Duesenberg Cars

Duesenberg Cars - Random Listings From Our Picture Gallery

1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Sports Sedan	1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Sports Sedan 1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Sports Sedan Duesenberg Motors Company, Indianapolis, IN National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada. Photos By: Douglas Wilkinson by Douglas
1959 Duesenberg	1959 Duesenberg 1959 Duesenberg Photo by Douglas Wilkinson Location: Auburn Hills, MI by Douglas
1927 Duesenberg Model A Roadster	1927 Duesenberg Model A Roadster 1927 Duesenberg Model A Roadster Coachwork By: Schuette Body Company, Lancaster, PA Engine: 8-Cylinder, 262.4 cid, 90 hp Wheelbase: 141 inches Weight: 4500 pounds Fuel Economy: 8-10 miles per gallon Price New: $7,500 (Chassis only) The Duesenberg Model A was the company's first passenger-type automobile after several years of building race cars. The first Model A was introduced in November of 1920 and Duesenberg sold only the bare chassis of the car with buyers having custom bodies built by coachbuilders. Photo By: Douglas Wilkinson Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana by Douglas
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe	1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe 825,000.00 USD Offered For Sale at the: RM Auction - Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall August 6, 2005, Auburn Hills, Michigan RM Auctions One Classic Car Drive Blenheim, Ontario N0P 1A0 Canada Phone: 519-352-4575 Website: www.rmauctions.com 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe LOT: 100 Estimate: $750,000-$1,000,000 US Chassis No. J194 AUCTION RESULTS: Lot was Sold at a price of $825,000 COACHWORK BY THE MURPHY BODY COMPANY 265bhp 420 cu. in. four-cylinder twin overhead camshaft inline eight-cylinder, three-speed transmission, front beam axle, live rear axle and vacuum-assisted four wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 142.5" The Model J Duesenberg has long been regarded as the most outstanding example of design and engineering of the classic era. Introduced in 1929, trading was halted on the New York Stock exchange for the announcement. At $8,500 for the chassis alone, it was by far the most expensive car in America. With coachwork, the delivered price of many Duesenbergs approached $20,000, a staggering sum at a time when a typical new family car cost around $500. Few would argue that the car’s features did not support its price. Indeed, the Model J’s specifications sound current today: double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, power hydraulic brakes, and 265hp in naturally aspirated form – or 325bhp when supercharged. The new Duesenberg was tailor-made for the custom body industry. It had the power and stance to carry imposing coachwork, and the style and grace of the factory sheet metal was ideally suited for the execution of elegant custom coachwork. The Murphy body company of Pasadena, California is generally recognized as the most successful coachbuilder on the Duesenberg Model J chassis. Associated initially with Packards, Murphy built bodies suited the California tastes of the time. They were simple and elegant, with trim lines and an undeniable sporting character. Murphy bodies seemed all the more revolutionary when compared to their contemporaries from the East coast, who built heavier, more ornate designs. The trademark of Murphy body design was the “clear vision” pillar. On the convertible coupe, the windshield pillars were designed to be as slim as possible, creating a sportier, more open appearance, while improving visibility for the driver. In fact, Murphy advertised that their windshield pillars were “narrower than the space between a man’s eyes,” a design they claimed eliminated blind spots. The convertible coupe is generally considered to be the best looking of Murphy’s designs, and indeed, it became one of the most popular bodies for the Model J. RM Auctions is pleased to offer an exceptional example of the classic Murphy roadster at the 2005 Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall Auction. J194 was sold new by Duesenberg’s New York City factory branch in August of 1929 to William Durant Campbell, at which time it was finished in black with 19 inch chrome wire wheels. Within a year, on May 23rd of 1930, the car was resold to a banker named E.C. Converse, also of New York City, who commissioned Murphy to repaint the car in sage green with a red undercarriage. Later, the car belonged to early Duesenberg enthusiast Bob Roberts, of Los Angeles, California, who apparently had the hood louvers replaced with side screens. According to noted historian Ray Wolff, it was probably during Roberts’ ownership that the car’s firewall was replaced with the one from S/N 2462 (Ex-J449). By 1935, the car (still sporting its sage green exterior) was being offered by the Cadillac Agency in Palo Alto, California, who sold it to an unknown Chinese businessman in San Francisco. In 1943, Robert Thelin bought the car, keeping it until 1954 before selling it to Harry Rau of Tujunga, California. In the late 1950s, the car went to Rosell Moore of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and then to noted Duesenberg historian Ray Wolff of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, who paid $400 cash plus a 1929 Cadillac Touring, and began the restoration process. In October of 1960, Wolff sold J194 to Dr. Rufus Reitzel in Michigan for $5,350. Reitzel became another long-term owner, keeping until he passed away in late 1974 or early 1975. His estate sold the car to Duesenberg dealer Leo Gephardt for $94,000. Over the next two years, the car was traded back and forth