.com |date= |accessdate=2012-04-06}}</ref> I8<ref name="Kimes 1996">{{cite book| last= Kimes| first= Beverly| title=Standard catalog of American Cars 1805-1942|year=1996|publisher=Krause publications|isbn=0-87341-428-4}}</ref> || 90-100 hp || 3-speed manual<ref name= "oldcarbrochures.com"/> || {{convert|134|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} || {{convert|10|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} || Chrome Nickel steel {{convert|6.40|in|mm|sing=on}} in depth<ref name="oldcarbrochures.com"/> |
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===Revivals=== |
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Winning races did not translate into financial success either, although that winning reputation would eventually attract new investors, who supplied the cash flow to prop up the production facility. The brothers continued to create excellent engines for cars, boats, and a few planes but only as employees of various capitalist investors who bought the rights to their famous family name.<ref name="books.google.es"/> |
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Several unsuccessful attempts were made to revive the Duesenberg name.<ref name="Star1"/> August Duesenberg failed to restart the company in 1947, and an attempt by his son, Fritz, and car designer [[Virgil Exner]] to revive the brand failed after the production of one [[concept car]] in 1966.<ref name="CST1">{{cite news |last1=Jedlicka |first1=Dan |title=Marriage of muscle and magic; No car holds a candle to Duesenberg |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |date=January 24, 1999}}</ref><ref name="DFP1">{{cite news |last1=Phelan |first1=Mark |title=The Last Duesenberg is about to go to auction |work=[[Detroit Free Press]] |publisher=[[Gannett]] |date=July 14, 2019}}</ref> In 1970, Bernard Miller bought the Duesenberg Corporation and produced the SSJ model from templates taken from the original 1935 SSJ La Grande body. The body was aluminum over ash. There were grand plans for over 300 SSJ's to be produced but over the company's life span of 1970-1974 only 8 were completed.<ref>The Duesenberg, Steinwedel, Louis William; Newport,J.Hebert; W.W. Norton & Company copyright 1982</ref> |
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=== Duesenberg II === |
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The firm had already acquired a considerable aura of prestige when in October 1919, Fred signed over the rights to his name, patents and drawings for a passenger car to a pair of promoters, Newton E. Van Zandt and Luther M. Rankin,<ref name="AUiFxwYK6qwC 1984 p. 40"/> who demonstrated that they didn't know all that much about the car business either. On March 8, 1920, these people became president and vice president of the "Duesenberg Automobile and Motors Corporation of Indianapolis". Fred was chief engineer and Augie his assistant, and both were salaried as employees. |
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[[File:Duesenberg II - Dual Cowl Phaeton.jpg|thumb|1982 Duesenberg II - Royalton Dual Cowl Phaeton]] |
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Van Zandt quit after a year, and business went from bad to worse in 1923. In 1924 the company went into receivership, but somehow it survived that year.<ref name="AUiFxwYK6qwC 1984 p. 42">{{cite book|url=http://books.google.es/books?id=AUiFxwYK6qwC&lpg=PA3&dq=errett%20lobban%20griffith&pg=PA42#v=onepage&q=&f=true |first=Griffith | last= Borgeson | title=Errett Lobban: His Empire, His Motor Cars: Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg | year= 1984 |page= 42 |publisher=Books.google.es |date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> In 1925, the firm’s name was changed to “Duesenberg Motors Corporation” and Fred assumed the title of president.<ref name="AUiFxwYK6qwC 1984 p. 42"/> Fred and August struggled to keep the company, but to no avail, as they weren't able to raise enough capital. |
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In 1978, Elite Heritage Motors acquired the trademark for Duesenberg<ref>{{cite web |title=US Patent Trademark Office |url=https://uspto.report/TM/73355291 |website=USPTO}}</ref> and started producing the handmade "Duesenberg II" in [[Elroy, Wisconsin|Elroy]], [[Wisconsin]], under the name Duesenberg Motors Company.<ref name="Trib1">{{cite news |last1=Flammang |first1=James M. |title=Duesenberg, muscle cars highlight Volo exhibit |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=February 13, 2002}}</ref> The "Duesenberg II" retained the styling of the cars from the 1920s and 1930s, but included some modern updates, such as stereo systems, air conditioning, and an automatic transmission.<ref name="APP1">{{cite news |last1=Wilno |first1=Donald L. |title=It's not a real doozie, but a good replica |work=[[Asbury Park Press]] |date=February 25, 2000}}</ref> Each "Duesenberg II" was precisely measured using an original example as a template. Over 5,000 manhours of craftsmanship was put into each car.<ref>{{cite web |title=Duesenberg II History |url=https://www.volocars.com/auto-sales/duesenberg-ii-history |website=Volo Auto Museum |access-date=6 May 2024}}</ref> In 1981, a new Duesenberg II Royalton had a base price of $125,000. <ref name="JCST1">{{cite news |last1=Damask |first1=Kevin |title=Elite Heritage Motors employees reunite; Elroy plant produced classic Duesenberg II |work=Juneau County Star-Times |date=April 2, 2016}}</ref> The company produced several models, including the Torpedo sedan and phaeton, and the Murphy roadster.<ref name="Trib1"/> The factory produced a total of 67 cars before closing in 2001.<ref name="JCST1"/> |
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===Model X (1926–1927)=== |
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Model X Duesenbergs are very rare. It was a sportier version of the model A with a heavier and longer ({{convert|136|in|mm|abbr=on}} [[wheelbase]]) chassis and {{convert|100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} engine that enabled it to reach {{convert|100|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Kimes 1996"/> The most notable differences between the A and X were that the latter had hypoid differentials and all its valves were on one side; it sported the hydraulic brakes that Fred had originated on his 1914 racing cars. This braking system could have earned him a fortune if he had obtained a patent.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=svPzoud4n_MC&lpg=PA337&dq=Automobile%20Quarterly%3AVol-4%20%234&pg=PA358#v=onepage&q=&f=true |first= Raymond A. |last= Wolff | title= Duesenberg It's Grand Old Name | work=Automobile Quarterly | volume=4 |number= 4 |issue=Spring 1966 |page= 358 |publisher=|date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> |
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=== Duesenberg Custom Coach === |
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According to Randy Ema, the top Duesenberg authority in the United States, only 13 were built. They fit in between the Duesenberg Model A and the famous J; only four were known to survive until comedian [[Jay Leno]] found a fifth X in a neighborhood garage in 2005. |
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In 1996, the Duesenberg name was purchased by Minnesota based company Maple Plain Corporation, who revealed plans for a new model in 2005, intended to be produced by sister company Duesenberg Custom Coach. Designed by [[Jeff Teague (automotive designer)|Jeff Teague]], the new 'Duesenberg Torpedo Coupe' would feature a radical [[Axial engine|axial]] [[Engine configuration|twelve-cylinder engine]] layout known as a 'Cylindrical Energy Module' or CEM.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Duesenberg Torpedo Coupe {{!}} Concept Cars {{!}} Diseno-Art |url=http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/concept_cars/duesenberg_torpedo_coupe.html |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=www.diseno-art.com}}</ref> Adapted from a [[Fire pump|firefighting pump]] design by car designer [[Eddie Paul]], the CEM would rotate on an axis, sucking in fuel and providing self lubrication and was capable of running on either [[Gasoline|petrol]] or [[Diesel engine|diesel]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Paukert |first=Chris |date=2006-02-02 |title=No oil pump? An engine case that rotates?? Gas or diesel??? Now that's a Duesy! |url=https://www.autoblog.com/news/no-oil-pump-an-engine-case-that-rotates-gas-or-diesel-now |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Autoblog: Car News, Reviews and Buying Guides |language=en}}</ref> The powerplant would also allegedly create only 1/6th of the heat of a conventional engine, meaning [[air cooling]] would be sufficient. A [[Mercedes-Benz Group|Mercedes]] V12 engine was planned to be used if this powerplant prove to be too costly or difficult to implement.<ref name=":0" /> Alongside this, the Torpedo coupe would be the first production automobile to use [[Bose Corporation|Bose]] [[electromagnetic suspension]], alongside incorporating a number of new innovative technologies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hanlon |first=Mike |date=2005-05-26 |title=Duesenberg Automobiles to be reborn |url=https://newatlas.com/duesenberg-automobiles-to-be-reborn/4076/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=New Atlas |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Despite plans of producing between 25 and 50 units per year, the project never materialised. |
