This 1934 Duesenberg Cummins Diesel is one of two Cummins powered Duesenbergs built by Clessie Cummins and the Cummins Engine Company for the 1934 Indianapolis 500. It served as a bed in the origins of the battle between the two stroke diesel engines of General Motors/Detroit Diesel and the four stroke diesel engines Cummins would build. At Indianapolis the car was powered by a two stroke version of the Cummins four-cylinder Model H diesel engine as part of a competition within the company to help determine Cummins' future design architecture. Their other entry in 1934 was an identical Duesenberg powered by a four stroke version of the same engine. This car qualified 29th at 105.920 mph and finished 12th at an average speed of 88.566 mph. In 1935, it was lengthened to accomodate a supercharged six-cylinder four stroke Model H engine. Bill Cummings drove it at Daytona Beach setting a diesel land speed record at 137.195 mph. Both engines used a Cummins high performance single disc fuel injection system, one more step in Cummins history of innovation to make people's lives better.
Overview
- Manufacturer: Duesenberg, powered by a Cummins diesel engine
- Year of Production: 1934
- Class: Luxury car / Experimental prototype
Background and Significance
Cummins, a pioneer in diesel technology, aimed to showcase the durability, fuel efficiency, and performance of diesel engines. By the 1930s, diesel engines were well-established in industrial and commercial vehicles but had not penetrated the passenger car market. Partnering with Duesenberg, renowned for its luxury and performance, provided an ideal platform to illustrate diesel's versatility and reliability.
The 1934 Duesenberg Model A chassis was selected for this experimental car, marrying one of the most prestigious luxury car brands with cutting-edge diesel technology. It was featured prominently in events like cross-country endurance runs to highlight diesel’s advantages over gasoline engines.
Specifications
Engine
- Type: Cummins 4.9-liter, straight-6 diesel engine
- Power Output: Approximately 85 horsepower
- Torque: Substantial for the era, emphasizing pulling power and fuel economy
- Fuel Efficiency: Remarkably higher than comparable gasoline engines
Transmission
- Type: Manual transmission
Performance
- Top Speed: Around 90 mph (notable for a diesel car of that time)
- Range: Extended, due to superior fuel efficiency compared to gasoline engines
Design
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Exterior:
The bodywork followed typical Duesenberg styling conventions, including a long hood, luxurious lines, and bespoke coachwork. It retained the brand’s iconic upright grille and large, wire-spoked wheels. -
Interior:
As expected of a Duesenberg, the interior featured plush upholstery, detailed wood trim, and high-end instrumentation.
Historical Impact
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Technological Showcase:
The Duesenberg Cummins Diesel car was instrumental in proving that diesel technology could be adapted for passenger vehicles. Although diesel cars did not gain widespread popularity until decades later, this car marked an important milestone in automotive innovation. -
Cross-Country Performance:
The car participated in endurance demonstrations and long-distance drives, emphasizing diesel's longevity and fuel savings. One notable event was a non-stop run from New York to Los Angeles, a remarkable feat that highlighted its efficiency.
Legacy
- Rarity and Collectability:
The Duesenberg Cummins Diesel remains a one-of-a-kind prototype and an important part of automotive history. It represents the intersection of luxury car craftsmanship and pioneering diesel technology. - Museum and Display:
The car is often referenced in discussions of early diesel innovation and is a point of interest in automotive museums and collections focusing on technological advancements.
Summary
The 1934 Duesenberg Cummins Diesel is a testament to the forward-thinking vision of both Duesenberg and Cummins. By combining luxury with innovation, it demonstrated the possibilities of diesel engines in passenger cars long before they became mainstream. Its historical and technological significance makes it a fascinating chapter in automotive history.
You may purchase a print of this 1934 Duesenberg Cummins Diesel in our dElegance 2019 online gallery.
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