between Gephardt and another Duesenberg dealer, Lou Lazarus, before finally selling to Jack Finden, a banker from Topeka, Kansas. Later, Lazarus bought the car back, selling it to Courtland Dietler of Denver, Colorado in June of 1977. Dietler kept J194 for five years before selling it to David Kerr ofDenver in March of 1982. Kerr resold the car to noted Denver area collector Roger Willbanks in July of 1982. Willbanks sold the car to William E. Schultz of Los Angeles, California in 1984. Schultz kept J194 for a year before selling it to Dick Boeshore of Lebanon, Pennsylvania in 1985, who arranged for the car to be inspected by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club, following which J194 was awarded a level one certification (D-010). Shortly afterwards, Boeshore resold J194 to Texas billionaire, Jerry J. Moore. The vendor acquired the car from Moore in May of 2004. Today, J194 presents very well, having acquired a lovely patina since its earlier restoration. The silver and green paintwork is generally quite good, although some minor areas of bubbling are evident on the fenders as well as some chips to door and rumble seat edges. The chrome and brightwork is also quite acceptable, although some pieces show minor rippling and would benefit fromr replating with a higher standard of preparation work. The lovely dark green leather interior is in as new condition; although the top, probably done at the same time, trimmed in matching leather, shows minor discoloration today and one snap has pulled through. The instrument panel is complete and correct, including the proper and rare original marbled shift knob. The engine bay detailing is older and shows some evidence of road use since restoration. It is generally quite correct, although some minor parts are of incorrect finish. Similarly, the chassis – while quite clean – shows evidence of use. Notably, J194 is fitted with both Watson Stabilators and hydraulic shock absorbers, as well as the more desirable downdraft carburetion system. J194 is exceptionally well equipped, having been fitted with external exhaust, twin taillights, twin cowl mounted spotlights, and twin Pilot Ray driving lights. The car is nicely accented with 19 inch chrome wire wheels and whitewall tires. J194’s wonderful overall condition will provide its new owner with a thoroughly rewarding driving experience, while the car’s continuous history and well-known provenance should ensure that it is also a rewarding automotive investment. by Douglas
1931 Duesenberg J Murphy Convertible Coupe	1931 Duesenberg J Murphy Convertible Coupe 1931 Duesenberg J Murphy Convertible Coupe Photo By: Douglas Wilkinson Location: The Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum (A-C-D) in Auburn, Indiana. by Douglas
1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Dual-Cowl Phaeton	1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Dual-Cowl Phaeton 1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Dual-Cowl Phaeton Photo By: Douglas Wilkinson Location: The Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum (A-C-D) in Auburn, Indiana. by Douglas
1932 Duesenberg J Murphy Torpedo Convertible Coupe	1932 Duesenberg J Murphy Torpedo Convertible Coupe 1932 Duesenberg J Murphy Torpedo Convertible Coupe Photo By: Douglas Wilkinson Location: The Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum (A-C-D) in Auburn, Indiana. by Douglas
1925 Duesenberg Model A Roadster	1925 Duesenberg Model A Roadster 1925 Duesenberg Model A Roadster Duesenberg Motors Company, Indianapolis, IN National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada. Photos By: Douglas Wilkinson by Douglas
1932 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy	1932 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy 825,000.00 USD 1932 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy RM Auctions Automobiles of Amelia Island Collector Car Auction Amelia Island, Florida March 13, 2009 AUCTION RESULTS: Lot 140 - Sold at a price of $825,000 265 bhp, 420 cu. in. four valves per cylinder twin overhead camshaft inline eight-cylinder, three-speed transmission, front beam axle, live rear axle, four wheel longitudinal leaf springs, vacuum assisted four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 142.5" The Murphy body company of Pasadena, California is generally recognized as the most successful coachbuilder on the Duesenberg Model J chassis. Associated initially with Packards, Murphy built bodies that suited the California tastes of the time. They were simple and elegant, with trim lines and an undeniable sporting character. Murphy bodies seemed all the more revolutionary when compared with their contemporaries from the east coast – heavier, more ornate designs. The convertible coupe is generally considered to be the best looking of Murphy's designs, and indeed, it became one of the most popular bodies for the Model J. Most, like J340, were short wheelbase designs. With its exceedingly attractive Murphy convertible coupe coachwork, the car exhibits the stunningly attractive proportions that have made these cars so highly coveted today. The original owner of J340 was Henry Lockhardt, Jr., who maintained homes in both New York and Easton, Maryland. In 1934, the car was traded back to the Philadelphia Duesenberg agency, where it was resold to Mr. Arthur Parker of Chester, Pennsylvania. Parker sold the car to R.S. Anzalone of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in June of 1953. He put twin downdraft carburetors on the car and then advertised it for sale in October of 1953, selling it shortly thereafter to Hubert Fischer in Owatonna, Minnesota for $3,000. When he passed away in May of 1971, he left J340 to his son, Dr. Mark Fischer of