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===Model J (1928–1937)=== |
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[[Image:1930 Duesenberg J.jpg|left|thumb|230px|1930 J Walker La Grande Torpedo [[Phaeton body|Phaeton]]]] |
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[[Errett Lobban Cord|E.L. Cord]], the owner of [[Auburn Automobile]], and other transportation firms, bought the company on October 26, 1926 for the brothers' engineering skills, talent and the brand name in order to produce luxury cars. He challenged Fred Duesenberg to design an automobile that would be the best in the world. Indeed, Cord wanted the biggest, fastest, and most expensive car ever made. He also ordered a large chassis to be able to compete with the biggest, most powerful, and most luxurious European cars of the era, such as [[Hispano-Suiza]], [[Isotta-Fraschini]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], or [[Rolls-Royce Limited|Rolls-Royce]], to name a few. It took Fred 27 months to bring the Model J to fruition. |
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==Products== |
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After Cord's takeover, the new company was renamed "Duesenberg, Inc." Fred would continue in the new organization, now with the title of vice president in charge of engineering and experimental work.<ref name="AUiFxwYK6qwC 1984 p. 42"/> Whereas Augie had played an important role in the development of the Model A and its variant, the very rare X, he had nothing to do with the J and had no formal connection with Duesenberg, Inc. until later. According to the expert Marshall Merkes, "Cord did not want Augie around."<ref>{{cite book |url=http://books.google.es/books?id=AUiFxwYK6qwC&lpg=PA3&dq=errett%20lobban%20griffith&pg=PA43#v=onepage&q=&f=true |first=Griffith |last=Borgeson |title=Errett Lobban Cord: His Empire, His Motor Cars: Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg |page= 43 |publisher=Automobile Heritage Publishing & Co |location= New Albany, Indiana |year=2005 |isbn=0-9711468-7-X |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> However, all Duesenberg racing cars produced after 1926 were Augie-built in an enterprise that functioned separately, and in a building apart from the main Duesenberg plant. He was also responsible for a number of engineering achievements like the superchargers he developed for both the [[Auburn Automobile|Auburn]] and [[Cord Automobile|Cord]] motorcars.<ref name="Pzoud4n_MC 1966 p. 367"/> |
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===Model A (1921–1927)=== |
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{{Main|Duesenberg Model A}} |
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[[File:1923 Duesenberg Model A Rubay Touring p1.JPG|thumb|1923 Duesenberg Model A [[touring car]] at the [[Louwman Museum]]]] |
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Duesenberg's first car was the Model A. It is powered by the [[Duesenberg Straight-8 engine]] and was the first car to be [[Mass production|mass-produced]] with a straight-eight.<ref name="Drive1"/> The purchase price for a Model{{nbs}}A started at $6,500 ({{Inflation|US|6500|1923|fmt=eq|r=-3}}).<ref name="Mueller1">{{cite book |last1=Mueller |first1=Mike |title=American Horsepower: 100 Years of Great Car Engines |date=2006 |publisher=[[Motorbooks]] |isbn=978-0-7603-2327-4 |edition=1st |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IB4lNRyclpkC&pg=PA51 |language=en |access-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-date=March 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313063753/https://books.google.com/books?id=IB4lNRyclpkC&pg=PA51 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|51}} The Duesenberg Model{{nbs}}A introduced several innovative features, such as an [[overhead camshaft]], four-valve [[cylinder head]]s, and the first four-wheel [[hydraulic brake]]s offered on a passenger car.<ref name="Indy2"/><ref name="Borgeson1">{{cite book |last1=Borgeson |first1=Griffith |title=Errett Lobban Cord: His empire, his motorcars: Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg |date=1984 |publisher=Automobile Quarterly Publications |location=[[Princeton, New Jersey|Princeton]], [[New Jersey]] |isbn=0915038358 |language=en}}</ref>{{rp|40}} It had the largest engine of any consumer vehicle at the time of its production.<ref name="Drive1"/> |
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The first Model J prototype, created in February 1927, was the Model Y. Two such cars were built with engines of {{convert|320|cid|l|1|abbr=on}}. One of these engines had single overhead cam and the other had a double overhead cam. It was Fred’s thinking that lighter, smaller cars with higher rpm engines would be the ideal configuration. Cord did not agree, and as it was his dream, he nixed the prototype Model Y after road-testing. The next prototype was the Model H, which exists only on paper and varies only slightly from the later Model J.<ref name="autoshow.autos.msn.com">{{cite web|url=http://autoshow.autos.msn.com/autoshow/pebblebeach2007/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=5257881 |first=Randy | last=Ema | title=The Duesenberg: The Grandest yet | year=2007 |publisher= autos.msn.com |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> |
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The Duesenberg Model A experienced various delays going from prototype to production. Deliveries to dealers did not start until December 1921.{{r|"Borgeson1"|p=40}} Sales lagged, and Duesenberg could not meet a 100-vehicles-per-month quota as the Indianapolis plant struggled to roll out one a day. In 1922, no more than 150 Duesenberg Model{{nbs}}As were manufactured, with only a total of 650 units sold over a period of six years.{{r|"Mueller1"|p=52}} |
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In February 1928 the Model J designation was born. The newly revived Duesenberg company set about to produce the Model J, which debuted for the first time on December 1 at the [[New York Car Show of 1928]]. In Europe, it was launched at the "Salon de l'automobile de Paris" of 1929. The first and — at the time of the New York presentation — only example made of the series, the J-101, was a LeBaron sweep panel dual cowl phaeton finished in silver and black.<ref name="auto.howstuffworks.com">{{cite web| url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1928-1934-duesenberg-j-series.htm |title=Introduction to the 1928-1934 Duesenberg J series| work= Howstuffworks.com |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> By the time the [[Great Depression]] hit in October 1929, the Duesenberg Company had only built some 200 cars. An additional 100 orders were filled in 1930. Thus, the Model J fell short of the original goal to sell 500 cars a year.<ref name="autoshow.autos.msn.com"/> |
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===Model X (1926–1927)=== |
