1923 Duesenberg Model A Sport Touring
Best in Class, 2020 Boca Raton Concours
261 Cubic Inch SOHC Straight 8 Engine
Racing Technologies applied to a limited-edition Road Car
Duesenberg is one of the most prestigious names in American automotive history and the model A shown here was one of the early examples of the engineering prowess of the Duesenberg Brothers applied to a street vehicle. This model car was the very first American production street automobile that featured both an inline 8-cylinder engine while using 4-wheel hydraulic brakes rather than mechanical cables and friction levers. A pristine example of motoring excellence, our two-tone green Model A received “Best in Class” honors at the 2020 Boca Raton Florida Concours. Only 650 of the Model A Duesey were ever built, most of which having coachwork supplied by the Millspaugh and Irish Coachworks of Indianapolis while Duesenberg made the engines and running gear in the same city.
The Duesenberg Brothers, Fred and August, began developing race cars in the pre-WW1 era, and were heavily involved in distance and endurance race events such as the Indianapolis 500. They became a supplier of engines and military equipment during the Great War. The post war era yielded auto racing success that culminated in winning the French Grand Prix at LeMans in 1921 and an Indy 500 win in ’24. Financing such an endeavor led to the need to generate income by producing street going cars that built on Duesenberg’s performance reputation. The Model A was the first production car to carry the Duesenberg name.
The Model A Sport Tourer features a single overhead cam 8-cylinder alloy engine that develops 97 horsepower with a 3-speed transmission. A spacious body with front and rear windscreens allowed for passenger comfort in an open car, while hydraulic brakes on all 4 corners added safety to the car with a top speed of nearly 80 mph. To this day Duesenberg has been a hallmark automobile that carries a special place in the hearts of collectors and auto enthusiasts.
Specifications
Engine: 261 Cubic Inch SOHC Inline 8-cylinder; 3-speed transmission; dual SU carburetors
Power: 97 hp
Top Speed: 79 mph
Chassis: Pressed steel chassis; 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes; semi elliptical spring suspension