Duesenberg: Difference between revisions

Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc.
Industry	Automobile manufacturing; Engine manufacturing;
Predecessor	Duesenberg Motors Company (1913–1919)
Founded	Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. (1920)
Founders	August Duesenberg; Fred Duesenberg;
Defunct	1937; 88 years ago
Fate	Dissolved
Headquarters	Auburn, Indiana, U.S.
Key people	August Duesenberg; (co-founder); Fred Duesenberg; (co-founder); Errett Lobban Cord; (owner from 1926 to 1937);
Products	Model A; Model X; Model J;
Parent	Auburn Automobile Company

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39°46′00″N 86°11′17″W / 39.76667°N 86.18806°W / 39.76667; -86.18806

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

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

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

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

In 1996, the Duesenberg name was revived by Minnesota based 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

Model A (1921–1927)

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)

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)

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]

References

^ ^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.
^ Gershkovitch, Eli; McEwen, Harvey (September 3, 2004). "Real doozy debuts at Concours: Duesenberg to be seen Saturday was owner's 53-year labour of love". The Vancouver Sun.
^ ^a ^b ^c Wolff, Raymond A. (Spring 1966). "Duesenberg: It's a grand old time". Automobile Quarterly. No. 4. Automobile Quarterly Inc. ISBN 9781596131156. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Pointer, Michael (May 27, 2007). "Legendary landmarks". The Indianapolis Star.
^ Apen, John (April 13, 2007). "The Longest Duesenberg". Bloomberg Businessweek. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
^ "How Franklin Mint rocked scale model collectors with fictitious model". Automotive-Art. Archived from the original on July 10, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^ Jedlicka, Dan (January 24, 1999). "Marriage of muscle and magic; No car holds a candle to Duesenberg". Chicago Sun-Times.
^ Phelan, Mark (July 14, 2019). "The Last Duesenberg is about to go to auction". Detroit Free Press. Gannett.
^ The Duesenberg, Steinwedel, Louis William; Newport,J.Hebert; W.W. Norton & Company copyright 1982
^ "US Patent Trademark Office". USPTO.
^ ^a ^b Flammang, James M. (February 13, 2002). "Duesenberg, muscle cars highlight Volo exhibit". Chicago Tribune.
^ Wilno, Donald L. (February 25, 2000). "It's not a real doozie, but a good replica". Asbury Park Press.
^ "Duesenberg II History". Volo Auto Museum. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Damask, Kevin (April 2, 2016). "Elite Heritage Motors employees reunite; Elroy plant produced classic Duesenberg II". Juneau County Star-Times.
^ "Duesenberg Torpedo Coupe | Concept Cars | Diseno-Art". www.diseno-art.com. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Paukert, Chris (February 2, 2006). "No oil pump? An engine case that rotates?? Gas or diesel??? Now that's a Duesy!". Autoblog: Car News, Reviews and Buying Guides. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
^ Hanlon, Mike (May 26, 2005). "Duesenberg Automobiles to be reborn". New Atlas. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Mueller, Mike (2006). American Horsepower: 100 Years of Great Car Engines (1st ed.). Motorbooks. ISBN 978-0-7603-2327-4. Archived from the original on March 13, 2021. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
^ ^a ^b Kimes, Beverly Rae; Clark Jr., Henry Austin; Dunwoodie, Ralph; Marvin, Keith (1996). Standard catalog of American cars, 1805-1942 (3rd ed.). Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. ISBN 978-0873414289.
^ Branch, Ben (April 22, 2019). "The Duesenberg Model X – The Rarest of the Production Duesenbergs". Silodrome. Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Ema, Randy (August 8, 2007). "The Duesenberg: The Grandest Yet". MSN. Archived from the original on February 16, 2012. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Cheetham, Craig, ed. (2006). Vintage cars (Annotated ed.). Saint Paul, Minnesota: Motorbooks. ISBN 9780760325728.
^ Buehrig, Gordon (Spring 1966). "I remember the Duesenberg". Automobile Quarterly. No. 4. Automobile Quarterly Inc. ISBN 9781596131156. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
^ Cheetham, Craig, ed. (2006). Ultimate American cars. Osceola, Wisconsin: Motorbooks. ISBN 0-7603-2570-7.
^ Leno, Jay (February 22, 2009). "Jay Leno: Duesy Set Bonneville Records in 1930s that Stand Today". Popular Mechanics. Archived from the original on September 19, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
^ Dore, Nicole (March 4, 2021). "1980 Best of Show Winner". Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
^ Berk, Brett (November 18, 2016). "Driving Gary Cooper's 1935 Duesenberg SSJ". Car and Driver. Archived from the original on May 8, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
^ Georgano, G. N. (2002). A world of wheels: Early and vintage years 1886-1930; The golden era of coachbuilding. Broomhall, Pennsylvania: Mason Crest Publishers. ISBN 9781590844915.