Hopkins, Minnesota. Some years later, Frank Heiss, Sr., of Westville, New Jersey, acting as an agent for Fay Culbreth of Charlotte, North Carolina, traded an Auburn sedan for a Corvette plus the right of first refusal from Dr. Fischer for J340. Eventually, in 1985, Culbreth paid Heiss $10,000 for his assistance and $150,000 for the car, even though it was apart, unrestored and missing two wheels. Culbreth had the restoration done by John Ehresman, a well known authority on Auburn/Cord/Duesenberg cars. The quality of the restoration was beautiful and, as a result, to this day has not required another complete restoration. A longtime award winner, J340 received a First Place in 1993 from the AACA. In 1999, the Duesenberg received a Third in Class Award at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The same year it was awarded the Amelia Award in addition to being fully certified in Category One by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club. Culbreth sold the Duesenberg to David Stevenson of Farmington, Connecticut on August 15, 1993. Stevenson then sold it to Calvin High of Lancaster, Pennsylvania in October 1994. Calvin High kept J340 for three years before selling it to well known collector Carmine Zeccardi of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. About a year later, Zeccardi sold J340 to Robert Pass of St. Louis, Missouri on behalf of James Mills, another St. Louis resident who was assembling a car collection. In 2002, James Mills consigned J340 to RM's Amelia Island auction, where it was purchased by well known collector Frank Ricciardelli of Monmouth Beach, New Jersey. Although the car remained in very good condition, Ricciardelli sent it to Steve Babinsky's New Jersey shop for a careful going over and a thorough detailing and freshening. Two years later, he consigned the car to RM Auctions' Biltmore sale in Phoenix, Arizona, where it was purchased by Robert Phelps of Addison, Michigan and Naples, Florida. Phelps kept the car for three years before selling it to the O'Quinn Collection in Houston, Texas. Most Murphy convertible coupes, like J340, were short wheelbase designs. Unlike many, J340 is completely original, retaining its original chassis, engine and body. Overall, J340 is a highly restored car, done body-off to a professional standard in the mid-1990s. A multiple-award winner upon completion, the car remains in excellent overall condition. A great automobile is an investment – one that pays dividends in beauty and utility as well as dollars and cents. by Douglas
1933 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton	1933 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton 1933 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton Worldwide Group Auctions The Houston Classic Auction Saturday, May 2, 2009 Website: www.wwgauctions.com Lot # 57 420 cid twin overhead camshaft inline eight-cylinder rated at 265 horsepower, three-speed transmission, front beam axle, live rear axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, vacuum assisted four-wheel hydraulic brakes; wheelbase: 142.5" CHASSIS NO: 2355 Coachwork by La Grande, ACD Certified Category One, Multiple Award Winner In the November 17, 1928, issue of The Saturday Evening Post, Duesenberg, Inc. published a full-page all-text advertisement. Under the heading "E.L. Cord Announces Plans for Duesenberg" it said in part: "This interesting announcement has been awaited for more than two years. Even now it would be delayed, if Mr. Cord and his engineers could conceive of any possible way in which to improve upon the new Duesenberg in either kind or degree." "Suffice it to say Mr. Cord's aim is for America unquestionably to lead Europe in producing the world's finest automobile." "'this new Duesenberg ' is built to win, through sheer merit, world wide recognition for absolute superiority in every way over every other automobile on earth." "Such a motor car cannot be measured by ordinary standards." "Now, the fruition of [Fred Duesenberg's] years of concentration represent an achievement in which every American may justly take pride." Over eighty years later those words still ring true. The Duesenberg Model J was so powerful, so fast, so magnificently designed, so finely built from the best materials by the most dedicated craftsmen that even the notoriously hyperbolic advertising of the day, even E.L. Cord's famously generous characterizations, did not overstate the attributes of the Duesenberg Model J. The Duesenberg Model J was introduced on December 1, 1928, at the New York Auto Salon. It was the most powerful automobile in America - by a factor of two. Its short chassis wheelbase was longer than all but four other luxury marquesï¾’ long wheelbase models. The long wheelbase Duesenberg J was by far the largest production chassis in the world, exceeding all but the rare Daimler N45 and Ettore Bugatti's fabulous Type 41 Royale, neither of which came close to the Duesenberg's power. Designed by one of the authentic geniuses of the automobile's early history, Fred Duesenberg, the Model J combined Fred's instinctive vision for what was right, original, refined, and efficient with Errett Lobban Cord's genius for the right vehicle, aimed at the right market, offered at the right time. The next Duesenberg advertising appeared in House & Garden in March 1929. It was headed simply: "The World's Best Motor Car". The text was short and to the point: "The world's finest automobile, the new Duesenberg, has 265 horsepower. Its entire construction is proportionately strong, thereby insuring greatest safety, endurance and absolute dominion. It excels equally in every other respect. Chassis $8,500." In early 1929, $8,500 would buy the most expensive Cadillac or Packard complete