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The [[straight eight]] model J motor was based on the company's successful racing engines of the 1920s and though designed by Duesenberg they were manufactured by [[Lycoming Engines|Lycoming]],<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=y4-T0gmBqH0C&lpg=PP1&dq=Vintage%20Cars%20%20Craig%20Cheetham&pg=PA73#v=onepage&q=&f=true |first= Craig | last= Cheetham | title=Vintage Cars | year= 2004 | page= 73 |publisher=|date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> another company owned by Cord. In unsupercharged form, it produced an impressive (for the period) {{convert|265|hp}}<ref name="Kimes 1996"/> from a dual overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=y4-T0gmBqH0C&lpg=PP1&dq=Vintage%20Cars%20%20Craig%20Cheetham&pg=PA72#v=onepage&q=&f=true | first= Craig | last= Cheetham | title=Vintage Cars | year= 2004 | page= 72 |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> It was capable of a top speed of {{convert|119|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, and {{convert|94|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} in 2nd gear. Other cars featured a bigger engine but none of them surpassed its power. It was also both the fastest and most expensive American automobile in the market. |
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The Model X is a sportier version of the Model{{nbs}}A with a heavier and longer ({{convert|136|in|mm|abbr=on}} [[wheelbase]]) chassis and {{convert|100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} engine that enabled it to reach {{convert|100|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Kimes1"/> The most notable differences between the A{{nbs}}and the X were that the latter had hypoid differentials and all its valves were on one side.<ref name="Wolff1"/> |
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The Duesenberg Model X chassis is an upgrade over the Model{{nbs}}A chassis, offering a reworked {{convert|260|cuin|l|adj=on}} straight-8 engine, an overhead cam, with a new crankshaft, revised valve train, improved pistons and superior intake manifold. Power is 100 hp, which made driving at {{cvt|100|mph}} possible. The chassis length increased to {{convert|136|in|m}}, with additional reinforcements. Improved leaf springs are mounted above the frame rails, thus, lowering the center of gravity. The Duesenberg Model{{nbs}}X chassis is the rarest Duesenberg street production chassis ever made, with only thirteen ever manufactured. Only five of the Duesenberg Model{{nbs}}Xs manufactured are known to have survived.<ref name="Silo1">{{cite web |last1=Branch |first1=Ben |title=The Duesenberg Model X – The Rarest of the Production Duesenbergs |url=https://silodrome.com/duesenberg-model-x/ |website=Silodrome |access-date=August 22, 2022 |date=April 22, 2019 |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812032434/https://silodrome.com/duesenberg-model-x/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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As it was custom among the luxury car brands, only the chassis and engine were displayed, since the interior and body of the car would be custom-made by an experienced [[coachbuilder]] to the owner's specifications. The chassis on most model J's were the same, as was the styling of such elements as fenders, headlamps, radiator, hood and instrument panel.<ref name="svPzoud4n_MC (Spring 1966) p. 372">{{cite book|url=http://books.google.es/books?id=svPzoud4n_MC&lpg=PA337&dq=Automobile%20Quarterly%3AVol-4%20%234&pg=PA372#v=onepage&q=&f=true |first=Gordon M. | last=Buehrig |title=I remember the Duesenberg | work=Automobile Quarterly| Volume=4 |number=4 |issue=Spring 1966 | page= 372 |publisher=Books.google.es |date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> |
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===Model J (1928–1937)=== |
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The bodyworks for the Duesenbergs came from both the US and Europe, and the finished cars were some of the largest, grandest, most beautiful, and most elegant cars ever created. About half the model Js built by Duesenberg had coachworks devised by the company's chief body designer, [[Gordon Buehrig]],<ref name="svPzoud4n_MC (Spring 1966) p. 372"/> the rest were designed and made by independent coachbuilders from the US such as Derham, Holbrook, Le Baron, Murphy, Rollston (later renamed Rollson), Walker, [[Weymann Fabric Bodies|Weymann]], and Willoughby, to name a few; and from Europe: Fernandez et Darrin, Franay, [[J Gurney Nutting & Co Limited|Gurney Nutting]], Saoutchik, etc.<ref name="auto.howstuffworks.com"/> However, other coachworks were made by Duesenberg branches in [[Chicago]], [[New York City]], [[Los Angeles]], [[Philadelphia]], [[Florida]] and [[Denver]], as well as by smaller dealers. For the in-house bodies Duesenberg used the name of La Grande. |
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{{Main|Duesenberg Model J}} |
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[[File:1930 Duesenberg J.jpg|thumb|1930 J Walker La Grande Torpedo [[Phaeton body|Phaeton]]]] |
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The first Model J prototype was created in 1927 and the first cars were delivered in 1929, shortly before the onset of the [[Great Depression]]. About three hundred Model{{nbs}}Js were completed by 1930, short of the original 500-vehicle goal.<ref name="MSN1">{{cite web |last1=Ema |first1=Randy |title=The Duesenberg: The Grandest Yet |url=http://autoshow.autos.msn.com/autoshow/pebblebeach2007/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=5257881 |website=[[MSN]] |access-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216133550/http://autoshow.autos.msn.com/autoshow/pebblebeach2007/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=5257881 |archive-date=February 16, 2012 |date=August 8, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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The chassis cost [[United States dollars|$]]8,500 ($9,500 after 1932); the completed base model cost between $13,000 and $19,000 (two of the American-bodied J's reached $25,000<ref name="Pzoud4n_MC 1966 p. 367">{{cite book|url=http://books.google.es/books?id=svPzoud4n_MC&lpg=PA337&dq=Automobile%20Quarterly%3AVol-4%20%234&pg=PA367#v=onepage&q=&f=true ||first= Raymond A. |last= Wolff | title= Duesenberg It's Grand Old Name | work=Automobile Quarterly | volume=4 |number= 4 |issue=Spring 1966 | page=367 |publisher=Books.google.es |date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref>), at a time when the average U.S. physician earned less than $3,000 a year. Figures are not available as to the prices charged by deluxe coachbuilders in Europe, but it is reasonable to assume that the final selling price of the products mounted on the costly imported chassis were considerably higher than their all-American-built counterparts.<ref name="Pzoud4n_MC 1966 p. 367"/> |
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[[File:Model J engine.JPG|thumb|left|Model J engine]] |
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The car's {{convert|420|cuin|L|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}} engine was based on the company's racing engines of the 1920s and was manufactured by another Cord company, [[Lycoming Engines|Lycoming]].<ref name="Cheetham1">{{cite book |editor1-last=Cheetham |editor1-first=Craig |title=Vintage cars |date=2006 |publisher=Motorbooks |location=[[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]], [[Minnesota]] |isbn=9780760325728 |edition=Annotated}}</ref>{{rp|73}} It output {{convert|265|hp}}, aided by [[dual overhead camshaft]]s and four valves per cylinder, making it the most powerful car of its time.<ref name="MSN1"/>{{r|"Cheetham1"|p=72}} The Model{{nbs}}J was capable of a top speed of {{convert|116|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, and {{convert|88|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} in second gear. Duesenberg historian Randy Ema wrote that the Model{{nbs}}J spurred change in engine design, "single-handedly (starting) the horsepower race that drove the number of cylinders from twelve to sixteen," but noted those engines still could not match the Model{{nbs}}J's power output.<ref name="MSN1"/> |
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The J was available in two versions of chassis with a different wheelbase; a long one ({{convert|153.54|in|m|2|abbr=on}})<ref name="Kimes 1996"/> and a short one (about {{convert|141.73|in|m|2|abbr=on}}). There were also other special sizes; like the only two SSJs with a wheelbase shortened to {{convert|125|in|m|2|abbr=on}} and a couple of cars with the wheelbase extended to {{convert|4|m|in|abbr=on}} and over. |
