1930 Duesenberg J

Duesenberg surpassed any American made car of its time and was the peer of Europe\'s finest: Mercedes, Hispano-Suiza or the Rolls Phantom II.

The reputation of the Duesenberg was founded on a brilliant racing heritage. In 1921 a Duesenberg was the first American car to win the famous Grand Prix of LeMans, France.The cars were all custom built. Approximately twenty coach builders, including six in Europe, built the various bodies for all 480 Model J chassis that were produced. This body is by Walter J. Murphy of Pasadena, Ca. A chassis cost $8500 in 1930, increasing to $9500 by 1932. Finished car prices depended on body style and appointments: the range was about $15,000 to $20,000, a fortune for that time.

The Model J was introduced at the New York Automobile Salon in 1928. Its straight-eight engine of 265 horsepower could produce speeds over 115 miles per hour. The wheelbase was 142.5 inches; brakes were vacuum assisted (after 1930), oversized and hydraulic. The use of aluminum alloy kept the weight of this huge vehicle to about 5200 pounds By 1932 supercharged engines claiming 320 hp were offered.

1937 was the last model year for the classic Duesenberg. Today the Model J\'s are prized by collectors everywhere who pay well over a million dollars for a good specimen. More than 75% of all Duesenbergs exist today - 55% of them still operable.