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.

1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan | Gooding & Company

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.”

Views: 10

Comment

You need to be a member of SOUTH EAST USA WHEELS EVENTS-Car and Motorcycle Events Calendar to add comments!

Join SOUTH EAST USA WHEELS EVENTS-Car and Motorcycle Events Calendar

Blog Posts

A Bite of History: 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL

Introduced in late 1966 for a short, single-year production run, the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL holds a special place in the “Pagoda” lineage (W113 series) as the rarest variant, with only about 5,196 units built. Positioned between the earlier 230SL and the later 280SL, the 250SL…

Continue

Posted by Michael Thies on August 14, 2025 at 7:30pm

A Bite of History: American Bantam “Woody” Station Wagon by Mike Thies

A Bite of History:  by Mike Thies

American Bantam “Woody” Station Wagon

The American Bantam Car Company was a small but innovative automaker based in Butler, Pennsylvania. Originally established as American Austin in the 1920s to produce miniature cars under license from the British Austin Motor Company, the firm reorganized…

Continue

Posted by Michael Thies on August 2, 2025 at 8:00pm — 1 Comment

A Bite of History: 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1958 Porsche 356 Speedster

The 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster marks the swan song of one of Porsche’s most iconic and minimalist models. Originally introduced in 1954 at the urging of U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Speedster was designed to be a low cost, lightweight, stripped-down entry sports car that could double as a weekend racer, especially for the California sports car scene. With its low windshield,…

Continue

Posted by Michael Thies on July 14, 2025 at 5:22pm

A Bite of History: 1948 Rover P3 Saloon

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1948 Rover P3 Saloon

The 1948 Rover P3 Saloon marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of British motoring. Introduced in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the P3 was a bridge between prewar craftsmanship and the modern engineering ethos that would come to define Rover’s future. Although its styling retained many traditional elements, including an upright grille, separate fenders, and rear-hinged front…

Continue

Posted by Michael Thies on July 14, 2025 at 8:39am

© 2025   Created by Global Wheels Events.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service