The Model J
It was a highly revolutionary car (priced at $8,300), and the Duesenberg brothers wanted to demonstrate its qualities by making it run the equivalent of the breadth of the continent : 3,000 miles (4,828 km), on the track at Indianapolis. The car was re-filled with water and fuel and the drivers exchanged without halting. In fact there were two stops for tire-changes, but the engine remained running. It averaged over 68 mph. In 1922, the first effective production year, 92 were made: then in 1923, 140 vehicles were produced. The Model A, of which a total of about 500 were produced, was followed by a mysterious Model X, which differed from the A in having a longer wheelbase and increased power (from 88 to 100 bhp). Only about a dozen of the Model X were produced.
Despite the success of the Model A and the reputation they now had, the Duesenberg brothers started to find themselves in financial difficulties, and would perhaps have closed shop had it not been for Errett Lobban Cord, who was building up a new corporation and had bought Auburn in 1924. Cord took over Duesenberg and the brothers were then able to set to work again with fresh vigour. At the At the New York show of 1928 they launched the Model J. Underneath an eagle on the radiator stood the words Duesenberg Straight Eight. The Model J was immediately acclaimed as the best American car ever made. The 8-cylinder in-line engine had two camshafts in the head, 4 valves per cylinder, and rods heat-treated in aluminium alloy. The car developed 265 bhp at 4,250 revs. Despite its weight of two tons it had a maximum speed of around 115 mph and, most important of all, could achieve 0-100 mph in 21 seconds. It could exceed 100 mph in second gear. Although designed entirely by Fred Duesenberg, the J engine was actually made by the Williamsport, Pennsylvania company, Lycoming. It featured among other items: servo-assisted brakes, speedometer (showing up to 150 mph), rev counter, 8-day clock, chronometer (from 1/5 second to 30 minutes), altimeter, oil pressure indicator, fuel indicator, engine temperature indicator, and ammeter.