External links

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club

[Indy1-1] 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.

[Newton1-2] 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.

[3] "Elgin National Road Races History". kalracing.com. Retrieved January 25, 2024.

[PC1-4] Spaulding, George (April 28, 2007). "High-end carmaker was 'duesey'". The Post and Courier.

[Indy2-5] 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.

[Borgeson1-6] Borgeson, Griffith (1984). Errett Lobban Cord: His empire, his motorcars: Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg. Princeton, New Jersey: Automobile Quarterly Publications. ISBN 0915038358.

[Drive1-7] 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.

[VS1-8] Gershkovitch, Eli; McEwen, Harvey (September 3, 2004). "Real doozy debuts at Concours: Duesenberg to be seen Saturday was owner's 53-year labour of love". The Vancouver Sun.

[Wolff1-9] Wolff, Raymond A. (Spring 1966). "Duesenberg: It's a grand old time". Automobile Quarterly. No. 4. Automobile Quarterly Inc. ISBN 9781596131156. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.

[Star1-10] Pointer, Michael (May 27, 2007). "Legendary landmarks". The Indianapolis Star.

[Bloomberg1-11] Apen, John (April 13, 2007). "The Longest Duesenberg". Bloomberg Businessweek. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved April 14, 2022.

[12] "How Franklin Mint rocked scale model collectors with fictitious model". Automotive-Art. Archived from the original on July 10, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)

[CST1-13] Jedlicka, Dan (January 24, 1999). "Marriage of muscle and magic; No car holds a candle to Duesenberg". Chicago Sun-Times.

[DFP1-14] Phelan, Mark (July 14, 2019). "The Last Duesenberg is about to go to auction". Detroit Free Press. Gannett.

[15] The Duesenberg, Steinwedel, Louis William; Newport,J.Hebert; W.W. Norton & Company copyright 1982

[16] "US Patent Trademark Office". USPTO.

[Trib1-17] Flammang, James M. (February 13, 2002). "Duesenberg, muscle cars highlight Volo exhibit". Chicago Tribune.

[APP1-18] Wilno, Donald L. (February 25, 2000). "It's not a real doozie, but a good replica". Asbury Park Press.

[19] "Duesenberg II History". Volo Auto Museum. Retrieved May 6, 2024.

[JCST1-20] Damask, Kevin (April 2, 2016). "Elite Heritage Motors employees reunite; Elroy plant produced classic Duesenberg II". Juneau County Star-Times.

[21] "Duesenberg Torpedo Coupe | Concept Cars | Diseno-Art". www.diseno-art.com. Retrieved November 13, 2024.

[:0-22] Paukert, Chris (February 2, 2006). "No oil pump? An engine case that rotates?? Gas or diesel??? Now that's a Duesy!". Autoblog: Car News, Reviews and Buying Guides. Retrieved November 13, 2024.

[23] Hanlon, Mike (May 26, 2005). "Duesenberg Automobiles to be reborn". New Atlas. Retrieved November 13, 2024.