with its most luxurious, opulent, flamboyant catalogue custom coachwork and leave enough change on the table for a very comfortable Buick. The Duesenberg J buyer got the chassis only for that price, and the chance to negotiate with the best coachbuilders for an appropriate - and appropriately expensive - body to complement it. It was an automobile surrounded by superlatives, not only in size and cost but also in its design and concept. E.L. Cord determined that it should be capable of speeds in excess of 100 mph with the largest, most luxurious formal coachwork. He challenged Fred Duesenberg to create an automobile that would accelerate, corner and brake not just better than its most exotic competition, but far better. Fred Duesenberg, to whom competition was a way of life and winning was a habit, more than delivered. In both aggressive appearance and particularly in the elemental sound of its massive inline eight-cylinder engine, the presence of a Duesenberg was immediate, visceral, and imposing. It was accentuated by the coachwork. Most Duesenbergs were delivered in chassis form to be clothed in custom or semi-custom coachwork by the finest coachbuilders in the United States. Duesenberg depended particularly on Walter M. Murphy in Pasadena. Le Baron, Willoughby, Derham, and Rollston all built multiple bodies for Duesenberg Model Js, producing in the process the most distinctive, beautiful, and creative coachwork that ever graced any chassis. American or foreign, formal, sports, open, or closed. The qualities of the Duesenberg Model J, its proportions and its performance, inspired coachbuilders to new heights of imagination and creativity. While Duesenberg relied upon Murphy for the coachwork on many of its demonstrators and show cars the firm also had its own designers, notably Gordon Buehrig. As the Model J got into production Duesenberg encountered the same situation which had induced Rolls-Royce to establish its own coachworks upon setting up production in Springfield, Massachusetts, a decade before. Americans, even wealthy Americans it turned out, were impetuous purchasers. When they saw something they liked and they had the resources to buy it they wanted it without waiting. The time it took to design, fabricate, paint, trim, and mount custom bodywork was unacceptable in their fast-paced lifestyles. Waiting until next week, let alone next month, was sufficient to send them looking elsewhere even if it meant settling for something less imposing, powerful, and luxurious than a Duesenberg Model J. In response Duesenberg began to order "bodies in white," completely finished coachwork shells that needed only painting, trimming, and mounting before they could be delivered. The first supplier was Union City Body, an established supplier of Auburn and Cord and subsidiary of the Cord Corporation. Rather than break the pattern of identifying designs by their coachbuilders' names Duesenberg created the name La Grande to identify the bodies in white from Union City. Later the practice expanded to include bodies bought in small batches from other suppliers including Weymann, Walker, and Brunn. The most prolific of them was, naturally, Union City, and the Union City coachwork, along with examples from other coachbuilders, came from the gifted pen of Gordon Buehrig. The finest examples of La Grande coachwork are the nineteen or so phaetons such as this outstanding example. Certified by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club as a Level One original example, it is one of just fourteen Union City phaetons built for the Duesenberg 142 1/2" wheelbase chassis. This chassis started out with a Rollston Cabriolet body that was swapped a half century ago by a multiple Duesenberg owner who preferred this dual cowl phaeton coachwork to the other. It takes only one look to see why. From the stylized radiator cap mascot (somewhat irreverently known as the "Duesenbird") through the long sweep panel which distinguishes the La Grande design of Gordon Buehrig from similar sweep panels on Murphy phaetons to the elegant tail tucked up between the rear fenders, this is an outstanding, balanced, well-proportioned creation that pleasingly complements the fabulous Duesenberg J chassis, engine, and drivetrain. Attractively outfitted with dual sidemounted spares with metal covers, chromed bands, and rear view mirrors, it has fresh and very attractive cosmetics in red and black, with fresh red leather upholstery, black carpets, and a black cloth top. Six chrome wire wheels carry wide white wall tires. Dual windshields protect the occupants of both the front and rear seats. There are a number of nice details including the curved hood side vents concentric with the sidemounts and the chrome strips that protect the leading edge of the rear fenders from being scuffed by passengers entering or exiting the rear doors. It is a Concours winner, with a class win at Meadow Brook in 2007 and winner of People's Choice, Best in Class, and the Roy Faulkner Award at the ACD Club meet in Auburn, Indiana, in 2008. It has had only sixteen owners from new, all of them known and has been owned by just three museums since 1961. Very few automobiles in the world are as instantly recognizable as a Duesenberg and few Duesenbergs have coachwork that is as attractive, beautifully presented, and highly desirable as this 1933 Model J La Grande Dual Cowl Phaeton. Ready to go back onto any show field where it will be a contender for top honors, or blow the doors of many modern automobiles on the highway where it can show off its legendary 86 mph speed in second gear, this is a rare and highly desirable opportunity to acquire one of the most honored and respected of all open bodied Duesenberg Js. by Douglas

