This 1931 Duesenberg J Tourster, #2440 J423, was delivered in January of 1931 to Bob Hallahan. It was purchased in Milano, Italy, by the current owning family in the spring of 1968, from Count Carlo Leto di Priolo. The restoration work was completed in 1975, but the body and chassis have never been separated.
Great ingredients guarantee spectacular results. In the case of a Duesenberg, it was the magical combination of Fred Duesenberg’s brain, E.L. Cord’s money, with a 420 cubic inch Lycoming straight eight-cylinder mixed in that resulted in a vehicle today that is might be a Holy Grail in the automotive world.
This car is an original Derhan Tourster. The aluminum body and steel fenders are all original to the car and the engine has resided in the chassis for nearly 84 years. Occasionally, Duesenbergs are rebodied, some as dual cowl phaetons, to increase their value. But this is one of eight original vehicles manufactured, it is simply as good as it gets.
It has all the design features typical of and English sports car of the 1930s, sweeping curved fenders, long hood, large headlights and grille and huge wheel radius. No wonder a magazine called the SS100 “the cad’s car”. The car is powered by and overhead-valve, in-line, 2,664 cubic centimeters, six cylinder engine producing 102 horsepower. Coupled to the four-speed transmission the car has a top speed of 90 mph and sold for about $2,000 in 1936.
Overview
- Production Year: 1931
- Manufacturer: Duesenberg
- Class: Luxury car
- Body Style: Tourster (a term coined by Derham Body Company, referring to a custom-built open tourer with a dual-cowl design)
Design and Specifications
- Engine: The Model J was equipped with a 6.9-liter (420 cubic inches) straight-eight engine. This engine was capable of producing 265 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful cars of its era.
- Transmission: 3-speed manual gearbox.
- Chassis: The Model J featured a robust and heavy chassis designed to support the powerful engine and the luxurious bodywork.
- Suspension: The car used semi-elliptic leaf springs for both the front and rear suspension.
- Brakes: The Model J was equipped with hydraulic drum brakes, which were advanced for the time.
Performance
- Top Speed: The Duesenberg Model J could achieve speeds of up to 119 mph (192 km/h), which was extraordinary for a car of its size and luxury class.
- Acceleration: It could accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 11 seconds, a remarkable feat for the period.
Design Features
- Bodywork: The Tourster body style was designed by the Derham Body Company and featured a dual-cowl phaeton design, with an additional windscreen for rear passengers. This provided both luxury and sportiness.
- Interior: The interior was lavishly appointed with the finest materials, including rich leather, polished wood, and detailed chrome accents.
Notable Achievements
- Luxury and Status: The Duesenberg Model J was known for its opulence and was favored by celebrities, royalty, and wealthy industrialists. It symbolized ultimate luxury and success.
- Customization: Each Model J was custom-built to the specifications of its owner, often resulting in unique and bespoke designs that reflected personal tastes and status.
Legacy
- Icon of the Era: The 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster remains an iconic representation of American automotive history. Its combination of power, luxury, and bespoke design set it apart from other cars of its time.
- Collector's Item: Today, the Model J Tourster is a highly prized collector's item. It is celebrated for its engineering excellence and historical significance, often fetching high prices at classic car auctions.
Notable Owners
- Many famous individuals owned Duesenberg Model Js, including Hollywood stars like Clark Gable and Gary Cooper, as well as European royalty and American industrialists.
You may purchase a print of the 1931 Duesenberg J Tourster in our dElegance 2010 online gallery.