DUESENBERG J – year 1931

Manufacturer: Duesenberg Motor Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

When brothers Fred and August Duesenberg, descendants of German settlers, they started in 1919 r. to produce cars, neither of them probably suspected, that a few years later, in America in the 1930s, cars of their brand will be the most sought after.

The program of the J series uses a new one, liquid cooled, inline 4-valve 8-cylinder engine with OHC valve timing, of a capacity 6882 cm3, which at 4200 RPM and compression ratio 5,2 he was developing power 195 kW (265 KM). It was delivered with a Schebler carburetor and a battery-coil ignition system. The massive chassis had a classic concept with central lubrication. The rigid axles were sprung with semi-elliptical springs with frictional Watson shock absorbers. Due to the weight of the car - 2100 kg and speed developed 190 km / h, the hydraulic brakes are powered. Despite the large mass, the car accelerated from 0 on 160 km / h within 21 seconds.

The dashboard deserved special attention in this car, which, in addition to the most important indicators and control lamps, also contained an altimeter, barometer, Tire pressure gauge and indicator light for regular oil change after driving over 700 one thousand. Other indicators showed no water in the battery or radiator, or lack of brake fluid.

The interior of the car, as requested by the buyer, was lined with leather or glitter, it had special lighting, telephone, bar itp. When Duesenberg, intended only for a narrow circle of buyers, it did not have to respect the restrictions of other car brands, such as for example: adherence to the speed limit in the city, prescribed lighting, etc..

The full J-type collection can now be viewed at the Harrach Automobil Collection in Reno (apartment Newada), where he stands next to himself 11 cars of this brand.