Vehicle Description
Within moments of its unveiling at the New York Auto Show on
December 1, 1928, the world's business moguls, movie stars, and
social elite lined up for their chance to own the glamorous new
Duesenberg Model J. At its heart lay a 420-cubic inch,
Lycoming-built inline eight-cylinder engine featuring twin overhead
camshafts and four valves per cylinder, rated at 265 horsepower in
naturally aspirated form. The robust chassis was beautifully
engineered, with powerful hydraulic drum brakes and fully automatic
chassis lubricating that operated every 30-60 miles. The Model J
vanquished everything else on the road and was by far the fastest,
most exclusive, and most expensive car in America. At nearly
$10,000 for a chassis alone, sales never quite lived up to E.L.
Cord's hopes of 500 vehicles per year, and sales topped off at just
481 cars in total. Today, the Model J and its derivatives stand as
the Gold Standard of Classic Era automobiles and hold a place of
pride among the most iconic and desirable motorcars ever produced
in America. THE PRESIDENT'S COMPANY CAR During the height of the
coachbuilding era from the 1910s through the late 1930s, it was not
uncommon for wealthy owners to have a favorite coachbuilt body they
would recondition and move between new chassis every few years.
This practice saved the considerable expense of building a new body
each time, which in some instances could exceed the cost of a
chassis. Lucius B. Manning was no exception to this practice, and
as President of Duesenberg Motors, had at his disposal a "sweep
panel" dual-cowl phaeton, penned by the great Gordon Buehrig and
constructed under theLaGrandelabel by Union City Body Company.
Buehrig's take on the shape was considerably cleaner than earlier
LeBaron versions of this design, especially when paired with the
long-wheelbase chassis, as Mr. Manning's body was. Mr. Manning used
that phaeton body on no fewer than four different Model J
Duesenberg chassis, of which this car, chassis number 2592 with
engine number J-562, was one. For about a year, it was driven by
Mr. Manning in Chicago, where Cord Corporation had its base of
operations. When an order for a "new" Duesenberg chassis came
through, Manning allowed his chassis to be taken for the sale (he
had before and would again), and it was re-bodied as a Willoughby
Berline for delivery to a lucky owner. The Willoughby body on
2592/J-562 was removed years later, and A.T. O'Neill sold the
chassis to the well-known collector Hubert Fischer of Minnesota.
Mr. Fischer was a passionate Duesenberg enthusiast who owned
several Model Js during his long involvement in the hobby. Well
aware of the car's significance, he had Mr. Manning's original
LaGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton body recreated by respected craftsman
Harold Orchard of California, whose work was extremely highly
regarded. It is important to note that the curvaceous skirted
fenders, which are of the type added to many later Duesenbergs, are
correct, as Mr. Manning's original LaGrande body was so-modified
during his tenure. The car remained with the Fischer family for
many years, during which time it was regularly shown at various
Midwestern concours d'elegance. It was eventually acquired from
them by the well-known enthusiast Gerry Shaw of Connecticut and
Florida, who commissioned a cosmetic restoration, finished to a
very high standard. The car was entrusted to well-known Duesenberg
technician Brian Joseph's Classic & Exotic Service, in Troy,
Michigan, for an engine rebuild and installation of one of their
highly regarded reproduction superchargers, upgrading the engine to
ultimate "SJ" specifications. Stunningly presented in cobalt blue
with khaki sweep panels, the Duesenberg features biscuit tan
leather coordinated with blue carpets, all of which is in superb
condition, as is the tan cloth top and upholstered, correct trunk.
Gorgeous period-correct fitments and accessories include six chrome
wire wheels shod in wide whitewall tires, polished side-mount spare
wheel covers, dual tail lamps, dual spotlights, and dual Pilot Ray
driving lights. This striking Duesenberg was presented at the
Greenwich Concours d'Elegance in 2014 and awarded Best of Show, a
testament to the elegant and classic lines of its beautiful design
as well as its magnificent restoration. Years of exhaustive work
have been poured into this Model J to make it just as it was when
Duesenberg's top man enjoyed it on a daily basis, and this striking
machine would be no less enjoyable to drive and show today. It has
made very few concours or show appearances since its star turn at
Greenwich and would surely be a welcome sight in Auburn Cord
Duesenberg Club, AACA, or CCCA circles, and would be most at home
blasting along with fellow enthusiasts on the Duesenberg Tour.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7599-1935-duesenberg-model-j-lagrande-dual-cowl-phaeton/
