This one really is a Duesy.
It would be loads of fun to own an old Duesenberg, considering how grand and regal they are, even compared to other cars from before WWII. The reality is they’re not nearly as reliable as you would like, plus they don’t drive as easily as modern vehicles, which pretty much kills the dream. Except this 1980 Duesenberg II SJ Dual Cowl Phaeton has a modern powertrain and drivetrain, ensuring a far superior experience.
Scrutinize the appearance of this Duesenberg, because it really holds up to some of the toughest critics. The wheelbase measures 153.5 inches, matching the original car in that and all other dimensions. Many details are also an exact match, like the full-size headlights with glass lenses, original radiator with stainless steel shutter bars, and 8.4-inch flexible stainless steel exhaust pipes on the side. What you don’t see is the custom-built frame with an X-member for greater rigidity, or that the body is made of fiberglass with steel reinforcements.
On the inside, the driver uses original Duesenberg instrument switches with beveled crystal lenses. There’s Wilton wool carpet, leather that follows the original design, and other meticulously recreated details. You also get some nice modern features like cruise control, power steering, and a CD player.
Power comes via a 5.8-liter Ford V8. It’s mated to an automatic C-6 transmission, also sourced from Ford. That means anyone who can service a Ford should be able to work on this car.
There’s a reason why people call something which is better or superior to everything else a “Duesy,” because Duesenbergs were the finest automobiles you could find back in the day. This faithful reproduction gives you all the style of the original, combined with the reliability you expect with a modern car. There were only 71 of these made from 1977 to 2011, and only 25 SJ Dual Cowl Phaetons were built, so you’re not exactly going to stumble into another one anytime soon. You can get this beautiful Duesenberg through Volo Auto Sales.
