There was a time when America Built the World’s Finest Automobile…
by Mike Gulett –
I love looking at pre-war cars but I have never really considered owning one. Any sighting of a Duesenberg is very rare and one is not often seen driving on the streets unless it is on the way to a car show, say during Monterey Car Week or some other such event.
There was a time when the finest automobile in the world was built in America and that was the Duesenberg. Duesenberg does not sound like it is American but it is because America is where many immigrants landed and built successful companies, brands and lives.
Duesenberg Model J
Now, when car lovers talk about the greatest luxury cars ever made, names such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, and Hispano-Suiza often are mentioned. Yet during the late 1920s and early 1930s, Duesenberg was the one most people talked about. It was the pinnacle of engineering, performance, luxury, and prestige. If you were part of the wealthiest or most influential people in America, then a Duesenberg was not just transportation—it was clear proof that you had arrived.
Fred and August Duesenberg, born in Germany and raised in the United States, had an exceptional talent for mechanical engineering. They established themselves in racing, where their innovative designs earned race wins and respect in the automotive world.
The brothers’ racing achievements peaked in 1921 when a Duesenberg became the first American car to win the French Grand Prix. This accomplishment placed American engineering on the world stage and demonstrated that the Duesenberg name stood for speed, innovation, excellence and beauty.
Their greatest achievement arrived in 1928 with the introduction of the Model J.
At a time when many automobiles strived to produce 100 horsepower, the Model J delivered an amazing 265 horsepower from its dual-overhead-camshaft straight-eight engine. For car lovers seeking more performance, the supercharged SJ model boosted power to about 320 horsepower.
A Duesenberg Model J could exceed 110 mph, while the supercharged SJ could come close to 140 mph. No other luxury automobile in the world could match its combination of speed and refinement. It was the supercar of the time.
Duesenberg sold the chassis and drivetrain while customers then selected custom coachbuilders to create unique bodies tailored to their tastes. Companies such as Murphy, LeBaron, Derham, Rollston, and Walker delivered elegant roadsters, sedans, coupes, and convertibles. As a result, no two Duesenbergs were exactly alike.
A Duesenberg was impossible to ignore on the road. Whether parked outside a grand hotel or rolling down Fifth Avenue, it reflected power, success, and sophistication.
Duesenberg’s customers were a who’s who of American society. Hollywood movie stars, industrialists, business magnates, and royalty all wanted or owned a Duesenberg. Owners included movie stars such as Clark Gable and Gary Cooper, as well as many industry titans.
The Model J debuted just before the onset of the Great Depression. While Duesenberg represented the height of automotive achievement, the market for expensive automobiles rapidly contracted as economic hardship spread across the country. Despite its reputation, only about 480 Model J chassis were produced. Yet rarity would become part of the legend.
Production ended in 1937, and the Duesenberg brand disappeared. Unlike many luxury car manufacturers, Duesenberg became fixed in time as a symbol of an extraordinary era when America led the world in automotive innovation and craftsmanship.
Today, Duesenbergs are among the most valuable of collector cars. Great examples can command millions of dollars at auction. More importantly, they continue to inspire admiration from car lovers who recognize that these cars represented something rare: a moment when technology and quality excellence was pursued without compromise.
The Duesenberg was not only a luxury car, it was an engineering masterpiece, and a declaration of American ambition.
Nearly a century after the Model J first appeared, its reputation remains. The world has produced many great automobiles, but only one could honestly claim to be the finest American car, maybe of all time.
And perhaps no automobile has ever worn the title more deservedly.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
Research, some text and some images by ChatGPT 5.2.
“It’s a Duesy” was once a common expression based on this fantastic automobile.
Duesenberg and Packard, were World leaders in high end Motorcars, Yes Rolls Royce and Mercedes, had their place but these two makers in their day were the leaders, putting American car building in the spot light.
I have been fortunate enough to have driven many Duesenbergs, and I agree that they are the ultimate American car. period. Yes, there may have been more expensive, or more powerful autos in the day, but they were mostly one-offs, or quite rare. These were production vehicles that were special.
There’s something about that huge inline 8 with DOHC. One’s foot could slip off of the clutch pedal whilst in high gear at a redlight, and the car would still lurch forward, and idle through the intersection! Although not as racy as the other DOHC inline 8 of the Stutz (in my opinion) the Duesenberg cuts a swath through traffic like no other.