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Duesenberg History

From 1906 to 1913, Fred and August Duesenberg were associated with the Mason racing cars of Des Moines, Iowa. In 1913 the brothers opened a small plant in St. Paul, Minnesota, where they built complete racing cars, marine engines, and aircraft engines during World War I.

In 1920 they began producing automobiles under their own name when they formed the Duesenberg Automobile and Motors Company, Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Duesenberg was the first successful American racing car designed and built exclusively for speedway competition. Capitalizing on their racing successes, they advertised as "The World's Champion Automobile - Built to Outclass, Outrun, and Outlast Any Car on the Road."

Duesenberg cars had a straight-eight engine with a single overhead camshaft and hydraulic four-wheel brakes, both firsts in an American production automobile. Fleetwood, Rubay, and Millspaugh & Irish bodies were ordered by Duesenberg for the Model A chassis and custom bodies could be built by Brunn, Judkins, Murphy and others.

Model A production continued until 1926 and its successor, the Model X, was introduced, but only 12 of the new model were built. A little more than 600 Duesenberg Model A cars were built.

Late in 1926, E. L. Cord purchased the Duesenberg firm and a new company, Duesenberg, Inc., was formed. From this reorganization came the famous Duesenberg J and SJ models. A total of 480 Model J Duesenberg car built. Of this small number, only 37 were SJ (supercharged).

In 1937, the Cord empire collapsed and the Cord-owned companies were sold off. Several attempts have been made to revive the Duesenberg name.

Duesenberg Model J

The Model J Duesenberg has long been regarded as the most outstanding example of design and engineering of the Classic Era. Introduced in 1929, trading was halted on the New York Stock Exchange for the announcement. At $8,500 for the chassis alone, it was by far the most expensive car in America. With coachwork, the delivered price of many Duesenbergs approached $20,000, a staggering sum at a time when a typical new family car cost around $500.

