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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.
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.


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.
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|Auburn_Automobile]] 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.


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&nbsp;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>
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&nbsp;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>

Revision as of 17:53, 12 October 2012

For other uses, see Duesenberg (disambiguation).

Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc.
Industry
  • Automobile manufacturing
  • Engine manufacturing
FoundedDes Moines, Iowa, United States (1913 (1913))
Founder
Defunct1937 (1937)
Headquarters
Indianapolis, Indiana
,
United States
Products
  • Model A
  • Model J
  • Model X

Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc. (sometimes referred to as "Duesy") was an American manufacturer of luxury automobiles. Founded in Des Moines, Iowa, United States by brothers August Duesenberg and Frederick Duesenberg, the company's principal place of operations moved to Auburn, Indiana. Duesenberg was active in various forms from 1913 to 1937.

History

A model J in front of Fred & Augie Duesenberg birthplace in Kirchheide Germany

In 1913, brothers Frederick and August Duesenberg founded Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc. on 915 Grand Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, to build sports cars. Born in 1876 and 1879 respectively in Kirchheide[1] (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 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.

In 1923, drivers at Indianapolis 500 used Duesenbergs as pace cars. In 1921, Jimmy Murphy became the first American to win the French Grand Prix when he drove a Duesenberg to victory at the Le Mans racetrack.

Products

Model A (1921–1927)

At the end of World War I, they ceased building aviation and marine engines in 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 17-acre (69,000 m2) site on West Washington street at Harding street until 1937.[2]

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 first "mass-produced" straight eight engine in the U.S.[citation needed] It was an extremely advanced and expensive automobile (prices began at $6,500),[3] offering features such as single overhead camshafts, four-valve cylinder heads, and the first four wheel (16"[4]) hydraulic brakes (designed by Fred)[5] 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] Among the celebrities who purchased this model were Tom Mix and Rudolph Valentino.

The model experienced various delays going from prototype to production. Deliveries to dealers did not start until December 1921.[5] 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,[6] and only 650 Model As were sold over a period of six years.

1922 Model A Specs

Engine Power Transmission Wheelbase Ground Clearance Frame
260CID 1-bbl.[7] I8[8] 90-100 hp 3-speed manual[4] 134 in (3,404 mm) 10 in (254 mm) Chrome Nickel steel 6.40-inch (163 mm) in depth[4]

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.[3]

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,[5] 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.

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.[9] In 1925, the firm’s name was changed to “Duesenberg Motors Corporation” and Fred assumed the title of president.[9] Fred and August struggled to keep the company, but to no avail, as they weren't able to raise enough capital.

Model X (1926–1927)

Model X Duesenbergs are very rare. It was 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).[8] 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.[10]

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.

Model J (1928–1937)

1930 J Walker La Grande Torpedo Phaeton

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, to name a few. It took Fred 27 months to bring the Model J to fruition.

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.[9] 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."[11] 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 and Cord motorcars.[12]

The first Model J prototype, created in February 1927, was the Model Y. Two such cars were built with engines of 320 cu in (5.2 L). 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.[13]

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.[14] 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.[13]

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,[15] another company owned by Cord. In unsupercharged form, it produced an impressive (for the period) 265 horsepower (198 kW)[8] from a dual overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder.[16] It was capable of a top speed of 119 mph (192 km/h), and 94 mph (151 km/h) 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.

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.[17]

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,[17] 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, and Willoughby, to name a few; and from Europe: Fernandez et Darrin, Franay, Gurney Nutting, Saoutchik, etc.[14] 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.

The chassis cost $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[12]), 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.[12]

The J was available in two versions of chassis with a different wheelbase; a long one (153.54 in (3.90 m))[8] and a short one (about 141.73 in (3.60 m)). There were also other special sizes; like the only two SSJs with a wheelbase shortened to 125 in (3.18 m) and a couple of cars with the wheelbase extended to 4 m (160 in) and over.