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Only the chassis and engine of the Model{{nbs}}J were displayed, as the body and cabin of the car were custom built per custom for luxury vehicles at the time. The company's chief body designer, [[Gordon Buehrig]] designed around half of the Model{{nbs}}J bodies, while the remainder were designed by coachbuilders around the world, including [[J Gurney Nutting & Co Limited|Gurney Nutting]], [[Walter M Murphy Company|Murphy]], and [[Derham Body Company|Derham]], among others.<ref name="Buehrig1">{{cite news |last1=Buehrig |first1=Gordon |title=I remember the Duesenberg |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=svPzoud4n_MC&pg=PA370 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |work=Automobile Quarterly |issue=4 |publisher=Automobile Quarterly Inc. |date=Spring 1966 |isbn=9781596131156 |language=en |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415004709/https://books.google.com/books?id=svPzoud4n_MC&pg=PA370 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|372}} |
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The dash included lights that reminded the driver the oil needed changing and the battery should be inspected.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13338/Duesenberg-Model-SJN.aspx |title=1935 Duesenberg Model SJN Images, Information and History |publisher=Conceptcarz.com |date= |accessdate=2012-04-06}}</ref> |
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The J was available in two versions of chassis with a different wheelbase; a longer one ({{convert|153.54|in|m|2|abbr=on}}) and a shorter one (about {{convert|141.73|in|m|2|abbr=on}}). There were also other special sizes, like the SSJs with a wheelbase shortened to {{convert|125|in|m|2|abbr=on}} and a few cars with the wheelbase extended to {{convert|160|in|m|abbr=on}} and over.<ref name="Kimes1">{{cite book |last1=Kimes |first1=Beverly Rae |last2=Clark Jr. |first2=Henry Austin |last3=Dunwoodie |first3=Ralph |last4=Marvin |first4=Keith |title=Standard catalog of American cars, 1805-1942 |date=1996 |publisher=Krause Publications |location=[[Iola, Wisconsin|Iola]], [[Wisconsin]] |isbn=978-0873414289 |edition=3rd}}</ref> |
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A series of minor modifications were carried out during the production life, but most of the design remained the same up until the factory closed in 1937. First to go was the four-speed gearbox, which proved unable to handle the engine's power. It was replaced by a unsynchronised three-speed gearbox, which was fitted to all subsequent Duesenbergs. Unlike almost all American manufacturers, Duesenberg did not switch to a fully synchronised gearbox in the mid-1930s, which made the Model J difficult to drive and outdated. By 1937 the chassis and gearbox were ancient compared to the competition.<ref name="ultimatecarpage.com">{{cite web| url= http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/1833/Duesenberg-SSJ-LaGrande-Roadster.html |first= Wouter |last= Melissen | title=Duesenberg SSJ LaGrande Roadster |year= 2004 |publisher=Ultimatecarpage.com |date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> |
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The supercharged Model J, referred to as the SJ, was reported to have reached {{convert|104|mph|km/h|0}} in second gear and have a top speed of {{convert|135|-|140|mph|km/h|0}} in third gear. Zero-to-{{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} times of around eight seconds and {{convert|0|-|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 17 seconds were reported for the SJ despite having an unsynchronized transmission, at a time when even the best cars of the era were not likely to reach {{convert|100|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. The SJ had a wheelbase of {{convert|142.5|in|cm|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Cheetham2">{{cite book |editor1-last=Cheetham |editor1-first=Craig |title=Ultimate American cars |date=2006 |publisher=Motorbooks |location=[[Osceola, Wisconsin|Osceola]], Wisconsin |isbn=0-7603-2570-7}}</ref> The SJ was introduced in 1932. Only 36 units were built.{{r|"Wolff1"|p=367}} A special version of the SJ, the ''[[Mormon Meteor]]'', broke several land speed records.<ref name="PM1">{{cite news |author1=Leno, Jay |author1-link=Jay Leno |title=Jay Leno: Duesy Set Bonneville Records in 1930s that Stand Today |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a3907/4305845/https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a3907/4305845/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |work=[[Popular Mechanics]] |date=February 22, 2009 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919030601/https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a3907/4305845/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Regarding this model, it is necessary to emphasize that most of them (engine and chassis) were made in 1929 and 1930, but due to the Depression, high price, etc., were sold throughout the next years. To date a certain J it is taken the year a car was bodied, even though the chassis were made in 1929, 1930, etc. |
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Investors in [[New York City]] originally supported the Model{{nbs}}J, but following the [[Stock market crash of 1929]], the market for Model{{nbs}}Js switched to [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]] stars.<ref name="MSN1"/> The [[One-off vehicle|one-off]] SJ [[Twenty Grand (Duesenberg)|Twenty Grand]] was produced in 1933 for the [[Century of Progress]] World's Fair to represent Duesenberg's automotive progress.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dore |first=Nicole |date=2021-03-04 |title=1980 Best of Show Winner |url=https://pebblebeachconcours.net/history-traditions/1980-best-of-show-winner/ |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance |language=en}}</ref> Two modified Model{{nbs}}Js, known as the SSJ, were produced in 1935 for actors [[Gary Cooper]] and [[Clark Gable]]. The SSJ reportedly produced {{convert|400|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and could go {{convert|0|to|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in less than 8 seconds. Cooper's SSJ sold for $22 million in 2018, making it the most expensive American car ever sold at auction at the time.<ref name="CD1">{{cite web |last1=Berk |first1=Brett |title=Driving Gary Cooper's 1935 Duesenberg SSJ |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15099183/we-drive-gary-coopers-1935-duesenberg-ssj-feature/ |website=[[Car and Driver]] |access-date=April 14, 2022 |date=November 18, 2016 |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508185406/https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15099183/we-drive-gary-coopers-1935-duesenberg-ssj-feature/ |url-status=live }}</ref> About 378 of 481 Model{{nbs}}Js of all types still existed as of 2002.<ref name="Georgano1">{{cite book |last1=Georgano |first1=G. N. |title=A world of wheels: Early and vintage years 1886-1930; The golden era of coachbuilding |date=2002 |publisher=Mason Crest Publishers |location=Broomhall, [[Pennsylvania]] |isbn=9781590844915}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Duesenberg Convertible SJ LA Grand Dual-Cowl Phaeton 1935.jpg|right|thumb|240px|1935 SJ LaGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton.]] |
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The supercharged version, often referred to as "SJ", was reputed to do {{convert|104|mph|km/h|0}} in second and have a top speed of 135–140 mph (217–225 km/h) in third gear. Zero-to-{{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} times of around eight seconds and {{convert|0|-|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 17 seconds were reported for the SJ in spite of the unsynchronized transmissions, at a time when even the best cars of the era were not likely to reach {{convert|100|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Duesenbergs generally weighed around two and a half tons; up to three tons was not unusual, considering the wide array of custom coachwork available. The wheelbase was {{convert|142.5|in|cm|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite book|title=Ultimate American Cars|publisher=Amber Books Ltd.|isbn=0-7603-2570-7|editor=Craig Cheetham}}</ref> |
