This 1931 Duesenberg J-408 Phaeton was ordered by Charles Groff on August 24, 1930 and was delivered on November 20, 1931. The Duesenberg Model J was the choice of movie stars, millionaires, magnates and royalty. This car is powered by a 420 cubic-inch double overhead-cam, supercharged, straight 8 engine developing 320 horsepower, coupled to a 3-speed manual transmission making it capable of a top speed of 150 mph. This 5,280 lb. vehicle rides on 18 inch wire wheels fitted with 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. The chassis alone sold for $9,000 in 1932. The vehicle was re-bodied using a Derham Phaeton and it is coming off a three-year restoration.
Design and Features
- Manufacturer: Duesenberg Motors Company, a prestigious American luxury car manufacturer.
- Body Style: Phaeton, a type of open four-door touring car with a convertible top, providing both elegance and versatility.
- Coachbuilder: Many Duesenberg Model J chassis were custom-bodied by renowned coachbuilders. The Phaeton style could have been crafted by famous firms such as LeBaron, Murphy, or Derham.
- Chassis: Designed for luxury and performance, featuring a strong and advanced chassis that could support various bespoke bodies.
- Interior: Luxuriously appointed with high-quality materials like fine leather, polished wood, and detailed instrumentation. The interiors were often customized to the owner’s specifications.
Performance
- Engine: Equipped with a naturally aspirated straight-eight (inline-8) engine.
- Power Output: The Model J's engine produced 265 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful cars of its time.
- Transmission: Featured a 3-speed manual transmission, known for its durability and smooth operation.
- Top Speed: Capable of achieving speeds up to 119 mph (192 km/h), which was extraordinary for a luxury car in the early 1930s.
- Suspension: Utilized a rigid front axle and a live rear axle, both with semi-elliptic leaf springs, offering a balance of ride comfort and handling.
- Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, providing reliable and advanced stopping power for its era.
Historical Significance and Legacy
- Innovation and Luxury: The Duesenberg Model J was renowned for its advanced engineering, luxurious appointments, and exceptional performance, setting new standards in the automotive world.
- Celebrity Ownership: The Model J was favored by celebrities, industrialists, and royalty, enhancing its status as a symbol of wealth and sophistication.
- Design Influence: The Model J's combination of power and luxury influenced future automotive designs and established Duesenberg as a premier name in the industry.
Production and Rarity
- Production Years: The Duesenberg Model J was produced from 1928 to 1937.
- Total Units Produced: Approximately 481 Model Js were built, each unique due to its custom coachwork.
- Price: At the time, the Model J was one of the most expensive cars, with the chassis alone costing around $8,500, and custom bodies adding significantly to the price. Today, these cars are highly collectible, often fetching millions at auctions.
Notable Features
- Engine Performance: The straight-eight engine was a technological marvel, providing unmatched power and smoothness.
- Custom Coachwork: Each Model J was tailored to the owner’s desires, with bodies crafted by top coachbuilders, ensuring exclusivity and individuality.
- Luxurious Appointments: Interiors were lavishly furnished with premium materials and intricate details, reflecting the highest standards of luxury.
Challenges
- Maintenance and Restoration: Preserving a Duesenberg Model J requires specialized knowledge and access to authentic parts, making restoration a meticulous and often expensive process.
- Authenticity: Verifying the authenticity of a Model J is crucial, given the potential for modifications and alterations over the decades. Provenance and documentation are key in confirming a car’s originality.
You may purchase a print of the 1931 Duesenberg J-408 Phaeton in our dElegance 2017 online gallery.
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