The dash included lights that reminded the driver the oil needed changing and the battery should be inspected.[18]

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.[19]

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.

1935 SJ LaGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton.

The supercharged version, often referred to as "SJ", was reputed to do 104 miles per hour (167 km/h) in second and have a top speed of 135–140 mph (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 in spite of the unsynchronized transmissions, at a time when even the best cars of the era were not likely to reach 100 mph (160 km/h). 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 142.5 in (362 cm).[20]

This rare supercharged Model J version, with 320 hp (239 kW) was also created by Fred Duesenberg.[12] 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 135 mph (217 km/h)[21] and a one-hour average of over 152 mph (245 km/h) 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?] "The only car that could pass a Duesenberg was another Duesenberg—and that was with the first owner's consent."[citation needed]

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.[22] His brother, Augie, took over Fred's duties as chief engineer and Harold T. Ames became president of Duesenberg, Inc.

The SSJ is very similar to the SJ version, but with a horsepower close to 400 hp (298 kW). The only two examples built in 1935, the SSJ Speedsters sported a lightweight open-roadster body produced by Central Manufacturing Company, an Auburn_Automobile subsidiary in Connersville, Indiana.[23] 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.[19] 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 125 in (3,200 mm). The 420 cu in (6.9 L) 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.[24] 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.

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.[25] 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.[26]

File:Alfonso XIII King of Spain and his 1930 Duesenberg J.jpg
King Alfonso XIII of Spain standing next to his 1930 Model J Hibbard and Darin Town Car

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, Whitney, Wrigley, members of the European royalty such as the Duke of Windsor, Prince Nicholas of Romania, the Queen 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 7,800 lb (3,500 kg) and accommodated ten passengers. J. Herbert Newport was the designer. Built by Bohman and Schwartz and delivered in October 1937, it was 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 7 ft (2.1 m) wide. It was known as Father Divine's Throne Car because it had a removable rear top section that exposed two raised rear seats.

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.[13] It was so reputed and imposing that many Hollywood stars, such as James Cagney, posed next to the car to promote their careers.

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.

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[27] (including all its versions) produced between 1928 and 1937, about 378 survive.

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 in April 1940; it is both the longest Duesenberg and the last one delivered.[28] The last one ever made was assembled from leftover parts between 1938 and 1940.[14]

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.[citation needed] Business rebounded in the 1950s, when classic and vintage cars became popular among collectors.

Production summary

Name Years of production Units made
Model A 1921–1927 ~650
Model X 1926–27 13
Model Y (model J prototype) 1927 1
Model J (including SJ, SSJ, JN & SJN) 1929–37, SJ: (1932–37), SSJ: (1935), JN & SJN: (1935) Total: 481, S(36), SSJ (2), JN & SJN (10)


Revivals

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[29] and a Chrysler engine. One of Exner's Duesenberg designs was later produced as the Stutz Bearcat.

A 1970s Duesenberg was also created, based on a contemporary Cadillac Fleetwood and with modern styling. Its production was a limited run.

A reproduction automobile called Duesenberg II was produced between 1978 and 2000 by the Elite Heritage Motors Corp. in 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.

In 2011 a new company with worldwide trademark rights[30] was established as Duesenberg Motors Inc., with the intention of again restarting the manufacturing of the Duesenberg II replicas in 2012 in Baldwin, Wisconsin.

Etymological note

The origin of the 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[31] 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."[32]

