This 1921 Duesenberg Model A Bender Coupe, delivered to North Castle of Hawaii in 1921, has the distinction of being the very first customer owned production passenger car built by the Duesenberg brothers.
True to the company’s racing heritage, this Model A Duesenberg was the first passenger vehicle equipped with four wheel hydraulic brakes and an overhead-cam in-line 8 cylinder engine. In another sign of the maker’s competition past, the Castle car was fitted with full length belly pans and an exhaust cut-off. Typical of the era, the Castle coupe, car #601 in the factory’s record was produced as a running chassis without a body. The body, by Bender, is unique as it was custom built to accommodate the large frame of the 7-foot tall vehicle.
This car has been in the care of the Castle family for 4 generations, and is the only Duesenberg that is still in the family of original owners. The #601 has just completed a five year restoration by Canepa of Scotts Valley, CA, where it was returned to its original 1921 specifications.
Background and History
- Manufacturer: Duesenberg Motors Company, founded by brothers Fred and August Duesenberg.
- Production Year: The Duesenberg Model A was produced from 1921 to 1927, with the Bender Coupe being a notable variant.
Specifications
- Engine: The Model A was equipped with a straight-eight engine, which was advanced for its time.
- Displacement: The engine had a displacement of 260 cubic inches (4.3 liters).
- Power Output: The engine produced approximately 88 horsepower.
- Transmission: It featured a 3-speed manual transmission.
Design and Features
- Body Style: The Bender Coupe was a two-door luxury coupe, featuring a stylish and elegant design that was typical of Duesenberg's high standards.
- Coachwork: Bender, a well-known coachbuilder, was responsible for crafting the body, emphasizing luxury and sophistication.
- Interior: The interior was lavishly appointed with high-quality materials, including leather seats and polished wood trim, catering to affluent buyers.
Performance
- Top Speed: The Model A could reach a top speed of around 85 mph (137 km/h), which was impressive for a luxury car of its era.
- Innovation: The Model A was the first production car to feature hydraulic brakes on all four wheels, showcasing Duesenberg's commitment to advanced engineering and safety.
Legacy
- Significance: The Duesenberg Model A was significant as it marked the beginning of the Duesenberg legacy in luxury automobiles. It set the stage for later models, like the famous Model J, which would cement Duesenberg's reputation for excellence.
- Rarity: Early Duesenberg models like the 1921 Model A Bender Coupe are extremely rare today and are highly prized by collectors.
- Collectibility: Due to its historical importance, engineering innovations, and luxurious design, the Model A Bender Coupe is a sought-after classic, often fetching high prices at auctions.
Taken at the Amelia Concourse.
You may purchase a print of the 1921 Duesenberg Model A Bender Coupe in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.