Details
1933 DUESENBERG MODEL J CONVERTIBLE VICTORIA
COACHWORK BY ROLLSTON
Chassis No. 2535
Engine No. J-361
Body No. 532-A
Engine: straight eight-cylinder, double overhead camshaft, 420ci, 265bhp at 4,250rpm; Gearbox: three-speed with free wheeling device; Brakes: four-wheel hydraulic drum; Suspension: semi-elliptical leaf springs, with hydraulic lever arm shock absorbers, front and rear. Left hand drive.
The association of E.L.Cord, a financier, and Fred and Augie Duesenberg, both experienced engineers and race car manufacturers is legendary. Their goal was to create 'The World's Finest Motor Car' - and the Model J was the magnificent result of their efforts.
Every aspect of the Duesenberg Model J captures and excites the imagination of automobile enthusiasts. When it was introduced at the New York Auto Salon in December of 1928, the marketing catch phrase was 'The Power of the Hour'. This certainly was true literally and figuratively. The powerful engine boasted a 265 horsepower rating - twice that of its competitors' most powerful model! The dramatic styling combined with its sheer size made this new car thrilling to the motoring elite. Duesenberg set the pace and standard in performance, speed, beauty and elegance. The race-bred huge twin cam engines with four valves per cylinder propelled the massive automobile at speeds well over 110mph.
Model J Duesenbergs were built as a rolling chassis, to be delivered to the finest coachbuilders who would then grace the chassis with flamboyant designs executed by the best craftsmen avaliable. This Rollston Convertible Victoria was designed and built for E.T.Foley of St. Paul, Minnesota. Designed by the late Gordon Buehrig, this car has many unusual features including a convertible top that is hand operated by a crank that fits into the side of the body, and two windshields for the rear passengers. Both of these roll up (or down) and fit into the driver and passenger's seat backs. The car also had attractive rear fold out windows, made of eisenglass. The Buehrig design is very different from the other three Rollston Victorias. When it was originally built Car No. 2535 had the traditional non-skirted fenders and more attractive 19" wire wheels - both elements making the car far lighter and elegant in appearance. Many Duesenbergs were sent back to the factory, or the nearest agency in the mid 1930s for these later, to update and modernise the appearance of the cars. It is believed that the changes were carried out by the Los Angeles Duesenberg agency, shortly following delivery of the car. Apparently Foley spent much time in California, where he had a second home. Noted authority, Randy Ema has original drawings from Duesenberg that detail this car showing its original configuration.
The Duesenberg by 1943 had found its way to Texas, eventually being purchased in June, 1952 by Mr J.L. Sewell of Dallas. In 1954 Sewell had Joe Lalande restore the Duesenberg and exchange the original engine, No.J-384 (currently a spare engine owned by a collector in San Antonio) and install the present engine J-361. Shortly thereafter, the Duesenberg was donated to the museum.
This rare and unusual Duesenberg would benefit greatly from a restoration to return it to its former glory. At a reported cost of $19,000 when new - it was not your "typical J Duesenberg". It is known to be missing a few items including the proper dual tail lights, and exhaust manifolds. It was last driven in the early 1980s by the museum staff.
COACHWORK BY ROLLSTON
Chassis No. 2535
Engine No. J-361
Body No. 532-A
Engine: straight eight-cylinder, double overhead camshaft, 420ci, 265bhp at 4,250rpm; Gearbox: three-speed with free wheeling device; Brakes: four-wheel hydraulic drum; Suspension: semi-elliptical leaf springs, with hydraulic lever arm shock absorbers, front and rear. Left hand drive.
The association of E.L.Cord, a financier, and Fred and Augie Duesenberg, both experienced engineers and race car manufacturers is legendary. Their goal was to create 'The World's Finest Motor Car' - and the Model J was the magnificent result of their efforts.
Every aspect of the Duesenberg Model J captures and excites the imagination of automobile enthusiasts. When it was introduced at the New York Auto Salon in December of 1928, the marketing catch phrase was 'The Power of the Hour'. This certainly was true literally and figuratively. The powerful engine boasted a 265 horsepower rating - twice that of its competitors' most powerful model! The dramatic styling combined with its sheer size made this new car thrilling to the motoring elite. Duesenberg set the pace and standard in performance, speed, beauty and elegance. The race-bred huge twin cam engines with four valves per cylinder propelled the massive automobile at speeds well over 110mph.
Model J Duesenbergs were built as a rolling chassis, to be delivered to the finest coachbuilders who would then grace the chassis with flamboyant designs executed by the best craftsmen avaliable. This Rollston Convertible Victoria was designed and built for E.T.Foley of St. Paul, Minnesota. Designed by the late Gordon Buehrig, this car has many unusual features including a convertible top that is hand operated by a crank that fits into the side of the body, and two windshields for the rear passengers. Both of these roll up (or down) and fit into the driver and passenger's seat backs. The car also had attractive rear fold out windows, made of eisenglass. The Buehrig design is very different from the other three Rollston Victorias. When it was originally built Car No. 2535 had the traditional non-skirted fenders and more attractive 19" wire wheels - both elements making the car far lighter and elegant in appearance. Many Duesenbergs were sent back to the factory, or the nearest agency in the mid 1930s for these later, to update and modernise the appearance of the cars. It is believed that the changes were carried out by the Los Angeles Duesenberg agency, shortly following delivery of the car. Apparently Foley spent much time in California, where he had a second home. Noted authority, Randy Ema has original drawings from Duesenberg that detail this car showing its original configuration.
The Duesenberg by 1943 had found its way to Texas, eventually being purchased in June, 1952 by Mr J.L. Sewell of Dallas. In 1954 Sewell had Joe Lalande restore the Duesenberg and exchange the original engine, No.J-384 (currently a spare engine owned by a collector in San Antonio) and install the present engine J-361. Shortly thereafter, the Duesenberg was donated to the museum.
This rare and unusual Duesenberg would benefit greatly from a restoration to return it to its former glory. At a reported cost of $19,000 when new - it was not your "typical J Duesenberg". It is known to be missing a few items including the proper dual tail lights, and exhaust manifolds. It was last driven in the early 1980s by the museum staff.