[Mueller1-24] Mueller, Mike (2006). American Horsepower: 100 Years of Great Car Engines (1st ed.). Motorbooks. ISBN 978-0-7603-2327-4. Archived from the original on March 13, 2021. Retrieved October 24, 2020.

[Kimes1-25] Kimes, Beverly Rae; Clark Jr., Henry Austin; Dunwoodie, Ralph; Marvin, Keith (1996). Standard catalog of American cars, 1805-1942 (3rd ed.). Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. ISBN 978-0873414289.

[Silo1-26] Branch, Ben (April 22, 2019). "The Duesenberg Model X – The Rarest of the Production Duesenbergs". Silodrome. Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2022.

[MSN1-27] Ema, Randy (August 8, 2007). "The Duesenberg: The Grandest Yet". MSN. Archived from the original on February 16, 2012. Retrieved April 14, 2022.

[Cheetham1-28] Cheetham, Craig, ed. (2006). Vintage cars (Annotated ed.). Saint Paul, Minnesota: Motorbooks. ISBN 9780760325728.

[Buehrig1-29] Buehrig, Gordon (Spring 1966). "I remember the Duesenberg". Automobile Quarterly. No. 4. Automobile Quarterly Inc. ISBN 9781596131156. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.

[Cheetham2-30] Cheetham, Craig, ed. (2006). Ultimate American cars. Osceola, Wisconsin: Motorbooks. ISBN 0-7603-2570-7.

[PM1-31] Leno, Jay (February 22, 2009). "Jay Leno: Duesy Set Bonneville Records in 1930s that Stand Today". Popular Mechanics. Archived from the original on September 19, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.

[32] Dore, Nicole (March 4, 2021). "1980 Best of Show Winner". Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Retrieved March 14, 2023.

[CD1-33] Berk, Brett (November 18, 2016). "Driving Gary Cooper's 1935 Duesenberg SSJ". Car and Driver. Archived from the original on May 8, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.

