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Kollins-LeGrande Duesenberg

  • Chris Summers
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19 Apr 2006 14:59 #4742 by Chris Summers
Replied by Chris Summers on topic I STAND CORRECTED!
<!-- s:oops: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" title="Embarassed" /><!-- s:oops: --> And need to change my records...thanks!

Chris "CMHSDuesy"

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So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

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  • fyreline
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19 Apr 2006 02:34 #4736 by fyreline
Replied by fyreline on topic Kollins-LeGrande Duesenberg
I believe it was Mr. Kollins original intention to use the chassis of the Judkins Coupe (2358/J-333), but in the final event he utilized a 1950 Packard frame modified by auto industry supplier A.O. Smith to accept the big straight-8. Other than the engine, grill shell and some dashboard instruments I don't think much else originally Duesenberg was used. The wire wheels were reportedly custom-made by Packard as an "extra set" for one of their 1950's show cars, and were horrendously costly. The J engine was heavily modified for a lower hood line and more horsepower.

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  • Chris Summers
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18 Apr 2006 21:57 #4734 by Chris Summers
Replied by Chris Summers on topic Numbers
According to the auction catalog Kollins built the car on the chassis of one of two Judkins Victoria Coupes built--car 2358. The original engine in that car was J-333 according to Malks and Adler's books, and the catalog seems to infer that it was in the chassis when Kollins bought it.

Chris "CMHSDuesy"

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  • fyreline
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18 Apr 2006 21:41 #4732 by fyreline
Replied by fyreline on topic Kollins-LeGrande Duesenberg
The link provided by russv basically tells the story . . . it should be remembered that the car was conceived in 1950 and constructed throughout the following eight years. Bearing that in mind, and taken in context of the automotive "state of the art" then existing, it represents a pretty remarkable achievement. The styling was somewhat dated by the time it was finally finished . . . it would fare much better against other 1950 models than it did against 1958 and later cars. All in all, the chances for a successful Duesenberg revival were about zero, then or now. Without Fred Duesenberg, things were never the same - and that big Lycoming straight-8, as magnificent as it was (and is), would be outdated by the high-compression OHV V-8's to come. If Fred had survived, would a post-war Duesenberg have survived in any case? No, it's better to remember them as they were meant to be. While the Mike Kollins car (and the later 1966 Exner Duesenberg) are certainly interesting, they are mere footnotes.

I still wouldn't mind owning the Kollins car, though - just to blast down the highway and have everyone behind you exclaim, "What the hell was THAT?" <!-- s:shock: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_eek.gif" alt=":shock:" title="Shocked" /><!-- s:shock: -->

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  • russv
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18 Apr 2006 15:56 #4730 by russv
Replied by russv on topic Kollins-LeGrande Duesenberg
I believe it has a J engine in it if I remember the story correctly. Here is a link to a story about it.
info.detnews.com/joyrides/story/index.cfm?id=165

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  • Bill Hummel
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18 Apr 2006 13:31 #4726 by Bill Hummel
Replied by Bill Hummel on topic Kollins-LeGrande Duesenberg
I saw this picture of it on the Internet. You are right, it is not real good looking.



What makes it a Duesenberg?

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  • fyreline
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17 Apr 2006 21:40 #4723 by fyreline
Replied by fyreline on topic Kollins-LeGrande Duesenberg
Well, occasionally eBay is good for something . . . just received a March 1959 issue of [u:1ntzfnuo]Motor Trend[/u:1ntzfnuo] with a very nice two-page article on the Kollins Duesenberg. The six pictures included an excellent rear shot - just what I was looking for!

And, I assume from the lack of responses that either no one knows where this car ended up . . . or no one cares!

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09 Apr 2006 23:31 #4687 by fyreline
Kollins-LeGrande Duesenberg was created by fyreline
I see where the 1959 Kollins-LeGrande Duesenberg recently sold for $132,000 at an auction out west. While not the prettiest of cars by any means, I always thought the car had a certain presence when Mike Kollins brought it to Auburn, as he did on more than one occasion and well into his 80's. I have a few snapshots I've taken of it at Auburn, but of course not as good as some of those that currently appear on the internet taken by "real" photographers. My question is this: I never got a good shot of the rear of this car - does anyone have one somewhere in their collection?

Mike was always great to talk to and quite proud of his car - I guess it was sold by his son. I like to think that the $132K figure was as much a tribute to Mike Kollins as it was a bid for the car itself. So, who bought it and where is it now? Anyone know?

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