In the mid-1930s, Cord Corporation designed a less expensive Duesenburg to offset the decline brought on by The Great Depression. This was labeled “The Baby Duesenburg Project”. Since the Auburn was popular at this time, Gordon Buehrig used existing V12 engines to help design this Duesenburg Gentleman’s Speedster. This is the only prototype known to have been produced.
Parts from Auburns, Cords and Duesenburgs were used to build this car. In addition to the Lycoming V12 engine, bumpers were designed like the 810-812 Cord, body was a modified Auburn Speedster, the hood panels were those of a Duesenburg.
The car was on display at the ACD museum during the 1970s and 1980s and in 1989, Ed Weaver purchased this car and had it restored to its original specifications. Actor Jackie Coogan is reputed to have been its first owner. This car has been certified by the ACD club as an experimental Category I car.
Taken at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
You may purchase a print in our dElegance 2011 online gallery.