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This rare supercharged Model J version, with {{convert|320|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} was also created by Fred Duesenberg.<ref name="Pzoud4n_MC 1966 p. 367"/> and introduced in May 1932, only 36 units were built. Special-bodied models, such as the later "Mormon Meteor" chassis, achieved an average speed of over {{convert|135|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=y4-T0gmBqH0C&lpg=PP1&dq=Vintage%20Cars%20%20Craig%20Cheetham&pg=PA77#v=onepage&q=&f=true |first= Craig | last= Cheetham | title=Vintage Cars | year= 2004 | page= 77 |publisher=|date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> and a one-hour average of over {{convert|152|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} at [[Bonneville Salt Flats]], [[Utah]]. The SJ's supercharger was located beside the engine; to make room for it, the exhaust pipes were creased so they could be bent easily and extended through the side panel of the hood. These supercharged cars can be recognized by these shiny creased tubes, which Cord registered as a trademark and used in his other supercharged cars from Cord and Auburn. It was said,{{Who|date=March 2010}} "The only car that could pass a Duesenberg was another Duesenberg—and that was with the first owner's consent."{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}} |
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Fred Duesenberg died of [[pneumonia]] on July 26, 1932, resulting from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in which he was driving a Murphy SJ convertible.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.es/books?id=svPzoud4n_MC&lpg=PA337&dq=Automobile%20Quarterly%3AVol-4%20%234&pg=PA368#v=onepage&q=&f=true |first= Raymond A. |last= Wolff | title= Duesenberg It's Grand Old Name | work=Automobile Quarterly | volume=4 |number= 4 |issue=Spring 1966 |page= 368 |publisher=Books.google.es |date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> His brother, Augie, took over Fred's duties as chief engineer and [[Harold T. Ames]] became president of Duesenberg, Inc. |
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The SSJ is very similar to the SJ version, but with a [[horsepower]] close to {{convert|400|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The only two examples built in 1935, the SSJ Speedsters sported a lightweight open-roadster body produced by Central Manufacturing Company, an [[Auburn]] subsidiary in [[Connersville, Indiana]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Auto Editors of Consumer Guide |url=http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1936-Duesenberg-SSJ-Speedster.htm |title=Duesenberg SSJ Speedster | work= Howstuffworks.com |date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> One of them belonged to the actor [[Gary Cooper]], the other one was lent by the company to actor [[Clark Gable]], who already owned a Duesenberg J.<ref name="ultimatecarpage.com"/> The inscription SSJ (same goes for SJ) has never been officially used by the company, but it eventually became commonly used among the car lovers. The second "S" stands for "short wheelbase" as the two SSJ are the only Duesenberg to have a chassis with the wheelbase shortened to {{convert|125|in|mm|abbr=on}}. The {{convert|420|cid|l|1|abbr=on}} straight eight engine of both SSJ models is equipped by two special carburetors and inlet ports of a special shape called "ram's horn", which was used in other SJs as well. Unlike the normal port, the "ram's horn" is composed of two horns and each of these then splits in two again.<ref name="cromoclassico.com">{{cite web|author=Liquid Diamond, info@liquiddiamond.it |url=http://www.cromoclassico.com/eng/duesenberg.html |title=The American Dream. Duesenberg J-SJ |publisher=Cromoclassico.com |date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> At the rear, the SSJ sported an external spare tire and smaller “later-style” round taillights. The external exhaust pipes sprouting out of the hood were an indication it was the “supercharged” version, but these were optional on J models as well. |
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There is another version of the model J known as the Duesenberg JN (a name never used by the company either). All JNs were sold with [[Rollston]] coachwork and only 10 were produced in 1935.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deloreanmotorcar.com/dues/JN.htm |first=Robert S. |last= Rodgers |title= The End of the Line - The Duesenberg JN | year= 2010 |publisher=Deloreanmotorcar.com |date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> In an attempt to give a more modern look to an aging design, the JN was equipped with smaller 17-inch-diameter wheels (versus 19 inches), skirted fenders, bullet-shaped taillights, and bodies set on the frame rails for a lower look. The battery box and tool box were redesigned slightly so that the doors could close over the frame. Supercharged JNs gained the logical SJN designation.<ref>{{cite web|author=Auto Editors of Consumer Guide |url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/duesenberg-cars2.htm |author= Auto Editors of Consumer Guide |title= How Duesenberg Cars work: Duesenberg Model SJ, Model JN, Model SJN | work=Howstuffworks.com | date=2007-06-13 |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> |
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[[File:Alfonso XIII King of Spain and his 1930 Duesenberg J.jpg|left|thumb|240px|King Alfonso XIII of Spain standing next to his 1930 Model J Hibbard and Darin Town Car]] |
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The Duesenberg quickly became one of the most popular luxury cars as well as a [[status symbol]] in the United States and Europe, driven by the nobility, rich and famous, among them [[Al Capone]], [[Evelyn Walsh McLean]], [[Greta Garbo]], [[Howard Hughes]], [[Mae West]], [[Marion Davies]], [[Tyrone Power]], [[Bill "Bojangles" Robinson]], [[William Randolph Hearst]], the families [[Mars family|Mars]], [[Whitney family|Whitney]], [[Philip K. Wrigley|Wrigley]], members of the European royalty such as the [[Duke of Windsor]], [[Prince Nicholas of Romania]], the Queen [[Maria, Queen of Yugoslavia|Maria of Yugoslavia]], the Kings [[Victor Emmanuel III of Italy]] and [[Alfonso XIII]] of [[Spain]]. The latter was very keen on motoring and chose his now missing Duesenberg J, among his cars, to go to exile after the proclamation of the [[Second Spanish Republic]]. [[Father Divine]] had the last Duesenberg chassis built with an extra-long 178-inch wheelbase. It weighed {{convert|7800|lb|kg|abbr=on}} and accommodated ten passengers. J. Herbert Newport was the designer. Built by [[Bohman and Schwartz]] and delivered in October 1937, it was {{convert|22|ft|m|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|7|ft|m|abbr=on}} wide. It was known as Father Divine's Throne Car because it had a removable rear top section that exposed two raised rear seats. |
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Originally, New York supported the Model J. New York was the financial capital of the United States in 1929, and many of its people could afford such a very expensive car. As the Depression deepened, however, power shifted, and ultimately it was newly wealthy [[Hollywood]] that kept Duesenberg alive through much of the 1930s.<ref name="autoshow.autos.msn.com"/> It was so reputed and imposing that many Hollywood stars, such as [[James Cagney]], posed next to the car to promote their careers. |
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{{double image|right|Duesenberg J advertisement.jpg|200|Duesenberg advertisement.jpg|188|Duesenberg J advertisements published in 1935.}} |
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Duesenberg advertising the Model J as "The World's Finest Motor Car". In their print ads, an elegant man or woman were seen together with a concise but meaningful sentence: "He/She drives a Duesenberg". The campaign was a success. |
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There was a gradual evolution (up to the 1937 model) to preserve the "stately lines" while moving into a more integrated mode of styling. The final evolution of the Duesenberg engine was ram-air intakes, which were added to some of the last supercharged models to produce 400 hp (298 kW), referred to as "SSJ". Of the 481 Model Js<ref>Georgano, G. N. ''Cars: Early and Vintage, 1886–1930''. London: Grange-Universal, 1985.</ref> (including all its versions) produced between 1928 and 1937, about 378 survive. |
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Duesenberg ceased production in 1937 after Cord's financial empire collapsed. However, between 1937 and 1940 two automobiles put the final touch to this historical marque. The first one was delivered by the coachbuilder Rollson to the German artist [[Rudolf Bauer (artist)|Rudolf Bauer]] in April 1940; it is both the longest Duesenberg and the last one delivered.<ref>{{cite web|last=Apen |first=John |url=http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/apr2007/bw20070413_670876.htm |title=The Longest Duesenberg | first=John | last= Apen |year =2007 |work=Businessweek.com |date=2007-04-13 |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> The last one ever made was assembled from leftover parts between 1938 and 1940.<ref name="auto.howstuffworks.com"/> |
