1926 Duesenberg Model A

FROM THE DICK SHAPPY COLLECTION: The 1926 Duesenberg Model A Touring, Coachwork by Millspaugh & Irish

The Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Co., Inc., founded in 1920, was known for their luxury and high-performance racing automobiles. In 1921, founders and brothers Fred and August Duesenberg won a Grand Prix race with an American automobile for the first time, catapulting the Duesenberg into the spotlight. They would go on to popularize the straight-eight engine, four-wheel hydraulic brake system, and become the ultimate means of transportation for the rich and famous of the time. Its logo, a detailed eagle with outspread wings featuring "Duesenberg" in ornate lettering, became a symbol of power and prestige.

The Model A was produced from 1921 to 1926, Duesenbergs first production automobile and a significant one to American automobile history. It was the first Amer­ican production car to feature hydraulic four-wheel brakes and its straight-eight engine with aluminum pistons was a first for the American automobile industry. It was designed for racing with a single overhead camshaft, a three-speed transmission, and a 260 cu. in. displacement. Known as The Grand Prix Car, as it sported essentially the same chassis and engine as the winner of the 1921 French Grand Prix, the Model A continued the successful run of Duesenberg in racing, and advertised with the slogan, The Worlds Champion Automobile.

This 1926 Model A Touring Duesenberg, Engine No. 1610 and Chassis No. D61H, has a rich history and truly showcases the innovations of Duesenberg prior to the famed Model J. Gooding & Company reports, According to Duesenberg historian Randy Ema, the earliest known owner of this Model A was Paul M. Gerhard of Gorham, New Hampshire, who was reportedly pictured with the car in about 1940. By 1950, the car had passed to Fred Benson of Wheaton, Illinois, who kept it for close to two decades, participating in ACD Club events. In the later 1960s, the Duesenberg was briefly held by two more owners before being purchased by the respected, prolific collector Fred Guyton of St. Louis, Missouri by 1971. The first of his Duesenbergs, and a very early addition to his collection, the Model A remained with him until his passing. In 2019, Mark Smith enthusiastically added it to his collection. We have also discovered a tag that reports that the vehicle was renovated by the Wolfington Body Company of Philadelphia some decades ago. It now resides in the care of current owner and collector, Dick Shappy, where its patina and use-worn leather interior will be kept original, as Duesenbergs are Built to Outclass, Outrun and Outlast Any Car on the Road.

ENGINE: 260 cu. in. Single Overhead Camshaft Inline 8-Cylinder
ENGINE NO: 01610
COACHWORK: Millspaugh & Irish
CHASSIS NO: D61H
MILEAGE: TMU
BHP: 88 at 3600 RPM
TRANSMISSION: 3-Speed Manual Gearbox
BRAKES: 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum
CARBURETOR: Single-Throat Schebler Updraft
SUSPENSION: Front Beam Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs. Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs.
WEIGHT: 5,000 LB.
GAUGES: Stewart-Warner DeLuxe, Chicago, IL, USA
CLOCK: Elgin
TAIL LIGHTS: Delite Standard
MOTOMETER: Boyce - The MotoMeter Company
HISTORY: Renovated by Wolfington Body Company of Philadelphia. Owned by Paul M. Gerhard of Gorham, NH c. 1940 and then Fred Benson of Wheaton, IL. Formerly part of the Fred Guyton Collection. Purchased from the Estate of Mark Smith.
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