A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Duesenberg

Founded in 1913 by German-American brothers Fred and August Duesenberg, the Duesenberg Motor Company became the gold standard of American automotive engineering, combining race-bred performance with unmatched luxury. Known simply as “Duesys,” these cars weren’t just automobiles, they were status symbols.

Duesenberg made its mark early in motorsport, winning the 1921 French Grand Prix, the first American car to do so. and multiple Indianapolis 500 races. Their engineering prowess culminated in the legendary Model J, introduced in 1928, which featured a straight-eight engine capable of 265 horsepower, unheard of at the time. The Model J was a rolling statement of power and prestige, favored by Hollywood stars, European royalty, and American tycoons.

With prices far higher than most homes during the Great Depression, Duesenberg’s exclusivity became both its strength and weakness. Despite producing some of the most admired vehicles in history, the company couldn’t weather the economic storm. It ceased production in 1937, leaving behind a brief but brilliant legacy.

To this day, the name Duesenberg is still a byword for excellence. It was so iconic that it gave rise to the expression, “It’s a Duesy.”