Skip to main content

Duesenbergs in Argentina

  • landmark
  • Offline
  • Junior Member
  • Registered
More
19 Jan 2014 13:59 #26697 by landmark
Replied by landmark on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina

landmark wrote:

alsancle wrote: As with all auction buying you really need to know what you are doing before you show up and bid. I have some warm personal memories of this car and I think the history is really cool, but perhaps not all buyers would feel the same way. Will be interesting to see how it does. I hope the Mormon Meteor style blower is still on the car.



Hello,

100% agreement with your thoughts.

Regarding to the B.J.-announcement photos, it looks (to me) that it would be the "original" two-carb blower "on board". But I am not an expert...

Here is the link to the B.-J. photos www.barrett-jackson.com/applicat ... 48&aid=525


Robbie Marenzi mentioned that the original "shortened" chassis was replaced by chassis 2606, if I got it right, that chassis originally depended to a J(N?) Rollston Convertible Sedan (J-581).

At the Curtright-website that car (J-581) is stated as "destroyed" with a questionmark. Does anyone knows what happened to that car? Accident, fire or wrecking?


Cheers

Matt



Hello,

B.J. stated the car as sold for a price of $1.43 million (incl. buyers premium)


Cheers

Matt

Was man besonders gerne tut,
ist selten ganz besonders gut

Wilhelm Busch

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bob Roller
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Registered
More
27 Dec 2013 21:29 #26540 by Bob Roller
Replied by Bob Roller on topic VIN
Matt,
It means Vehicle Identification Number or Wagen Identitat Nummer.
The bad spelling on the name "Duesenberg"may be due to a failing
educational system or plain LAZY people--Faul Leute,Ja!

Bob Roller

Bob Roller

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • landmark
  • Offline
  • Junior Member
  • Registered
More
27 Dec 2013 20:17 #26539 by landmark
Replied by landmark on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina

Chris Summers wrote: Robbie, the car has for the last few years been owned by a collector who kept it at the Candy Store in California.

Engine J-581 went into the Dietrich Convertible Berline originally powered by J-434. The car still exists in Chicago, and is presently undergoing restoration.

Can Randy or someone else please clear up what chassis the LeBaron J-292 has presently, and whether the blower is original? I did some digging on that car last year and couldn't clear up either point. Most people who were around when it was being restored aren't around any longer.



Hello,

the BJ announcement tell not much facts about the chassis, only that the car has the VIN 2158, but what does that mean in this "case"?

- the "original" and at a time shortened chassis, is now "repaired" (relonged) and mounted? or

- is it (as mentioned) chassis No 2606? or

- is it maybe a (VIN numbered) repro-frame/chassis (maybe with some original numbered parts added)? :rolleyes:


And why does BJ always call that car a DEUSENBERG in the car-discribing text?


Cheers

Matt

Was man besonders gerne tut,
ist selten ganz besonders gut

Wilhelm Busch

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
18 Dec 2013 22:25 #26520 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
The Blower on J292 as shown in the BJ pictures is the same one that was on it in the 1960s and looks to match the pictures Robbie posted.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bob Roller
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Registered
More
16 Dec 2013 14:28 #26499 by Bob Roller
Replied by Bob Roller on topic J581
Matt,
On page 205 of Roe's book is a picture of this car and it was listed as heavily damaged in a fire and the engine and other parts were used in
other cars.
Bob Roller

Bob Roller

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Chris Summers
  • Offline
  • ACD Club Life Member
  • Registered
More
16 Dec 2013 14:28 #26498 by Chris Summers
Replied by Chris Summers on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Robbie, the car has for the last few years been owned by a collector who kept it at the Candy Store in California.

Engine J-581 went into the Dietrich Convertible Berline originally powered by J-434. The car still exists in Chicago, and is presently undergoing restoration.

Can Randy or someone else please clear up what chassis the LeBaron J-292 has presently, and whether the blower is original? I did some digging on that car last year and couldn't clear up either point. Most people who were around when it was being restored aren't around any longer.

Chris Summers
ACD Club
CCCA
H.H. Franklin Club

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bob Roller
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Registered
More
16 Dec 2013 14:22 #26497 by Bob Roller
Replied by Bob Roller on topic J581
Matt,
I THINK Fred Roe's book lists J581 as being nearly destroyed in a fire and perhaps the engine is now in another car.As I remember,it was a Rollston CS with some Cadillac styling.Maybe Chris or someone can clarify this.

