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The 1930 Duesenberg -
Double Cowl Phaeton
This can be well said to be America's "foremost
automobile." Built in Indianapolis, Indiana, it was and is today, "King of
American Classics." Nothing in America ever approached its quality of styling and its
leadership was never questioned. The automobile is a Double Cowl Murphy Body, Model J.
Factory records suggest two having been made and this is the only one remaining.
The engine is a 265 horsepower double overhead cam. It starts quickly with a roar, yet
runs smooth and vibrationless. Clutch, brake, and acceleration pedals are all easy to
work, which is unusual in a vehicle with such massive weight.
This car may well be the finest classic in America today. It has the distinction of
having won 1st prize from the Classic Car Club of America, and is a National First Prize
winner for the Antique Automobile Club of America. It merits all of the respect that it so
richly receives. |
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1936 Duesenberg Prototype
Gentleman's Speedster
By the mid 1930's, Cord Corporation officials had determined that
a less expensive Duesenberg was the answer to the sales decline brought on by the great
depression. Duesenberg president Harold Ames was moved to Auburn and placed in charge of
the "Baby Duesenberg" Project. The initial Gordon Buehrig design, featuring
front wheel drive and revolutionary styling was instead used to revitalize the Cord,
becoming the model 810 in late 1935. Taking advantage of the popularity of the new 1935
Auburn Speedster and hoping to use existing V-12 engines, Buehrig was also asked to design
the Duesenberg Gentleman's Speedster. With minor variations from Buehrig's clay model,
only one prototype was know to have been produced.
Utilizing parts from Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg, this one-of-a-kind prototype
Gentleman's Speedster is certainly the rarest and one of the most desirable late
Auburn, Cord, or Duesenberg automobiles ever built. The prototype Gentleman's Speedster is
an outstanding performer as evidenced by the 6" diameter, 150 mph speedometer and
5,000 rpm tachometer. The car is equipped with the wonderfully smooth and powerful
Lycoming V-12 engine and dual ratio rear axle. Many unusual components were used in the
construction of this automobile. In addition to the Lycoming V-12 engine, the bumpers are
810-812 Cord, the body a modified Auburn Speedster and Duesenberg hood panels.
Photographs in Gordon Buehrig's book, "Rolling Sculpture" page 102, show the
clay model of this Speedster equipped with side mount spares. This feature was apparently
abandoned, but a glance under either front fender reveals the original fender wells still
in tact. The original Lycoming V-12 engine may have been replaced during the 1940's. The
car was one of the star displays at the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum during the 1970's
and 1980's. Mr. Weaver loved this car so much that following its purchase in 1989, he had
the car totally restored to original specifications. It is believed that movie star Jackie
Coogan was the first owner of this exciting automobile. The car is certified by the
Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club as an experimental Category I car. |