Ted Stahl with Duesenberg

1932 Duesenberg Sedan Just Rolled In
Stahls Automotive Foundation announces the arrival of a 1932 Duesenberg Sedan to our new location in Chesterfield, Michigan. Come learn about the heritage of classic cars and their role in our history. Open to the public on Tuesdays from 1pm-4pm.

History of the Duesenberg Model J
E.L. Cord, the owner of Auburn Automobile and other transportation firms, bought the Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company from brothers Fred and August Duesenberg on October 26, 1926. Cord wanted to leverage the brothers’ engineering skills, talent and the brand name to produce luxury cars. He challenged Fred Duesenberg to design an automobile that should be the biggest, fastest, and most expensive car ever made. He demanded a large chassis to be able to compete with the most powerful and luxurious European cars of the era, such as Mercedes Benz and Rolls Royce. It took Fred Duesenberg 27 months to bring the Model J from prototype to production.

Priced from $8,500 for the bare chassis in 1928 ($9,500 after 1932), the Duesenberg Model J was by far the most expensive car offered for sale in America at the time. With coachwork, the delivered price was between $13,000 and $19,000 with some going as high as $25,000. This was a staggering sum considering a typical new family car cost around $500 in 1928. However, few argued that its incredible engineering did not support the cost. Indeed, the Model J’s specifications sound current even today: dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, sophisticated brakes, and 265 hp in naturally aspirated form.

The Duesenberg Model J quickly became one of the most popular luxury cars and a status symbol in the United States and Europe. It was favored by the rich and famous, including Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Howard Hughes, Mae West, and William Randolph Hearst. Al Capone was also a fan and owner.

This Model J is fitted with formal five-passenger sedan coachwork in the style of Derham. With a dramatic black finish and handsome brightwork, it is complemented by burgundy cloth upholstery, dual covered side mounts, wire wheels, a luggage trunk, and is a great example of a true motoring icon.