Bob Roller

Bob Roller

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • landmark
  • Offline
  • Junior Member
  • Registered
More
15 Dec 2013 22:12 #26496 by landmark
Replied by landmark on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina

alsancle wrote: As with all auction buying you really need to know what you are doing before you show up and bid. I have some warm personal memories of this car and I think the history is really cool, but perhaps not all buyers would feel the same way. Will be interesting to see how it does. I hope the Mormon Meteor style blower is still on the car.



Hello,

100% agreement with your thoughts.

Regarding to the B.J.-announcement photos, it looks (to me) that it would be the "original" two-carb blower "on board". But I am not an expert...

Here is the link to the B.-J. photos www.barrett-jackson.com/applicat ... 48&aid=525


Robbie Marenzi mentioned that the original "shortened" chassis was replaced by chassis 2606, if I got it right, that chassis originally depended to a J(N?) Rollston Convertible Sedan (J-581).

At the Curtright-website that car (J-581) is stated as "destroyed" with a questionmark. Does anyone knows what happened to that car? Accident, fire or wrecking?


Cheers

Matt

Was man besonders gerne tut,
ist selten ganz besonders gut

Wilhelm Busch

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 Dec 2013 19:21 #26476 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
As with all auction buying you really need to know what you are doing before you show up and bid. I have some warm personal memories of this car and I think the history is really cool, but perhaps not all buyers would feel the same way. Will be interesting to see how it does. I hope the Mormon Meteor style blower is still on the car.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Robbie Marenzi
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Moderator
  • Registered
More
12 Dec 2013 12:56 #26473 by Robbie Marenzi
Replied by Robbie Marenzi on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
I thought the car was at a museum in Japan?
Auction description: "Photos indicate that, at that time, the car was in rather dilapidated condition and was reportedly modified for racing with a shortened chassis and updated coachwork. After tending to the various body and chassis issues, the car was sold....."
They don't seem to think it's important to mention that the chassis was replaced with 2606 and that a new rear section of the body was built?

Robbie Marenzi
ACD Club Member
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 Dec 2013 13:36 #26463 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
J292 is coming up for Auction at BJ next month.

www.barrett-jackson.com/scottsdale/

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • RandyEma
  • Offline
  • Duesenberg Historian
  • Registered
More
26 Jul 2011 15:29 #20576 by RandyEma
Replied by RandyEma on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Ray Day is the oem mfg for Duesenberg pistons . The SJ rods are made by Duesenberg Inc. Randy

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Robbie Marenzi
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Moderator
  • Registered
More
26 Jul 2011 02:31 #20575 by Robbie Marenzi
Replied by Robbie Marenzi on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Sorry I forgot to mention the pictures were taken in Buenos Aires, according to the article in 1933, but I'm sure it's one more mistake, to begin with, the car has a 1935 Chrysler grille, my guess is that it's during WWII and that's why it has those very worn spares, it?s not a question of money, it's just that no new tyres were available, the car belonged to a very wealthy person that racer for fun.
The spares are definitely worn out, maybe the scanned pictures do not show properly, but there?s no cover on them, left wheel even has threads coming through the rubber, on the other hand, the four tyres on the car look new.
Can anybody tell me about the Ray Day pistons and connecting rods, did all Duesenberg J engines have them, or were they available on special order or maybe an aftermarket option?



Robbie Marenzi
ACD Club Member
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Robbie Marenzi
ACD Club Member
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
25 Jul 2011 16:17 #20563 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Bob,

I agree - definitely covers on those spares.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bob Roller
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Registered
More
25 Jul 2011 12:17 #20562 by Bob Roller
Replied by Bob Roller on topic SJ292/tires??
To my 75 year old eyes,the spares look like they have a cover,maybe canvas over them. I wouldn't think that anyone with the money it took to buy such a car would not be able to put new tires on it. As I recall the Lake Muroc episode with J299 and the SSK,Eddie Miller said that tires came apart at speeds around 110 MPH and that they finally found Vogue multi play tires that didn't come apart. The first "J" I ever saw had worn Vogue two sided WW tires and being idiots and young,we ran it hard and fast on those nearly bald "skins". 115MPH on a chassis is the way to travel if as I said,you are stupid and young. I the 50's, the 700x19 or 750x19 tires were not available from any sources we had at the tie so it was "skins" or smaller wheels.

Bob Roller

Bob Roller

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
25 Jul 2011 12:00 #20561 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Robbie,

Is there any indication of when these pictures were taken?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Robbie Marenzi
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Moderator
  • Registered
More
24 Jul 2011 03:54 #20557 by Robbie Marenzi
Replied by Robbie Marenzi on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Two more pictures of J-292 / 2158. Not much is know about the car's racing history in Argentina. It did take part in the 1936 "Gran Premio Ciudad de Buenos Aires" driven by Raul Riganti, famous Argentine driver who took part in three Indy 500?s. In this race he had to abandon because of tyre failure and looking at the two spares in the photos, it?s not hard to imagine why.


