1929-1937 Duesenberg Model J… (1934 Graber J Convertible Coupe (pictured) The elegant Duesenberg J is the culmination of a design process boldly inspired by both Duesenbergs rich racing heritage, and the new owner Errett Lobban Cord. Introduced at the 1928 New York Auto Show, Mr. Cord envisioned the new Duesenberg to be the finest American automobile ever built. The Duesenberg brothers were incredible engineers and designers, but lacked in buisness savvy and acumen. Cord bought out the brothers in 1926. The new Model J was equipped with a variety of technical novelties, an ingenious lubrication system, and a unique cross-member twist free chassis. No expense was spared on this prestigious model, whether it pertains to the distinctive coachwork or the sophisticated design details evident throughout the car. There were 481 Model Js built, and it’s powered by a 420 cubic inch double-overhead-cam engine. It produces 265 hp normally, and 320 hp with the addition of a centrifugal supercharger. It’s capable of 104 mph in second gear…with a max speed of 130 mph. A top of the line Duesenberg with custom coachwork and bespoke styling could top $20,000.00 back in the 1930s. Pictured here is the very rare 1934 J Graber Convertible Coupe…one of the few that does not have the traditional bumpers, grille and mascot. Currently the average Duesenberg starts around $1.5million plus…some of the extremely unique custom examples, as the one pictured here, can be astronomically more expensive.
Thanks for sharing, Von Striker. Such a beautiful combination of comfort, technology, and design. The art deco influence on these 1930's designs really helped give the appearance the cars were moving even while sitting still. I wish we had some semblance of that coachwork design creativity today, instead of all vehicles basically looking like variations of a jelly bean (thanks wind tunnels and fuel mileage standards), and the biggest design differences are how creative you can apply LEDs on the outside and how many cupholders are on the inside.
I think had a chance to see this car in real, when it belonged to Harrah´s Automobile Collection, Las Vegas and was exhibited in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 2nd - 17th of June 1979 at Roth-Händle Cigarettes Exhibition with a bunch of other cars. I fell in love with the Graber body at once. At that time this Duesenberg was painted brown (where it is now black) and the side was red/orange (now blue). The canvas top was beige. I remember driving from my home town 140 km to Düsseldorf just to visit this special exhibition. I drove a Citroen 2CV4, because even as a young man I loved classic style and I could just afford a used 2CV! Hermann Graber, Bern always had an excellent taste. He was responsible for the design of the later Alvis 3 litre Cars and he built many one offs of this model.
Von Striker Duesenberg is associated with many superlatives in the history of great automobiles. The speed, the luxury, the quality are all magnificent even by today's standards. A sporting open body and an impressive design.... Von❤😘🌹, I was just thinking.....could it be a comfortable sofa for my living room???😎😉😛😎
I love the styling of the high end cars from the 1930s. I know the Duesenbergs were quality cars, but I've not seen this awesome model before.
Achingly beautiful! Thanks for posting Von! Stuart major - a great lesson in proportionality eh bruv?
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When I see something like this, I am in awe that there were auto manufacturers in the early days who took the extra step of designing something luxurious, classy, elegant. I guess Ford missed out completely in this arena, at least early on. There obviously was a demand, just as there is a demand for higher end goods in many areas; and Dusenberg and others were there to satisfy it. Great pics; thanks!
I can't belive no one said "isn't that a Duese"
An absolute work of art, Elegance and Beauty in abundance. Fabulous post, thank you so much for sharing.
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2yA majestic ✨️ automobile worthy of a genuflect...or twelve. Let's put this into perspective, the ability to power this heavy beast to 130mph, and convertible too, was an extraordinary feat in the 1920s. Man, people back then lived, partied, dressed and travelled in style.