1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Victoria

Summary

Fred Duesenberg set out to build an automotive masterpiece. Its superlative engineering included a 265-horsepower engine that could push the car to a 116 mph top speed. Duesenberg built only 472 Model Js between 1928 and 1935. No two are identical because independent coachbuilders crafted each body to the buyer's specifications.

Fred Duesenberg set out to build an automotive masterpiece. Its superlative engineering included a 265-horsepower engine that could push the car to a 116 mph top speed. Duesenberg built only 472 Model Js between 1928 and 1935. No two are identical because independent coachbuilders crafted each body to the buyer's specifications.

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1931

Creators

Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company 

Rollston Company 

Place of Creation

United States, Indiana, Indianapolis 

United States, New York, New York 

Creator Notes

Chassis manufactured by Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Co., Indianapolis, Indiana; body made by Rollston Company in New York City, New York.

Driving America
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

62.9.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of John Warren Watson.

Material

Metal
Steel (Alloy)
Canvas
Glass (Material)
Leather
Rubber (Material)
Chromium

Color

Tan (Color)
Light brown
Red
Cream (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 62.75 in

Width: 74 in

Length: 216 in

Wheelbase: 155.5 in

Inscriptions

Plates on each side by hood and in each door frame: ROLLSTON / NEW YORK Plate on firewall: DUESENBERG / STRAIGHT/ 8 / DUESENBERG / INCORPORATED / INDIANAPOLIS/ MADE IN U.S.A. Stamped on firewall: 2413

Specifications

Make & Model: 1931 Duesenberg Model J convertible victoria

Maker: Duesenberg, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana.

Body maker: Rollston, New York, New York.

Engine: inline-8, double overhead cams, 420 cubic inches

Transmission: 3-speed manual, nonsynchromesh

Height: 68 inches

Wheelbase: 153.5 inches

Width: 72 inches

Overall length: 211.5 inches

Weight: 4900 pounds

Horsepower: 265 at 4200 revolutions per minutes

Pounds per horsepower: 18.5

Price: $13,000 (estimate)

Average 1931 wage: $1,298 per year

Time you'd work to buy this car: about 10 years

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