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Duesenberg became far less popular during [[World War II]], by the end of which a few Model Js were sold for only $100 or $200.{{cn|date=June 2012}} Business rebounded in the 1950s, when classic and vintage cars became popular among collectors. |
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===Production summary=== |
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{| style="width:800px; height:200px; text-align:center;" border="1" |
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|- |
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| '''Name''' |
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| '''Years of production''' |
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| '''Units made''' |
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|- |
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| Model A |
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| 1921–1927 |
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| ~650 |
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|- |
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| Model X |
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| 1926–27 |
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| 13 |
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|- |
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| Model Y (model J prototype) |
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| 1927 |
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| 1 |
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|- |
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| Model J (including [[Duesenberg Model SJ|SJ]], SSJ, JN & SJN) |
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| 1929–37, [[Duesenberg Model SJ|SJ]]: (1932–37), SSJ: (1935), JN & SJN: (1935) |
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| Total: 481, S(36), SSJ (2), JN & SJN (10) |
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|} |
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==Revivals== |
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{{double image|right||200||150|Duesenberg II advertisements showing the replica (ca. 1993)}} |
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After [[World War II]], August Duesenberg tried to revive the Duesenberg name but was unsuccessful; several later attempts were also unsuccessful. The closest came in the mid-1960s with Fritz (August's son) at the helm and [[Virgil Exner]] as the stylist using the chassis of a 1966 [[Imperial (automobile)|Imperial]]<ref>{{cite web|first= Peter |last= Madle |url=http://www.madle.org/edues.htm |title=1966 Duesenberg |publisher=Madle.org |date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> and a [[Chrysler]] engine. One of Exner's Duesenberg designs was later produced as the [[Stutz Bearcat]]. |
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A 1970s Duesenberg was also created, based on a contemporary [[Cadillac Fleetwood]] and with modern styling. Its production was a limited run. |
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<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Jay Leno Cars1.PNG|thumb|left|200px|Duesenbergs in [[Jay Leno]]'s collection]] --> |
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A reproduction automobile called Duesenberg II was produced between 1978 and 2000 by the Elite Heritage Motors Corp. in [[Elroy, Wisconsin|Elroy]], [[Wisconsin]]. Five body models of the original Duesenberg J were offered. Each one was copied from an original and visually almost identical, with Ford Lincoln drive train, Ford V8 engine and modern comfort features. These replicas sold for up to US$225,000. Less than 100 total were made. |
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In 2011 a new company with worldwide trademark rights<ref name="Brightcliff Limited Corp">{{cite web|title=Brightcliff Limited Corporation|url=http://www.trademarkia.com/company-brightcliff-limited-3617307-page-1-2|publisher=www.trademarkia.com|accessdate=19 February 2012}}</ref> was established as Duesenberg Motors Inc., with the intention of again restarting the manufacturing of the Duesenberg II replicas in 2012 in [[Baldwin, Wisconsin]]. |
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==Etymological note== |
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The origin of the [[American English|American]] [[slang]] word "doozy" or "doozie", meaning something excellent or powerful, is either the Duesenberg's nickname, "Duesy", or an older term (derived from earlier slang, "daisy"). Encarta.com<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|title=doozy |url=http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/doozy.html |work= Encarta | publisher= Microsoft |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5kwbQKzH0|archivedate=2009-10-31|deadurl=yes}}</ref> describes the origins of the term as unknown, and dictionary.com lists it as possibly a blend of the terms "daisy" and "Duesenberg". Etymonline.com lists it as "1903 (adj.), 1916 (n.), perhaps an alteration of daisy, or from popular Italian actress [[Eleonora Duse]] (1859–1924). In either case, reinforced by Duesenberg, an expensive, classy make of [[automobile]], 1920s–30s."<ref>"[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=doozy Doozy]" at Etymonline.com</ref> |
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However, Merriam-Webster completely rejects this theory, noting ''doozy'' originally appeared as "dozy" in eastern [[Ohio]] in 1916 — four years prior to the production of the first Duesenberg vehicles. They also claim there is little evidence connecting the Duesenberg and ''doozy'' during the 1920s and 1930s, when the car was most popular. "Dozy" is akin to the verb "dozen" that is semantically and etymologically related to "daze" and that is attested in slang terms such as "[[The Dozens#Origin|the dozens]]."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/video/0011-doozy.htm |title= Doozy | work=Merriam-Webster Dictionary |publisher=Merriam-webster.com |date= |accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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| Line 172: | Line 107: | ||
*[[Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum]] |
*[[Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum]] |
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*[[Duesenberg Straight-8 engine]] |
*[[Duesenberg Straight-8 engine]] |
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*[[List of automobile manufacturers]] |
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*[[List of defunct United States automobile manufacturers]] |
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*[[List of Indianapolis 500 pace cars]] |
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== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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{{reflist|colwidth=30em}} |
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*{{cite web | url=http://www.thebubbler.com/links/sales-4235/duesenberg-motors-inc-16591/ | title=Directory of Wisconsin companies | work=http://www.thebubbler.com | accessdate=2012-04-06}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{ |
{{commons category|Duesenberg Motors Company}} |
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*[ |
*[https://www.acdclub.org/ Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club] |
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*[http://www.acdclub.org/ Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club official website] |
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*[http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Duesenberg_J_old_photographs A series of old photographs of Duesenberg J with royalties and celebrities] |
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*[http://jalopnik.com/374428/the-last-duesenberg The last Duesenberg (''delivered'')] by Ben Wojdyla |
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*[http://www.imcdb.org/vehicles.php?make=duesenberg&model= Duesenberg in Movies and TV series] at Internet Movie Cars Database |
