Franay Duesenberg

Hi,
I live in Oran (Algeria) and I am doing research on the Franay Duesenberg J-506 last seen in this country. Do you know any person or Duesenberg expert who could give more details about the car history, especially about the last car owner Mr Emile Beghain ?
With thanks.
Rgds,
David Dumoulin

From "L'Avion de la Route" by Alain Dollfus, published in the Summer 1996 issue of [i:mtc92u5v]Automotive History Review[/i:mtc92u5v]. Bolded comments are mine.

[i:mtc92u5v]It was first exhibited on Franay's own stand at the 1934 Paris Salon and then sold to Emile Beghain, one of Sadovich's faithful clients, and co-driver with Prince Nicholas at the 1935 LeMans race. [/i:mtc92u5v][They were driving a Model J which has never been precisely identified.] [i:mtc92u5v] Beghain, who became a wealthy perfume producer in Algeria, left the wreck of SJ-506 on his estate, which he had to relinquish in 1962 in the tumult of the Algerian war of independence. Beghain later lived in Cannes, on the French Riviera, with nothing left from this fantastic car but a small photograph of himself at the wheel, soon after taking delivery of the car, around 1935.[/i:mtc92u5v]

In the same magazine the late Fred Roe noted that the car was "left for scrap."

Kellner Town Car J-516 / 2541 was also owned by Beghain, as a parts car for the Franay, and was also lost in the Algerian war. Ray Wolff's notes mention both being "bombed and burned."

I don't know of any definitive proof of its destruction (photos, receipts, etc.), so I suppose it could still be out there.

Any other information anyone has to offer is warmly welcomed.

Would it be possible to give more information on the Franay bodied Duesenberg 2526 J506, this vehicle has always intrigued me. What city in Algeria did the car reside in, who was the original owner and is there any detailed documented information on its demise.

Thanks, Daniel. I have no other information except that the car was destroyed. The parts may exist somewhere but I've never heard anything of them.

Chris Summers wrote: The car was still owned by the original owner in Algeria in the 1950s when it was destroyed by fire.

Hey Chris,

First of all congratulation for your new position in the club.It's not an easy job but i pretty sure you will do it great.Regardind the Franay Duesenberg:What about the ramainings,frame ,engine and other heavy metal parts.These can not be melted by a "regular" fire.Thanks

The car was still owned by the original owner in Algeria in the 1950s when it was destroyed by fire.

Does that mean the car simply disappeared or someone saw it going to the crusher or run over by a WW2 tank???

That is a car someone should recreate.

Very similar in appearance to a late 30s Mercedes 320 long chassis Carbriolet "A". Note the triple wipers.

Just reposting the photo that didn't show up. Need to remove the "?" at end of link.

Wow that is striking! A shame that so many have been lost.....

Gone, unfortunately.

Recently i came across on the internet of this picture of a stunning Duesenberg J-506 with the coachwork by Franay.Does anybody know the history of this car and if still exist?Thanks