The article that accompanies the pictures has many inaccuracies, like stating the car was a 1932 Fernandez & Darrin convertible coupe, when we know it was a 1929 Le Baron Sweep Panel. It also says it was called Ray Day because it had high performance Ray Day pistons, connecting rods and camshafts, could this be true, did any, or did all Duesenbergs have these pistons, rods and camshafts?

Robbie Marenzi
ACD Club Member
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Robbie Marenzi
ACD Club Member
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bob Roller
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Registered
More
05 May 2011 17:51 #20017 by Bob Roller
Replied by Bob Roller on topic SJ292
A.J.
That engine stands out like a goose egg in a coal bucket. As I said,keep that picture because I have another one.

Bob

Bob Roller

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
05 May 2011 14:40 #20013 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Here is a picture of the left side of the 292 engine compartment taken by Bob Roller in 1986.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Justin Kerns
  • Offline
  • Moderator
  • Registered
More
29 Apr 2011 02:16 #19942 by Justin Kerns
Replied by Justin Kerns on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
I can't quite make out the writing on the trunk lid. What did it say?

Justin

Justin
1932 Auburn 12-160A Sedan
1933 Auburn 12-161A Sedan

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
28 Apr 2011 20:11 #19937 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Hi Bob,

I sent you a PM with the address. I'll scan and post the picture when I get it.

thanks!

A.J.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bob Roller
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Registered
More
28 Apr 2011 20:07 #19936 by Bob Roller
Replied by Bob Roller on topic SJ292
Al,Send me your snail mail address again and I will send you another "live and in color" picture of that engine taken at 90 degrees to the car.I have 2 of these pics and I will hang onto one and the other you can have.

Bob Roller

Bob Roller

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
28 Apr 2011 18:51 #19935 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Here is a picture taken in the same spot a couple of years later showing the blower.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
28 Apr 2011 18:44 #19934 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Here is J292 taken in what is now my driveway somewhere between 1964-1966. I'm now sure the previous picture Robbie posted was 292 as the outside pipes match. Also, in the previous picture you can see in the intake for the forward carb protruding through the hood. This car had a dual carb blower but the blower case was different then the ones produced later by Leo Gephart. My uncle told me that the engine was a spare for the MM and was shipped down south in the late 30s. Is that your understanding Randy?

Btw, this photo hasn't seen the light of day in probably 40 years.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bob Roller
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Registered
More
25 Apr 2011 11:35 #19899 by Bob Roller
Replied by Bob Roller on topic SJ292,from elegant to ?????
OK,it was made into a racer. Looks like a somewhat better job than the Jim Hoe Special. What was its racing record,win.lose,draw or what?
How soon after it was new did it become what is shown in Robbie's picture?

Bob Roller

Bob Roller

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
24 Apr 2011 20:31 #19890 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina

RandyEma wrote: 292 photo is fantastic and yes there are pictures of 292 as found. Randy


Randy, am I correct in that the as found body was much different then the above pictured configuration? My dad always thought it was pretty cool the way it came up from South America and that maybe Ted should have left it alone. I think these days that might have happened but back in the 60s there wasn't the same appreciation of racing we have now.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • RandyEma
  • Offline
  • Duesenberg Historian
  • Registered
More
24 Apr 2011 20:10 #19889 by RandyEma
Replied by RandyEma on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
292 photo is fantastic and yes there are pictures of 292 as found. Randy

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • RandyEma
  • Offline
  • Duesenberg Historian
  • Registered
More
24 Apr 2011 20:02 #19888 by RandyEma
Replied by RandyEma on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Yes A.J that 292 was uncle teds car. Has anybody ever heard of the program photo shop. Randy

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
23 Apr 2011 21:11 #19885 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Unless he raced two then I guess this would be it. I only asked because when it came to the U.S.A in the 1960s it was a different configuration. It had more of a roadster body behind the front seats. This configuration looks to be pretty well done too.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Robbie Marenzi
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Moderator
  • Registered
More
23 Apr 2011 17:42 #19883 by Robbie Marenzi
Replied by Robbie Marenzi on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
A.J. the picture was posted as Martin de Alzaga Unzue?s racing car, we know SJ 292 was a LeBaron sweep panel phaeton when he bought it new and we also know he had it made into a racing speedster.