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*[http://www.duesey186.com/Datasheets/frmModelJIndex.htm Index of all 481 Duesenberg J chassis number] |
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*[http://www.imperialclub.org/Yr/1966/Duesenberg/index.htm Pictures of the 1966 Duesenberg prototype at the Imperial website] |
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*[http://www.duesenbergmotors.com/ URL of future Duesenberg Motors Inc company website] |
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*{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60761599 |title=The Costliest Car |newspaper=[[Townsville_Bulletin|Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld. : 1885 - 1954)- Model J road test]] |location=Qld. |date=22 January 1930 |accessdate=18 April 2012 |page=12 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} |
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{{IndianapolisCars}} |
{{IndianapolisCars}} |
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{{ConnersvilleCars}} |
{{ConnersvilleCars}} |
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[[Category:Duesenberg| ]] |
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[[Category:1913 establishments in Minnesota]] |
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[[Category:1937 disestablishments in Indiana]] |
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Latest revision as of 13:48, 13 November 2024
39°46′00″N 86°11′17″W / 39.76667°N 86.18806°W
 | |
| Industry |
|
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Duesenberg Motors Company (1913–1919) |
| Founded | Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. (1920) |
| Founders | |
| Defunct | 1937 |
| Fate | Dissolved |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
Key people |
|
| Products | |
| Parent | Auburn Automobile Company |
Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc. was an American racing and luxury automobile manufacturer founded in Indianapolis, Indiana, by brothers Fred and August Duesenberg in 1920. The company is known for popularizing the straight-eight engine and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. A Duesenberg car was the first American car to win a Grand Prix race, winning the 1921 French Grand Prix. Duesenbergs won the Indianapolis 500 in 1922 (when eight of the top ten finishers were Duesenbergs), 1924, 1925 and 1927. Transportation executive Errett Lobban Cord acquired the Duesenberg corporation in 1926. The company was sold and dissolved in 1937.
History
[edit]
.jpg)
Fred and August Duesenberg began designing engines in the early 1900s, after Fred became involved with bicycle racing.[1] The brothers designed a vehicle in 1905, and they formed the Mason Motor Car Company in 1906 with funds from lawyer Edward R. Mason in Des Moines, Iowa.[1] F. L. and Elmer Maytag acquired a majority stake in the company and renamed it the Maytag-Mason Automobile Company until they sold their stake in 1912.[2]
The Duesenberg brothers then moved to Saint Paul, Minnesota, where they established the Duesenberg Motors Company in 1913. Eddie Rickenbacker drove the first Duesenberg-designed vehicle to race at the Indianapolis 500 in 1914, placing tenth. During World War I, the Duesenbergs designed and built aircraft engines in Elizabeth, New Jersey. A Duesenberg driven by Tommy Milton won the 1919 Elgin Trophy.[3] In 1919, the brothers sold their Saint Paul factories.[4]
In 1920, the Duesenberg brothers relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, where they founded the Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, manufacturing the Duesenberg Model A.[5] The brothers assumed engineering roles after signing over the naming rights and patents for Duesenberg engines to promoters Newton E. Van Zandt and Luther M. Rankin.[6]: 40 The first Model A was commissioned by Hawaiian businessman and politician Samuel Northrup Castle. The car had a 260-cubic-inch (4.3 L) straight-eight engine that output 88 horsepower (66 kW), the largest engine in a commercially available vehicle at the time, and was the first to have hydraulic brakes on all its wheels.[7][5]
The company continued to build race cars as well, and a Duesenberg driven by Jimmy Murphy won the 1921 French Grand Prix, the first American car to do so. Duesenberg cars also performed well at the Indianapolis 500 during the 1920s, winning the race in 1922, 1924, 1925 and 1927.[1][8]
Van Zandt left the company in 1921, after which it struggled financially and entered receivership in 1924.[6]: 42 Duesenberg was purchased by Errett Lobban Cord in 1926. August's role in the passenger-car side of the business declined after Cord's takeover, and August worked primarily in Duesenberg's racing division after 1926, designing all Duesenberg race cars built from that year until the company's dissolution.[9]: 367 Two years later, Cord had the Duesenbergs make a new model to "outclass" all other American cars. In 1929, the company began selling the Duesenberg Model J, which was powered by a 265-horsepower (198 kW) straight-eight engine. The body and cabin were custom-built by coachbuilders. Prices for the cars ranged from $14,000 to $20,000 at the time.[5]
Duesenbergs were considered to be among the most luxurious American cars ever made. Historian Donald Davidson called them the "most prestigious passenger car" in American history and likened them to an American version of the Rolls-Royce.[10] The vehicles were popular with movie stars, royalty and other wealthy individuals. The company was sold by Cord and dissolved in 1937.[5] The last Duesenberg to be made by the original company was completed in 1940, commissioned by German artist Rudolf Bauer and completed by August Duesenberg after the company had shut down.[11]
In 1998, The Franklin Mint started producing collectible scale models of Duesenberg Coupé Simone, a fictitious custom-made luxury car allegedly manufactured in the late 1930s.[12]
Revivals
[edit]Several unsuccessful attempts were made to revive the Duesenberg name.[10] August Duesenberg failed to restart the company in 1947, and an attempt by his son, Fritz, and car designer Virgil Exner to revive the brand failed after the production of one concept car in 1966.[13][14] In 1970, Bernard Miller bought the Duesenberg Corporation and produced the SSJ model from templates taken from the original 1935 SSJ La Grande body. The body was aluminum over ash. There were grand plans for over 300 SSJ's to be produced but over the company's life span of 1970-1974 only 8 were completed.[15]
Duesenberg II
[edit]
In 1978, Elite Heritage Motors acquired the trademark for Duesenberg[16] and started producing the handmade "Duesenberg II" in Elroy, Wisconsin, under the name Duesenberg Motors Company.[17] The "Duesenberg II" retained the styling of the cars from the 1920s and 1930s, but included some modern updates, such as stereo systems, air conditioning, and an automatic transmission.[18] Each "Duesenberg II" was precisely measured using an original example as a template. Over 5,000 manhours of craftsmanship was put into each car.[19] In 1981, a new Duesenberg II Royalton had a base price of $125,000. [20] The company produced several models, including the Torpedo sedan and phaeton, and the Murphy roadster.[17] The factory produced a total of 67 cars before closing in 2001.[20]
Duesenberg Custom Coach
[edit]In 1996, the Duesenberg name was purchased by Minnesota based company Maple Plain Corporation, who revealed plans for a new model in 2005, intended to be produced by sister company Duesenberg Custom Coach. Designed by Jeff Teague, the new 'Duesenberg Torpedo Coupe' would feature a radical axial twelve-cylinder engine layout known as a 'Cylindrical Energy Module' or CEM.[21] Adapted from a firefighting pump design by car designer Eddie Paul, the CEM would rotate on an axis, sucking in fuel and providing self lubrication and was capable of running on either petrol or diesel.[22] The powerplant would also allegedly create only 1/6th of the heat of a conventional engine, meaning air cooling would be sufficient. A Mercedes V12 engine was planned to be used if this powerplant prove to be too costly or difficult to implement.[22] Alongside this, the Torpedo coupe would be the first production automobile to use Bose electromagnetic suspension, alongside incorporating a number of new innovative technologies.[23]
Despite plans of producing between 25 and 50 units per year, the project never materialised.