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."[33]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Schumacher, Ulrich (September 3, 2007). "''Fred & Augie Duesenberg: The carbuilders from Kirchheide'' (2008)". Helipad-consulting.com. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  2. ^ Bodenhamer, David J.; Barrows, Robert Graham (1994). The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. Books.google.es. p. 513. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  3. ^ a b Mueller, Mike (2006). American Horsepower: 100 Years of Grear Car Engines. Books.google.es. p. 51. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  4. ^ a b c "Directory Index: Duesenberg/1922_Duesenberg_Model_A_Catalogue". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved April 6, 2012.
  5. ^ a b c Borgeson, Griffith (1984). Errett Lobban: His Empire, His Motor Cars: Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg. Books.google.es. p. 40. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  6. ^ Mueller, Mike (2006). American Horsepower: 100 Years of Great Car Engines. Books.google.es. p. 52. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  7. ^ "1922 Duesenberg Model A Catalogue". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved April 6, 2012.
  8. ^ a b c d Kimes, Beverly (1996). Standard catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause publications. ISBN 0-87341-428-4.
  9. ^ a b c Borgeson, Griffith (1984). Errett Lobban: His Empire, His Motor Cars: Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg. Books.google.es. p. 42. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  10. ^ Wolff, Raymond A. Duesenberg It's Grand Old Name. Vol. 4. p. 358. Retrieved November 23, 2010. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help); More than one of |number= and |issue= specified (help)
  11. ^ Borgeson, Griffith (2005). Errett Lobban Cord: His Empire, His Motor Cars: Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg. New Albany, Indiana: Automobile Heritage Publishing & Co. p. 43. ISBN 0-9711468-7-X. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  12. ^ a b c d Wolff, Raymond A. Duesenberg It's Grand Old Name. Vol. 4. Books.google.es. p. 367. Retrieved November 23, 2010. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help); More than one of |number= and |issue= specified (help)
  13. ^ a b c Ema, Randy (2007). "The Duesenberg: The Grandest yet". autos.msn.com. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  14. ^ a b c "Introduction to the 1928-1934 Duesenberg J series". Howstuffworks.com. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  15. ^ Cheetham, Craig (2004). Vintage Cars. p. 73. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  16. ^ Cheetham, Craig (2004). Vintage Cars. p. 72. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  17. ^ a b Buehrig, Gordon M. I remember the Duesenberg. Books.google.es. p. 372. Retrieved November 23, 2010. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help); More than one of |number= and |issue= specified (help); Unknown parameter |Volume= ignored (|volume= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ "1935 Duesenberg Model SJN Images, Information and History". Conceptcarz.com. Retrieved April 6, 2012.
  19. ^ a b Melissen, Wouter (2004). "Duesenberg SSJ LaGrande Roadster". Ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  20. ^ Craig Cheetham (ed.). Ultimate American Cars. Amber Books Ltd. ISBN 0-7603-2570-7.
  21. ^ Cheetham, Craig (2004). Vintage Cars. p. 77. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  22. ^ Wolff, Raymond A. Duesenberg It's Grand Old Name. Vol. 4. Books.google.es. p. 368. Retrieved November 23, 2010. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help); More than one of |number= and |issue= specified (help)
  23. ^ Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. "Duesenberg SSJ Speedster". Howstuffworks.com. Retrieved November 23, 2010. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  24. ^ Liquid Diamond, info@liquiddiamond.it. "The American Dream. Duesenberg J-SJ". Cromoclassico.com. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  25. ^ Rodgers, Robert S. (2010). "The End of the Line - The Duesenberg JN". Deloreanmotorcar.com. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  26. ^ Auto Editors of Consumer Guide (June 13, 2007). "How Duesenberg Cars work: Duesenberg Model SJ, Model JN, Model SJN". Howstuffworks.com. Retrieved November 23, 2010. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  27. ^ Georgano, G. N. Cars: Early and Vintage, 1886–1930. London: Grange-Universal, 1985.
  28. ^ Apen, John (April 13, 2007). "The Longest Duesenberg". Businessweek.com. Retrieved November 23, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  29. ^ Madle, Peter. "1966 Duesenberg". Madle.org. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  30. ^ "Brightcliff Limited Corporation". www.trademarkia.com. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  31. ^ doozy. Microsoft. Archived from the original on October 31, 2009. {{cite encyclopedia}}: |work= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ "Doozy" at Etymonline.com
  33. ^ "Doozy". Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Merriam-webster.com. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
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