Rare 1921 Duesenberg Model A (Straight Eight) Fleetwood Dual-Cowl Phaeton

A rare yellow 1921 Duesenberg Straight Eight (Model A) Fleetwood Phaeton arriving at and leaving the 2025 San Marino Motor Classic at Lacy Park, where it won First in Class (CCCA – American Open (Full Classics Only)) and the CCCA Paul Cert Award. Introduced in 1920, the Straight Eight was the first series-production car with four-wheel hydraulic brakes and the first American production car with an inline-eight engine. The car received the unofficial "Model A" designation after the introduction of its successor, the Model J. This example, chassis no. 603, was the third Duesenberg Model A built and the first fitted with Dual-Cowl Phaeton coachwork by Pennsylvania-based Fleetwood Metal Body. It has been displayed at numerous events including the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

This is the Duesenberg that most people either don't know exists or have forgotten about. And that's because its successor, the Model J, became such an iconic status symbol that it's still almost always the first image that comes to mind when the luxury carmaker's name is mentioned. And it's also the model that most car collectors desire more, which probably explains why, even though I've seen numerous examples of the J, this was my first encounter with an A. Though often overshadowed by its successor's bold upright grille and shiny chrome accents, the A is still an incredibly classy car, and certainly one full of innovation in its time. This example, with its pastel yellow paint and whitewall tires, certainly looks luxurious and even a little whimsical, like something you'd find in a classic Disney film. It's definitely a car that stands out even among numerous other beautiful pre-war classics, and one worthy of winning First in Class.

Would you choose this car over a Model J? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!