Robbie Marenzi
ACD Member
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Robbie Marenzi
ACD Club Member
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
23 Apr 2011 03:02 #19878 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Great picture! Are you sure it is 292?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Robbie Marenzi
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Moderator
  • Registered
More
22 Apr 2011 19:06 #19877 by Robbie Marenzi
Replied by Robbie Marenzi on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
This picture of SJ 292-2158 as it was when raced in Buenos Aires, has recently been posted in theoldmotor.com/ a very interesting online photo magazine.
Has what seems to be a 1935 Chrysler grille and some strange device protruding through the hood.



Robbie Marenzi
ACD Member
Buenos Aires Argentina

Robbie Marenzi
ACD Club Member
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Robbie Marenzi
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Moderator
  • Registered
More
17 Nov 2010 01:05 #18423 by Robbie Marenzi
Replied by Robbie Marenzi on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Lovely pictures, I wonder if anybody has any of J-292 as it left Argentina?

Robbie Marenzi
ACD Club Member
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Robbie Marenzi
ACD Club Member
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
10 Nov 2010 18:37 #18371 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Bob,

Here is the picture you sent me.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bob Roller
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Registered
More
10 Nov 2010 18:02 #18370 by Bob Roller
Replied by Bob Roller on topic Ramshorn Manifold
A.J,
Can you post the picture I sent to you? It seems there is a difference or maybe senility is overtaking me.
Bob

Bob Roller

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
10 Nov 2010 15:39 #18369 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Here is a better shot of the engine taken at the same time.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
10 Nov 2010 15:26 #18368 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Bob Roller graciously sent me a picture of 292 taken in the 1980s at the Reunion. Ted Billing sold the car in the late 1970s. In Bob's note he talked about the "plumbing" on the intake manifolds. Here is a picture of J292 that is dated Oct 31 1966 and was taken in Shrewsbury Mass. In the background you can clearly see the body and how they are fabricating the missing back portion. Also, note the "Ram's horn" intake and plumbing.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
21 Oct 2010 15:25 #18242 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Re: South American Duesenbergs

Bob Roller wrote: Wasn't J275 one of the fabric bodied cars like J251 and as I recall.belonged to a man by the name of Resnick or Renic in California? It was rebodied into a DCP and painted yellow and white. I heard that Toyota had bought it to study the engine and to see how so much power could be gotten from such a low compression ratio.
I think I saw J292 at Auburn in 1986 and was told it came up from South America as a basket case. I also recall the intake manifold looked like it came from a plumbing shop and I THINK it had a supercharger. I saw it again in 1992 at Auburn and they couldn't get it started to use in the parade.

Bob Roller


Bob, J292 was Ted Billing's car. He purchased it around 1965 from South America via Nyak NY. My dad was standing here when the car came off the trailer. It was actually very complete except for 1 thing, the frame was shortened and it had a speedster style body from the back edge of the front doors. It was actually very stylish and well done and my dad told Ted he should leave it alone. My understanding is that the car had been used extensively for racing. The cowl, front doors, fenders, hoods, grills shell, etc, where all there. The engine had a dual carb blower on it. This was at least 10 years before Leo started reproducing them. Ted was told by Ray Wolfe that this engine was one of the spares to the Mormon Meteor that has been shipped down to South America in the 1930s. I have a bunch of pictures somewhere that I will try to dig up and post.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Chris Summers
  • Offline
  • ACD Club Life Member
  • Registered
More
20 Oct 2010 19:44 #18237 by Chris Summers
Replied by Chris Summers on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
The Toyota Museum car was built for and belonged to Phil Renick. It uses engine J-275, frame 2359, and the remnants of J-392 / 2359's LeBaron body, with the rest of the body built up around that. I hadn't heard the story about buying it to study the engine before...I just might look into buying a Corolla now. :D

Yes, A.J., that was Ted Billings's car, the one you remember as black and gold, I think?

Chris Summers
ACD Club
CCCA
H.H. Franklin Club

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bob Roller
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Registered
More
20 Oct 2010 19:40 #18236 by Bob Roller
Replied by Bob Roller on topic South American Duesenbergs
Wasn't J275 one of the fabric bodied cars like J251 and as I recall.belonged to a man by the name of Resnick or Renic in California? It was rebodied into a DCP and painted yellow and white. I heard that Toyota had bought it to study the engine and to see how so much power could be gotten from such a low compression ratio.
I think I saw J292 at Auburn in 1986 and was told it came up from South America as a basket case. I also recall the intake manifold looked like it came from a plumbing shop and I THINK it had a supercharger. I saw it again in 1992 at Auburn and they couldn't get it started to use in the parade.

