The 1922 Duesenberg Model A Touring: An Elegant Automotive Icon
In the world of automotive history, the name Duesenberg signifies an era of luxury, prestige, and innovation. The 1922 Duesenberg Model A Touring is a prime example of these attributes, a vehicle that captured the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide. With chassis number 798 and engine number 1366, this car helped shape automotive history and remains a cherished icon of the golden age of automobiles.
Design and Bodywork
The Model A Touring was meticulously crafted with attention to detail by the prestigious Millspaugh & Irish coachbuilders. The exterior design of this car is a masterpiece of elegance and style. Its graceful lines, foldable windshield, and retractable roof give the Model A Touring an unmistakable look. This model was designed to cater to the tastes of the most discerning individuals of its time and represented the pinnacle of luxury motoring.
Power and Performance
At the heart of the Duesenberg Model A Touring is its inline 8-cylinder engine with a displacement of 260 cu in (4.3 L). This engine featured a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) configuration and was powered by dual SU carburetors, delivering an impressive 110 bhp (brake horsepower). This was a remarkable figure for its era, making the Model A Touring one of the most powerful and fastest cars available on the market.
Technological Innovations
In addition to its potent engine, the Model A Touring also boasted advanced technological innovations for its time. The chassis was sturdy and well-constructed, ensuring a stable and comfortable ride. The suspension was designed to tackle rough roads with ease, making it suitable for both city streets and off-road adventures. Attention to detail was evident in every aspect of this vehicle.
The Model A Touring - A Timeless Icon
While the exact number of units produced remains unknown, the 1922 Duesenberg Model A Touring has remained a timeless icon of the automotive world. Its combination of outstanding performance, elegant design, and meticulous craftsmanship made it one of the most coveted cars of its era and continues to command admiration today.
In conclusion, the 1922 Duesenberg Model A Touring is a living testament to the glorious past of the automotive industry. Its timeless elegance and powerful engine have made it a dream car for vintage automobile enthusiasts. Today, this vehicle is sought after by collectors and remains a milestone in automotive history.
The early Duesenberg Model A presented here was formerly part of the well-known early West Coast stables of Sid Buka and Nelson Thorpe, before joining the previous owner's collection in 2004. As acquired by the previous owner, it was a 1950s “hot rod” of sorts, retaining its original frame, shortened by seven in.; the front half of the original Millspaugh & Irish touring body; and, most fortunately, the correct original braking system, differential, and rear axle. The engine is correct, though its block is numbered 1366 and is believed to have been a 1924 factory replacement. Much of the difficult-to-find componentry for the Duesenberg was still present, enabling the car's authentic and correct restoration in the hands of its knowledgeable owner.
The car's chassis was returned to its original length, and the body rebuilt using the surviving original panels, with the remainder recreated to a pattern taken from an original Millspaugh & Irish touring, using correct aluminum over wood framing. Exhaustive attention went into restoring the correct top for the car, and choosing the beautiful two-tone grey finish for the bodywork.
Since completion of the painstaking restoration, the excellence of the work has garnered a Senior First Prize in Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club judging, Best Duesenberg at the Club's West Coast Meet (twice), and the Antique Automobile Club of America's Auburn Cord Duesenberg Trophy, recognizing it as the finest ACD automobile shown that year. Not merely a showpiece, the Duesenberg also “goes” very well, as its previous owner has enthusiastically enjoyed it on several tours. It has also been fully Certified Category One (D-008) by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club.