Products
[edit]Model A (1921–1927)
[edit]
Duesenberg's first car was the Model A. It is powered by the Duesenberg Straight-8 engine and was the first car to be mass-produced with a straight-eight.[7] The purchase price for a Model A started at $6,500 (equivalent to $116,000 in 2023).[24]: 51 The Duesenberg Model A introduced several innovative features, such as an overhead camshaft, four-valve cylinder heads, and the first four-wheel hydraulic brakes offered on a passenger car.[5][6]: 40 It had the largest engine of any consumer vehicle at the time of its production.[7]
The Duesenberg Model A experienced various delays going from prototype to production. Deliveries to dealers did not start until December 1921.[6]: 40 Sales lagged, and Duesenberg could not meet a 100-vehicles-per-month quota as the Indianapolis plant struggled to roll out one a day. In 1922, no more than 150 Duesenberg Model As were manufactured, with only a total of 650 units sold over a period of six years.[24]: 52
Model X (1926–1927)
[edit]The Model X is a sportier version of the Model A with a heavier and longer (136 in (3,500 mm) wheelbase) chassis and 100 hp (75 kW) engine that enabled it to reach 100 mph (161 km/h).[25] The most notable differences between the A and the X were that the latter had hypoid differentials and all its valves were on one side.[9]
The Duesenberg Model X chassis is an upgrade over the Model A chassis, offering a reworked 260-cubic-inch (4.3 L) straight-8 engine, an overhead cam, with a new crankshaft, revised valve train, improved pistons and superior intake manifold. Power is 100 hp, which made driving at 100 mph (160 km/h) possible. The chassis length increased to 136 inches (3.5 m), with additional reinforcements. Improved leaf springs are mounted above the frame rails, thus, lowering the center of gravity. The Duesenberg Model X chassis is the rarest Duesenberg street production chassis ever made, with only thirteen ever manufactured. Only five of the Duesenberg Model Xs manufactured are known to have survived.[26]
Model J (1928–1937)
[edit]
The first Model J prototype was created in 1927 and the first cars were delivered in 1929, shortly before the onset of the Great Depression. About three hundred Model Js were completed by 1930, short of the original 500-vehicle goal.[27]
The car's 7 L (420 cu in) engine was based on the company's racing engines of the 1920s and was manufactured by another Cord company, Lycoming.[28]: 73 It output 265 horsepower (198 kW), aided by dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, making it the most powerful car of its time.[27][28]: 72 The Model J was capable of a top speed of 116 mph (187 km/h), and 88 mph (142 km/h) in second gear. Duesenberg historian Randy Ema wrote that the Model J spurred change in engine design, "single-handedly (starting) the horsepower race that drove the number of cylinders from twelve to sixteen," but noted those engines still could not match the Model J's power output.[27]
Only the chassis and engine of the Model J were displayed, as the body and cabin of the car were custom built per custom for luxury vehicles at the time. The company's chief body designer, Gordon Buehrig designed around half of the Model J bodies, while the remainder were designed by coachbuilders around the world, including Gurney Nutting, Murphy, and Derham, among others.[29]: 372
The J was available in two versions of chassis with a different wheelbase; a longer one (153.54 in (3.90 m)) and a shorter one (about 141.73 in (3.60 m)). There were also other special sizes, like the SSJs with a wheelbase shortened to 125 in (3.18 m) and a few cars with the wheelbase extended to 160 in (4.1 m) and over.[25]
The supercharged Model J, referred to as the SJ, was reported to have reached 104 miles per hour (167 km/h) in second gear and have a top speed of 135–140 miles per hour (217–225 km/h) in third gear. Zero-to-60 mph (97 km/h) times of around eight seconds and 0–100 mph (0–161 km/h) in 17 seconds were reported for the SJ despite having an unsynchronized transmission, at a time when even the best cars of the era were not likely to reach 100 mph (160 km/h). The SJ had a wheelbase of 142.5 in (362 cm).[30] The SJ was introduced in 1932. Only 36 units were built.[9]: 367 A special version of the SJ, the Mormon Meteor, broke several land speed records.[31]
Investors in New York City originally supported the Model J, but following the Stock market crash of 1929, the market for Model Js switched to Hollywood stars.[27] The one-off SJ Twenty Grand was produced in 1933 for the Century of Progress World's Fair to represent Duesenberg's automotive progress.[32] Two modified Model Js, known as the SSJ, were produced in 1935 for actors Gary Cooper and Clark Gable. The SSJ reportedly produced 400 hp (298 kW) and could go 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in less than 8 seconds. Cooper's SSJ sold for $22 million in 2018, making it the most expensive American car ever sold at auction at the time.[33] About 378 of 481 Model Js of all types still existed as of 2002.[34]
See also
[edit]- Auburn Automobile
- Cord Automobile
- Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
- Duesenberg Straight-8 engine
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Vanderstel, Sheryl D. (November 22, 1994). Bodenhamer, David J.; Barrows, Robert G. (eds.). Duesenberg, Fred S. and August S. "Augie". Indiana University Press. p. 513. ISBN 978-0-253-11249-1. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2022.
- ^ Barthelman, Ken (June 2, 2015). "Historic Maytag-Mason automobile now on exhibit". Newton Daily News. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
- ^ "Elgin National Road Races History". kalracing.com. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
- ^ Spaulding, George (April 28, 2007). "High-end carmaker was 'duesey'". The Post and Courier.
- ^ a b c d e Buttermore, Gregg (November 22, 1994). Bodenhamer, David J.; Barrows, Robert G. (eds.). Duesenberg. Indiana University Press. pp. 513–514. ISBN 978-0-253-11249-1. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2022.
- ^ a b c d Borgeson, Griffith (1984). Errett Lobban Cord: His empire, his motorcars: Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg. Princeton, New Jersey: Automobile Quarterly Publications. ISBN 0915038358.
- ^ a b c Shaw, Kristin V. (February 13, 2021). "1921 Duesenberg Model A Belonged to the Same Family for Almost a Century". The Drive. Archived from the original on April 14, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
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External links
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Categories:
- Duesenberg
- Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States
- Chrysler
- Motor vehicle manufacturers based in Indiana
- Luxury motor vehicle manufacturers
- Defunct companies based in Indianapolis
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1913
- Defunct brands
- 1913 establishments in Minnesota
- 1937 disestablishments in Indiana
- Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 1937
- Defunct manufacturing companies based in Indiana
- Vintage vehicles
- 1910s cars
- 1920s cars
- 1930s cars