This 1929 Duesenberg J175 Dual Cowl Phaeton was sold new to the larger than life S.L. “Roxy” Rothafel of Roxy Theatre and Radio City Music Hall fame. After several owners, the car was restored in 1953 and offered for sale in “like new” condition in the Classic Car Section of the Sunday New York Times. On November 1, 1954, J175 was sold to Charles E Letts Jr. who drove it home 600 miles overnight from New York to Birmingham, Michigan.
Over their 60 years of stewardship, the Letts family and J175 accumulated countless happy memories. The car was toured regularly. The car was even used to bring the Letts' oldest son home after he completed his graduate studies at Yale. In short, J175 is more than a car, it is it has been a part of the Letts family and remains so to this day.
Background
- Manufacturer: Duesenberg, Inc.
- Year: 1929
- Model: Model J
- Specific Car: J175 Dual Cowl Phaeton
Specifications
- Engine: The J175 is powered by a 6.9-liter (420 cubic inches) straight-eight engine. This engine produces around 265 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful engines of its time.
- Transmission: It features a three-speed manual transmission.
- Chassis: The car is built on a substantial and robust chassis with a wheelbase of approximately 142.5 inches, providing a stable platform for its large body and powerful engine.
- Suspension: The suspension system includes solid axles with semi-elliptic leaf springs at both the front and rear, offering a balance of ride comfort and handling stability.
Design and Features
- Body Style: The Dual Cowl Phaeton is an elegant and luxurious open-top touring car with seating for four or more passengers. The dual cowl design includes a second windshield for the rear passengers, adding to their comfort and protection from the wind.
- Coachwork: The bodywork of the J175 was custom-built by some of the most prestigious coachbuilders of the time, such as Murphy, Derham, and LeBaron. These bespoke designs often featured exquisite details and luxurious materials.
- Interior: The interior of the J175 is lavishly appointed with high-quality leather upholstery, wood trim, and intricate instrumentation. The second cowl and windshield enhance the passenger experience, providing an additional level of luxury and comfort.
Performance
- Speed: The Duesenberg Model J could achieve a top speed of around 119 mph (192 km/h), making it one of the fastest production cars of its era.
- Acceleration: It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 11 seconds, an impressive feat for a vehicle of its size and weight.
- Handling: Despite its large size, the Model J offered excellent handling and stability, thanks to its advanced engineering and powerful engine.
Historical Significance
- Luxury and Prestige: The Duesenberg Model J was a symbol of wealth, success, and technological prowess during the late 1920s and early 1930s. It was owned by some of the most influential and affluent individuals of the time, including Hollywood stars, industrialists, and royalty.
- Engineering Excellence: The Model J was renowned for its advanced engineering, powerful engine, and superior build quality. It set new standards for luxury and performance in the automotive industry.
You may purchase a print of the 1929 Duesenberg J175 Dual Cowl Phaeton in our dElegance 2018 online gallery.
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