1930 Duesenberg J Graber Cabriolet

The Duesenberg Model J is a luxury automobile made by Duesenberg. Intended to compete with the most luxurious and powerful cars in the world, it was introduced in 1928, the year before the stock market crash that led to the Great Depression. The Model J, available with a supercharger after 1932, was sold until Duesenberg Motors Company went bankrupt in 1937.

There were 480 cars sold that received custom coachwork, tailored to the individual whims of each owner with no two Duesenberg’s exactly the same. A top of the line Duesenberg could cost $20,000 at a time that a new Auburn sedan could be bought for $1,000 or a Model A for under $500. The Coachwork was left to the discretion of the buyer. The cost of the rolling chassis was around $8,000 and usually included all mechanical components, dashboard, radiator grill, and other essentials.

It’s the engine that really made the Model J stand out from its competition. With 32 valves, double overhead camshafts and a detachable head the eight cylinder engine was the most advanced engine ever designed in the United States. Displacing just under 6.9 litres, the engine produced an earthmoving 265 bhp, more than could be tested on any contemporary dynometer. Although the engine was designed by Fred Duesenberg, it was constructed by specialised engine-builder Lycoming, which was also recently acquired by E.L. Cord.

As was common practice among the luxury car brands, only the chassis and engine were displayed; the body and interior trim of the car would be custom-made by a third-party coachbuilder to the owner’s specifications. The chassis on most model Js were the same, as was the styling of such elements as fenders, headlamps, radiator, hood and instrument panel. The dash included mechanically timed lights that reminded the driver when to change the oil and inspect the battery.

Today the Model J is considered to be one of the most legendary cars ever constructed. The combination of state-of-the-art racing inspired engineering, the era’s finest coach-building and the cars’ many famous owners have all contributed to that legend. One of the most told stories about the Model J underlined the engine’s incredible power; the Model J could smoothly accelerate from 10 mph to 89 mph in second gear. The ssJ’s top-speed is estimated to be close to 160 mph, faster than any other pre-War road car.