The Mighty Model J

The story of Fred and August Duesenberg and E.L. Cord is among the most fascinating in automotive history. The Duesenbergs were self-taught mechanics and car builders whose careers started in the Midwest at the beginning of the twentieth century with the manufacture of cars bearing the Mason and Maytag names. Fred, the older brother by five years, was the tinkerer and designer of the pair. Augie made Fred's ingenious and creative things work.

The Duesenbergs' skill and creativity affected many other early American auto manufacturers. Their four-cylinder engine produced by Rochester powered half a dozen marques. Eddie Rickenbacker, Rex Mays, Peter DePaolo, Tommy Milton, Albert Guyot, Ralph DePalma, Fred Frame, Deacon Litz, Joe Russo, Stubby Stubblefield, Jimmy Murphy, Ralph Mulford and Ab Jenkins drove their racing cars.

In 15 consecutive Indianapolis 500s, starting with their first appearance in 1913, 70 Duesenbergs competed. Thirty-two – an amazing 46 percent of them – finished in the top 10. Fred and Augie became masters of supercharging and of reliability. Their engines, because engines were Fred's specialty, were beautiful and performed on a par with the best of Miller, Peugeot and Ballot.

In 1921, Jimmy Murphy's Duesenberg won the most important race on the international calendar, the French GP at Le Mans. It was the first car with hydraulic brakes to start a Grand Prix. Duesenberg backed up this performance at Indianapolis in 1922 – eight of the top 10 cars were Duesenberg powered, including Jimmy Murphy's winner.

In 1925, Errett Lobban Cord added the Duesenberg Motors Company to his rapidly growing enterprise, the Auburn Automobile Company. Cord's vision was to create an automobile that would surpass the great marques of Europe and America. Cadillac, Isotta Fraschini, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza were his targets and Duesenberg was his chosen instrument. He presented Fred Duesenberg with the opportunity to create the greatest car in the world, and Fred obliged with the Duesenberg Model J.

The Duesenberg Model J was conceived and executed to be superlative in all aspects. Its short wheelbase chassis was 142.5 inches, nearly 12 feet. The double overhead camshaft straight eight-cylinder engine had four valves per cylinder and displaced 420 cubic inches. It made 265 horsepower. The finest materials were used throughout and fit and finish were to tool room standards. Each chassis was driven at speed for 100 miles at Indianapolis.

The Duesenberg Model J's introduction on December 1, 1928 at the New York Auto Salon was front page news. The combination of the Duesenberg reputation with the Model J's grand concept and execution made it the star of the show and the year. Duesenberg ordered enough components to build 500 Model Js while development continued for six months after the Model J's introduction to ensure its close approximation of perfection. The first customer delivery came in May 1929, barely five months before Black Tuesday. Unfortunately, the Model J Duesenberg lacked financing and support from E.L. Cord and Auburn Corporation, which were both struggling to stay afloat in the decimated middle market.

The effect of the Duesenberg J on America cannot be minimized. Even in the misery of the Depression this paragon of power illustrated the continued existence of wealth and the upper class. Duesenberg's advertising became a benchmark, featuring the wealthy and privileged in opulent surroundings with only a single line of copy: "He drives a Duesenberg." The outside exhaust pipes inspired generations of auto designers and remain, 60 years later, a symbol of power and performance. "She's a real Duesy," still means a slick, quick, smooth and desirable possession of the highest quality.

Duesenbergs were expensive cars, and only men or women of means could afford them. At a time when a perfectly good new family sedan could be purchased for $500 or so, a coachbuilt Duesenberg often cost $20,000 or more. If a full-sized family sedan sells for $30,000 today, that is the equivalent of more than $1 million dollars now. Such extravagance was born of an era of unbridled capitalism – a time when a man with vision and ability could make – and keep – a fortune of staggering size.

These were the men who could afford the very best, and there was absolutely no doubt that when it came to automobiles, E. L. Cord's magnificent Duesenberg was the best that money could buy.

The new Duesenberg was tailor-made for the custom body industry. It had the power and stance to carry imposing coachwork, and the style and grace of the factory sheet metal was ideally suited for the execution of elegant custom coachwork. The Murphy Body Company of Pasadena, California is generally recognized as the most successful coachbuilder on the Duesenberg Model J chassis.

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