Model J Duesenberg - It can only be experienced - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

nate300d · #1 06-17-2013, 09:43 AM

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to ride in a 1930 Model J Duesenberg with a convertible sedan body by Murphy. Amazing power.....amazing low end torque. Fred Duesenberg was a genius.

t walgamuth · #2 06-17-2013, 09:50 AM

What about Augie?

nate300d · #3 06-17-2013, 10:05 AM

He did not stay around long after Cord purchased Duesenberg. Not saying he was not capable, none of his work received the fame of his brother.
The museum has a flat head 6 marine engine that Augie designed. It is the only flat head Duesenberg engine that I have ever heard of. Not sure of the year, but I know it is after Cord purchased Duesenberg.

nate300d · #4 06-17-2013, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I believe Augie also died in a crash around that time....

Augie died in 1955. Fred died in July of 1932. Fred went around a corner too fast in a Model J on a rainy day. One report that I read stated that the tires did not have much tread on them. He survived the accident, however, he caught pneumonia and that is what he died from in the end.

t walgamuth · #5 06-17-2013, 10:41 AM

You're right.

nate300d · #6 06-17-2013, 10:56 AM

I would really like to experience riding in a Model A and Model X (only 6 Model X exist) Duesenbergs as these are 'pure Duesenbergs' of Fred and Augie before Cord purchased them and dictated their direction.

elchivito · #7 06-17-2013, 12:35 PM

No pics?
uh huh, SURE you did.

nate300d · #8 06-17-2013, 01:55 PM

Here you go

nate300d · #9 06-17-2013, 02:07 PM

I also rode in this 1931 Auburn 6 and 1935 Auburn 651

elchivito · #10 06-17-2013, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nate300d

Here you go

Thanks!
I think I'd get a little wood riding in that car. (too bad about the color though..)

nate300d · #11 06-17-2013, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elchivito

Thanks!
I think I'd get a little wood riding in that car. (too bad about the color though..)

Yes, the power of a Duesenberg J does 'stimulate'.

It moves so effortlessly. 265HP from 420 cubic inches with only a 5:1 compression ratio.

It is actually a very nice color....stunning automobile to see in person. To see AND ride in one you can understand how they were an automobile for the elite of the elite.

The perks of being a volunteer at an automobile museum......

nate300d · #12 06-17-2013, 02:33 PM

And the advertising......very understated....

t walgamuth · #13 06-17-2013, 06:57 PM

What is amazing in those enormous Duezies is the cockpit in front is about the same size as a Model A. Pretty narrow and the steering wheel makes a 123 benz wheel look like that of a racing car. The stickshift is about 40" long too and the dash is filled with impressive instruments on a turned metal dash.

Sweet!

Benz Dr. · #14 06-17-2013, 07:33 PM

This is a REAL Classic Car unlike all of the stuff that was built in the 50's and 60's. Milestones, maybe. Classics? No.........

Chris W. · #15 06-17-2013, 08:19 PM

As an early teen I was into car model kits. At some point someone gave me a metal model (wish I could remember the brand) kit of a Duesenberg Model J. It was a very good quality kit, and probably the most complex model I ever built. Came out very well for my age. Rattle can paint job really worked. Red dots on the wheel centers, metal hose thingys for the exhaust, it looked exactly like your photo, 'cept mine was dark blue.

Lucky you, chance of a lifetime I'd say.

Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D, 396K