[Georgano1-34] Georgano, G. N. (2002). A world of wheels: Early and vintage years 1886-1930; The golden era of coachbuilding. Broomhall, Pennsylvania: Mason Crest Publishers. ISBN 9781590844915.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|American engine and automobile manufacturer}}
-{{otheruses}}
+{{Other uses}}
-'''Duesenberg''' was a [[United States]]-based luxury [[automobile]] company active in various forms from 1913 to 1937, and is most famous for their high-quality, record-breaking [[roadster]]s.
+{{Coord|39|46|00|N|86|11|17|W|display=title}}
+{{Good article}}
+{{Use American English|date=September 2022}}
+{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2011}}
+{{Infobox company
+| name = Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc.
+| logo = Duesenberg logo.jpg
+| caption =
+| type =
+| traded_as =
+| fate = Dissolved
+| predecessor = Duesenberg Motors Company (1913–1919)
+| successor =
+| foundation = [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]], U.S. ({{Start date|1920}})
+| founders = {{ubl|[[August Duesenberg]]|[[Fred Duesenberg]]}}
+| defunct = {{End date and age|1937}}
+| location_city = [[Auburn, Indiana]]
+| location_country = U.S.
+| locations =
+| area_served =
+| key_people = {{ubl|August Duesenberg<br>(co-founder)|Fred Duesenberg<br>(co-founder)|[[Errett Lobban Cord]]<br>(owner from 1926 to 1937)}}
+| industry = {{ubl|Automobile manufacturing|Engine manufacturing}}
+| products = {{hlist|[[Duesenberg Model A|Model A]]|[[#Model X (1926–1927)|Model X]]|[[Duesenberg Model J|Model J]]}}
+| services =
+| revenue =
+| operating_income =
+| net_income =
+| assets =
+| equity =
+| owner =
+| num_employees =
+| parent = [[Auburn Automobile|Auburn Automobile Company]]
+| divisions =
+| subsid =
+| footnotes =
+}}
+'''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.
 ==History==
+[[File:Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Co. 1921.jpg|thumb|230px|Half a share, issued in June 1921]]
-In 1913, the [[Germans|German]] Duesenberg Brothers, [[Fred Duesenberg|Fred]] and [[August Duesenberg|August]], founded Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc. in [[Garner, Iowa]], at State street, to build [[sports car]]s. Born in 1876 and 1879 in [[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 car won the race in 1924, 1925, and 1927.
+[[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]]]]
+[[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>
+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>
-saw the only use of the Duesenberg as the [[pace car]] at the Indianapolis 500. 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.
+In 1920, the Duesenberg brothers relocated to [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]], where they founded the Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, manufacturing the [[Duesenberg Model&nbsp;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"/>
-Duesenberg Automobiles and Motors Company moved from New Jersey to a new headquarters and factory in
-Indianapolis in July of 1921 to begin production of passenger vehicles. Although the Duesenberg brothers were world-class engineers, they were unable to sell their Model A car, their first "mass-produced" vehicle – just 667 were ever made. It was considered extremely advanced, offering features such as dual [[overhead camshaft]]s, four-valve [[cylinder head]]s and the first hydraulic brakes offered on a passenger car. The company went into receivership in 1922, finally being acquired from creditors by a Fred Duesenberg-led investor group in 1925 forming the Duesenberg Motors Company.
+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>
-[[Image:1930 Duesenberg J.jpg|left|thumb|180px|1930 Duesenberg J Walker Legrande Torpedo Phaeton]]
+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&nbsp;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"/>
-[[Errett Lobban Cord|E. L. Cord]], the owner of [[Cord Automobile]], [[Auburn Automobile]], and other transportation firms, bought the company in 1926 for the brothers' engineering skills, and the brand name, in order to produce luxury cars. Hiring Fred Duesenberg to design the chassis and an engine that would be the best in the world, the newly revived Duesenberg company set about to produce the Model J. The Model J debuted at the [[New York Car Show of 1928]]. In unsupercharged form, it produced a whopping 265 [[horsepower]] (198&nbsp;kW) from a dual overhead camshaft [[straight-8]] and was capable of a top speed of 119&nbsp;[[mph]] (192&nbsp;km/h), and 94&nbsp;mph (151&nbsp;km/h) in 2nd gear. The supercharged version, sometimes called the SJ, was reputed to do {{convert|104|mph|km/h|0}} in second and have a top speed 135-140&nbsp;mph (217–225&nbsp;km/h) in third. Zero-to-60&nbsp;mph (100&nbsp;km/h) times of around eight seconds and 0-to-100&nbsp;mph (160&nbsp;km/h) times of 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 exceed {{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.
