Duesenberg – Model D

Vehicle Overview

In 1966, some 30 years after the original Duesenberg had gone out of business, the ultra-luxury marque was set to unveil an all-new vehicle. The rebirth had begun in 1964, when Fred A. “Fritz” Duesenberg, son of the legendary Augie Duesenberg, partnered with Texas real estate baron Fred J. McManis Jr. Some $5 million in startup capital was promised, and the company began work on the new car. Based on the 1966 Imperial, the car had a 440-cubic-inch V-8 with a 137.5-inch wheelbase chassis. An automatic transmission and four-wheel disc brakes were also standard. It was then fitted with sumptuous coachwork penned by Virgil Exner and handcrafted by Carrozzeria Ghia. As is to be expected from a Duesenberg, the car was lavishly appointed. Standard equipment included climate-control A/C, autopilot, and AM/FM radio, rear instrumentation similar to some Model J Duesenbergs, an altimeter, and dual fuel tanks. A bar, rear seat instrumentation, Motorola stereo tap, and magnesium wheels were all optional. It is believed that around 50 orders were received for the new car, including from such stars as Elvis Presley and comedian Jerry Lewis. The company’s initial plans had been to build around 1,000 units, but when corporate financing fell through, the effort folded and no production examples were ever completed.