A very unique car, in a beautiful color, the 1930 Duesenberg Model J Limousine by Willoughby! If you’ve never heard of Duesenberg before, it’s important to note that the company was first founded by two brothers, German-born American automobile/engine manufacturers and designers, August & Fred Duesenberg in the early 1900s. The two Duesenberg brothers began designing engines in the very early 1900s due to Fred Dusenberg’s involvement in bicycle racing at the time. By the year 1905, the duo had designed their very first vehicle, and by 1914, a Duesenberg-designed automobile placed tenth at the Indianapolis 500, clearly making quick progress along the way. The Duesenberg company we know of today was first officially founded in 1920 as Duesenberg Automobile and Motors Company, Inc., and from there, they became known for creating some of the world’s rarest and most collectible cars, their success in developing the first American car to win a Grand Prix race during the 1921 Grand Prix, and ultimately giving industry appeal to the straight-eight engine and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. As for this particular Duesenberg example shown here, chassis number 2402 is a Model J Limousine by Willoughby. As one of the classic era’s finest custom coachbuilding businesses, the Willoughby Company is best known for producing custom cars and car bodies in limited production runs from the early 1900’s until around 1938. Chassis number 2402 received a high-quality restoration back to it’s original in 2012 by Duesenberg specialists Classic & Exotic Service in Troy, Michigan, and throughout the process, a large amount of the original wood was retained, including the ‘Lance Green’ outer panels, as well as a variety of pieces that still retain the original Willoughby body number.
How many made? Approximately 20 seven-passenger Model J Limousine examples were developed by Willoughby in period, with only 4 believed to be left existing to this day
Engine: No. J-306 7 L (420 cu in) DOHC Duesenberg Straight-8 engine
Debut: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Top Speed: n/a
Photo Credit: @am_media_ny
Research: @rarecarsonly