+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>
-[[Image:1932 Duesenberg J Murphy coupe convertible.jpg|right|thumb|180px|1932 Duesenberg J Murphy-bodied coupe convertible]]
+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>
-Only the chassis and engine were displayed at New York, since the interior and body of the car would be custom-made by an experienced [[coachbuilder]] to the owner's specifications. The bodywork made for Duesenbergs came from both North America and Europe, and the finished cars comprised some of the largest, grandest, most beautiful and elegant cars ever created. The chassis cost [[United States dollars|$]]8,500 ($9,500 after 1932), the completed base model cost $13,500, and a top-of-the-line model could reach $25,000 (at a time when the average U.S. physician earned less than $3,000 a year).
+===Revivals===
-[[Image:Duesenberg.jpg|left|thumb|240px|A 1929 Duesenberg J 350 Willoughby on display at the [[2005 United States Grand Prix]]]]
+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>
+=== Duesenberg II ===
-<!-- broken image? [[Image:Duesenberg Convertible SJ LeGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton 1935.jpg|right|thumb|180px|Duesenberg Convertible SJ LA Grand Dual-Cowl Phaeton 1935]] -->
+[[File:Duesenberg II - Dual Cowl Phaeton.jpg|thumb|1982 Duesenberg II - Royalton Dual Cowl Phaeton]]
-Introduced in 1932 was the supercharged Model J with 320&nbsp;hp (often referred to as 'SJ'), which had a top speed of 135-140 mph (217-225&nbsp;km/h). Special-bodied models, such as the later "Mormon Meteor" chassis, achieved an average speed of over {{convert|135|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, and a one-hour average of over 152&nbsp;mph (245&nbsp;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, "The only car that could pass a Duesenberg, was another Duesenberg, and that was with the first owner's consent."
+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"/>
-[[Image:Duesenberg J Judkins 1932.jpg|right|thumb|180px|1930 Duesenberg J Judkins]]
+=== Duesenberg Custom Coach ===
-Quickly, the Duesenberg became one of the most popular in America, driven by the rich and famous, among them [[Clark Gable]], [[Gary Cooper]] (each driving one of the two very rare SSJ 125" short-wheelbase convertibles), and the [[Duke of Windsor]]. Duesenberg advertising claimed it was the best car in the world, and their world-beating performance and extreme opulence tend to back that up. There was a gradual evolution up to the 1937 model to preserved the "stately lines" while moving into a more integrated mode of styling. The final evolution of the Duesenberg engine was ram-air intakes added to some of the last supercharged models to produce 400&nbsp;hp (298&nbsp;kW), referred to as 'SSJ' (also a name never used by the factory). Of the 470 Model Js<ref>Georgano, G. N. ''Cars: Early and Vintage, 1886-1930''. (London: Grange-Universal, 1985)</ref> and 11 SJs produced between 1928 and 1937, 384 are still extant.<ref>Four are now owned by [[Jay Leno]].</ref> Duesenberg ceased production in 1937 after Cord's financial empire collapsed.
+{{Disputed section|Duesenberg Custom Coach section dubious|date=December 2024}}
+In 1996, the Duesenberg name was revived by Minnesota based 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>
+Despite plans of producing between 25 and 50 units per year, the project never materialised.
-Model X Duesenbergs are very rare. According to Randy Ema, the country's top Duesenberg authority, only 13 were built. They fit in between the Duesenberg Model A and the famous J and SJ. Only four known Xs survive.
-==Revival==
+==Products==
+===Model A (1921–1927)===
-[[Image:Geburtshaus_duesenberg.jpg|right|thumb|180px|Place of birth of Fred & Augie Duesenberg in Germany]]
+{{Main|Duesenberg Model A}}
-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 by using the chassis of a 1966 [[Imperial (automobile)|Imperial]] with a [[Chrysler]] engine. One of Exner's Duesenberg designs was later produced as the modern [[Stutz]] [[Stutz Bearcat|Bearcat]].
+[[File:1923 Duesenberg Model A Rubay Touring p1.JPG|thumb|1923 Duesenberg Model A [[touring car]] at the [[Louwman Museum]]]]
+Duesenberg's first car was the Model&nbsp;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"/>
-A [[1970]]s Duesenberg was also created, based on a [[Cadillac Fleetwood]] and with modern styling, although its production was not high.
+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}}
-In 1970's the car was a 1976 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ. Approximately 100 of these cars were purchased brand new and shipped from GM to Italy, where they were provided with new bodywork, pearlescent paint and custom interiors. Other than that they were absolutely stock Pontiacs. Finish and final assembly took place in Beverly Hills, and initially had a list price around $60,000.
-<!--  Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Jay Leno Cars1.PNG|thumb|left|200px|Duesenbergs in [[Jay Leno]]'s collection]] -->
