1930 Duesenberg LaGrande Dual Cowl Phateon - An In-Depth Look

DETAILS
1930 DUESENBERG MODEL J DUAL COWL PHAETON
COACHWORK BY LA GRANDE
Chassis No. 2445
Engine No. J-436
The late automotive writer, Ken Purdy, once wrote, The man who had really arrived drove a Duesenberg. It cost him from 6,500 to 25,000 one-hundred-cent-dollars and it looked it. What is more, it acted like it. Nobody driving a stock anything made in America passed a Duesenberg if the Duesenberg was earnest about it. At the heart of that idea was the Model J Duesenberg's massive powerhouse of an engine, complex sporting twin overhead camshafts that controlled four inclined valves, two inlet and two exhaust, per cylinder, displacing 420 cu. in. (6,882 cc). The great five bearing crankshaft alone was reputed to weigh 150lb. Even with the modest 5.2:1 compression ratio of the standard engine, the surge of power was awesome, thrusting a phaeton, very completely equipped and no lightweight, from 10-80 mph in top gear in 22 seconds and providing a maximum of 116 mph. Matched to the engine was a very capable chassis, double dropped for a low center of gravity, provided with six sturdy cross-members.
Endless care was lavished on the details. As well as the 150mph speedometer, the combined clock and stop-watch altimeter, barometer and brake pressure dials, there was the famous engine-driven timing box of planetary gears controlling lights to warn the driver to change the engine oil every 700 miles, check the battery water every 1400 miles, together with other functions.
Duesenberg exercised firm control over the bodies fitted to their chassis' encouraging clients to order coachwork directly from the factory. During the time when this car was going through the shops, the great Gordon Buehrig, stylist of the model 810 Cord, was chief designer. La Grande was the name used by Duesenberg for bodies built by outside companies but trimmed and fitted by Duesenberg itself. With its everlasting hood, sidemounts, sweeping fender line and separate trunk the La Grande Dual Cowl "sweep panel" phaeton marks a high point in classic American auto styling. Notable fittings on J-436 are the glass side and quarter curtains with their chromed metal frames.
J-436 is built on the 153" Long-Wheelbase chassis and was sold on 23rd December 1930 to Mr. Harold W. Brooks of New York. Mr. Brooks had ordered his Duesenberg to be fitted with formal town car coachwork. Following Mr. Brooks brief ownership and prior to 1938 J-436 was fitted with the highly attractive La Grande Dual Cowl coachwork that it wears today. In about 1939, J-436 passed into the ownership of Rudolph Bauer, the eccentric German abstract expressionist artist, who had a particular fondness for J Model Duesenbergs. The detailed story of Rudolph Bauer is described in the following lot.
In the summer of 1954, Mr. Pettit attended the Grand Classic event in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the company of his mother and father. Mrs. Pettit was waiting in their razor edged Packard Rollston Town Car when an onlooker observed, This is a Rollston body, isn't it? I know where there is a Duesenberg with a Rollston body and there is a Dual Cowl Phaeton Duesenberg on either side of it. Needless to say, Mr. Pettit inquired further. That evening they had dinner with Mrs. Bauer, widow of Rudolph Bauer, creator of the Rollson coachwork on the SJ Duesenberg also in our sale. The following morning was passed with a tour of the Bauer mansion in Asbury Park, New Jersey; the north wing decorated for her with white and gold furniture with a gold carpet, the south wing for him in black with a black carpet and an ebony concert grand piano. Then the Pettit's went outside to see the three Duesenbergs. Mr. Pettit recalls, The suspense leading up to the opening of the garage doors was torture. The first sight of those cars was an event the like of which I have never experienced before or since. It was perhaps more awesome in 1954 than it would be today.
A year or so later, the Pettits were able to negotiate purchase of the Duesenbergs. Since that time this car has seen only occasional use, the last time in about 1957. It is believed that the 48,000 miles shown on the odometer is a correct reading. As is the case with other cars from this collection, the Duesenberg has been exceptionally preserved without restoration and has a patina commensurate with its age. Much of the 1930s paint is flaking from the coachwork and according to the new owner's taste may warrant refinishing along with the 1930s top and sidecurtains which have hardened with age. The original leather interior is well preserved as is the ornately detailed trunk which folds inward to accommodate the top in the down position. This La Grande Dual Cowl represents a rare opportunity to purchase one of the great original Long Wheelbase Model-Js. With just two owners since 1939, and having been in the current ownership for over 40 years, J-436 is a sporting open Duesenberg of the highest calibre.DETAILS

[@robertdryburgh1457]

Spectacular motor car. Superb video presentation, subject and music. Great work here.

[@larryjones-emery807]

Automotive art is fabulous and worthy of collections, museums,and use for special transport.Thank you for the fabulous video!

[@christopherkraft1327]

This Duesenberg is stunning!!! These cars to me are the epitome of style & elegance. Your video really captures the beauty of this fine automobile!!! I enjoyed reading the informative description & once again your choice of music is perfect!!! Thanks for sharing another excellent video!!! 👍👍🙂

[@antoniahamilton3201]

A masterpiece! Who says money can't buy happiness?

[@everettoehlschlaeger8139]

God Almighty... WHAT A CAR ! ( although i could do without the neon green engine block ! ) i LOVE cars from the 30's, 40's and 50's. Cars made today are mostly visual trash . in 1960 i had a chance to buy a 30's Chrysler roadster with extra wheels on the fenders like this one..for $300.. but that was all the money i had, so i opted for a run down 1951 ford Tudor for $50 which i fixed up. i loved the Fprd but am sad i missed out on the Chrysler with rumble seat, etc. At the time my older brother had a 1929 Studebaker DiCTATOR SiX with a rumble seat and wooden spoked wheels. VERY nice car !

[@patricksterling7389]

Most Excellent 👌

[@markheit5870]

Oh my gosh.

[@jec1ny]

God, I hate the modern world.