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The 1930 Duesenberg - Double Cowl Phaeton

1930dues.jpg (22089 bytes)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.


1936 Duesenberg Prototype Gentleman's Speedster

1936dues.jpg (24687 bytes)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.

Specifications
  • Engine
Lycoming, L-head V-12, 160 + Horsepower, 3 1/" bore, 4 1/4" stroke, 390.8 cubic inch displacement
  • Transmission
3 speed selective with dual ratio, vacuum operated rear axle.
  • Brakes
4 wheel hydraulic, internal expanding
  • Wheelbase
120"