+===Model X (1926–1927)===
-Beginning with its introduction in 1975 at the ACD Festival in Auburn Indiana, the reproduction Duesenberg II automobile was produced and sold through mid-2000. Five models of the original Duesenbergs were made, each one carefully copied from an original and visually identical, with a modern Ford V8 driveline and modern comfort features. These exacting reproductions sold for up to US$225,000. The Murphy Roadster model is currently being revised and will be on the market in early 2007. Details are available on the Duesenberg Custom Coach website.
+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"/>
+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>
-The Duesenberg name still lives on as an object of opulence and luxury. It is estimated as of 2006, approximately 50% or roughly 600 of the originally manufactured Duesenbergs are still on the road as classic cars or "Oldtimers." Today Duesenberg Model J's and SJ's are among the most desired collectible classic cars in the world. It is not uncommon today for a Duesenberg in good condition to sell for over $1 million, and a few sell for a multi-million price.  (Note: at the Barrett-Jackson auction of Jan 2008, a Duesenberg J went for more than $1,000,000.)
+===Model J (1928–1937)===
-==Etymological note==
+{{Main|Duesenberg Model J}}
-The origin of the [[American English|American]] [[slang]] word "doozy", meaning something excellent or powerful, is either the Duesenberg's nickname "Duesy", or an older term (derived from earlier slang "daisy").  [http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/doozy.html Encarta.com] describes the origins of the term as unknown, and [http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=doozy dictionary.com] lists it as possibly a blend of the terms "daisy" and "Duesenberg". [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=doozy Etymonline.com] lists it as "1903 (adj.), 1916 (n.), perhaps an alteration of daisy, or from popular It. actress [[Eleonora Duse]] (1859–1924). In either case, reinforced by Duesenberg, expensive, classy make of [[automobile]] 1920s–30s."
+[[File:1930 Duesenberg J.jpg|thumb|1930 J Walker La Grande Torpedo [[Phaeton body|Phaeton]]]]
+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>
-== Models ==
+[[File:Model J engine.JPG|thumb|left|Model J engine]]
+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"/>
-* 1921-1927: [[Duesenberg Model A]] (~650)
-* 1926-1927: [[Duesenberg Model X]] (13)
-* 1927-1927: [[Duesenberg Model Y]] (1)
-* 1929-1937: [[Duesenberg Model J]] (435)
-* 1932-1937: [[Duesenberg Model SJ]] (36)
-* 1933-1936: [[Duesenberg Model SSJ]] (2)
+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}}
-==Notes==
-{{reflist}}
+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>
+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>
+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>
 ==See also==
-*[[Cord Automobile|Cord]]
+*[[Auburn Automobile]]
-*[[Auburn Automobile|Auburn]]
+*[[Cord Automobile]]
+*[[Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum]]
-*[[List of automobile manufacturers]]
+*[[Duesenberg Straight-8 engine]]
-*[[List of defunct United States automobile manufacturers]]
-*[[List of Indianapolis 500 pace cars]]
+==References==
+{{Reflist}}
 ==External links==
-{{commonscat|Duesenberg vehicles}}
+{{commons category|Duesenberg Motors Company}}
-*[http://www.acdclub.org/ Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club Official Website]
+*[https://www.acdclub.org/ Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club]
-*[http://www.automarkhistory.com/duesenberg.php/ History and Picture Duesenberg in Russian]
-*[http://www.acdmuseum.org/ Auburn/Cord/Duesenberg Museum]
-*[http://automotivehistoryonline.com/Duesenberg.htm Duesenberg History and Photo Albums]
-*[http://www.helipad-consulting.com/duesy/duesyeng.html History, Pictures and GE-Placemark of the Duesenberg Bros. Farmhouse in Germany]
-*[http://www.imperialclub.org/Yr/1966/Duesenberg/index.htm picture of the 1966 Duesenberg prototype at the Imperial website]
-*[http://www.madle.org/edues.htm other site about the 1966 Duesenberg prototype]
-*[http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-doo2.htm about the words "doozy" and "Duesy"]
-*[http://www.duesenbergcustomcoach.com/torpedocoupe.html Duesenberg Custom Coach - Proposed makers of the 2007 Duesenberg Torpedo Coupe]
-*[http://news.caradisiac.com/Duesenberg-le-retour French article about Duesenberg returns]
-*[http://www.leblogauto.com/2005/12/duesenberg_torp.html French article from Le Blogauto]
 {{IndianapolisCars}}
 {{ConnersvilleCars}}
+[[Category:Duesenberg| ]]
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+[[Category:1937 disestablishments in Indiana]]
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+[[Category:1920s cars]]
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+[[Category:1930s cars]]
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