Bob Roller

Bob Roller

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
20 Oct 2010 19:23 #18235 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
292 wasn't my Uncle Ted's car was it?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Chris Summers
  • Offline
  • ACD Club Life Member
  • Registered
More
20 Oct 2010 18:52 #18234 by Chris Summers
Replied by Chris Summers on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
It's on public display, although for most of us it would be a bit of a trek to see it. It is in the Toyota Museum in Japan, misidentified as a Murphy body.

Chris Summers
ACD Club
CCCA
H.H. Franklin Club

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • West Peterson
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Registered
More
20 Oct 2010 18:37 #18233 by West Peterson
Replied by West Peterson on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina

Chris Summers wrote: Snarky irony, West...snarky irony.

And yes, that is J-292, although it now has chassis 2606 and the body is partially a replica. The original body was badly butchered and the original frame shortened while the car was still in Argentina.

That sounds a lot like the history of the mostly reproduced body currently on J-275, also a LeBaron sweep-panel phaeton (where is that car today, by the way?).

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Chris Summers
  • Offline
  • ACD Club Life Member
  • Registered
More
20 Oct 2010 17:21 #18232 by Chris Summers
Replied by Chris Summers on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
Snarky irony, West...snarky irony.

And yes, that is J-292, although it now has chassis 2606 and the body is partially a replica. The original body was badly butchered and the original frame shortened while the car was still in Argentina.

Chris Summers
ACD Club
CCCA
H.H. Franklin Club

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • West Peterson
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Registered
More
20 Oct 2010 16:15 #18231 by West Peterson
Replied by West Peterson on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina

Chris Summers wrote: This car has been referred to by some as the Tom Mix Car. It's worth repeating that he not only never owned the car, he likely never saw it, as he'd been dead for a decade when this body was built.

Based on the second part of the second sentence, I'd say it's slightly more than "likely" that he never saw it.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Visitor
  • Guest
19 Oct 2010 19:08 #18222 by
Replied by on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
isn?t this J292/2158?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Chris Summers
  • Offline
  • ACD Club Life Member
  • Registered
More
19 Oct 2010 18:00 #18220 by Chris Summers
Replied by Chris Summers on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
The rebodied former Beverly is J-462 / 2522, also known as the Big Cow for the steer horns mounted on the grille. Its restyle, oddly, is very similar - a GM-by-way-of-Howard Darrin-style body with an open rear seat. It isn't the same car in the photos, however. The rebodying of J-462 / 2522 was done in the late 1940s or early 1950s in California.

This car has been referred to by some as the Tom Mix Car. It's worth repeating that he not only never owned the car, he likely never saw it, as he'd been dead for a decade when this body was built. The only Duesenberg Mix is connected with was a Model A roadster that is not known to survive.

Photos of the car below were supplied by the O'Quinn Collection which owned the car as of a year ago. I don't know if it's been sold yet.




Chris Summers
ACD Club
CCCA
H.H. Franklin Club

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bob Roller
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Registered
More
19 Oct 2010 17:39 #18219 by Bob Roller
Replied by Bob Roller on topic Argentenian Duesenberg
You are probably right about the radiator support rods.
I am thinking that is a "J" that has been "reclothed" to look like some sort of GM car and I still think "Buick".
Chris tells me that one "J"was rebodied to look like an Olds and that it was at one time a Beverly. I think it is in Elberts book. I once saw a cartoon depicting some bonehead rebodying a "J" to make it look like a VW Beetle so who knows what may have been done in other countries with these cars.
The more I look at the car in these photos,the better I like it.

Bob Roller

Bob Roller

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
19 Oct 2010 17:27 #18218 by alsancle
Replied by alsancle on topic Duesenbergs in Argentina
The two rods extending from the firewall to the radiator over the engine look like Model J, no? The would imply a Model J radiator.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bob Roller
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Registered
More
19 Oct 2010 13:57 #18214 by Bob Roller
Replied by Bob Roller on topic Argentenian Duesenbergs
I think that underneath that sheet metal there lurks a "J"chassis.The wheel base looks to be about twelve feet and those look like wheel covers over wire wheels to me..
There is also a chance that the radiator shell shown may have been on that chassis originally. What the body and fenders are,I have no idea but it is in the idiom of the early 1940's,maybe a Buick convertible sedan. Is it possible that this car may be one of the untraced ones??
Anyhow,what ever it is makes for some very interesting speculation and proves that the whole story has yet to be told concerning these very unusual cars.

Bob Roller

Bob Roller

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum