Duesenberg Model A

"Duesenberg Straight Eight" redirects here. For straight-eight engines made by Duesenberg, see Duesenberg Straight-8 engine. For the later Duesenberg luxury automobile powered by a straight-eight engine, see Duesenberg Model J.

Duesenberg Model A
1923 Duesenberg Model A with touring car body by Leon Rubay
Overview
ManufacturerDuesenberg
Also calledDuesenberg Straight Eight[1]
Production1921–1926[2][3]
AssemblyIndianapolis, Indiana, United States
DesignerFred and August Duesenberg
Body and chassis
ClassLuxury car
Body styleby arrangement with coachbuilder
LayoutFR
RelatedDuesenberg Model X
Powertrain
Engine4.3 L (260 cu in) OHC straight-eight engine[4][5]
Transmission3 speed manual[1]
Dimensions
Wheelbasestandard: 3,403.6 mm (134 in)
long: 3,581.4 mm (141 in)[4]
Chronology
SuccessorDuesenberg Model X[4]
Duesenberg Straight 8[5]
Overview
ManufacturerDuesenberg
Production1921–1926[2]
Layout
Configurationstraight-eight engine
Displacement4.3 L (260 cu in)[4]
Cylinder bore73.0 mm (2.875 in)[6]
Piston stroke127.0 mm (5.0 in)[6]
Cylinder block materialcast iron, 3 bearings[6]
Cylinder head materialcast iron, detachable[6]
ValvetrainShaft-driven SOHC, 2 valves/cyl.
Compression ratio5:1
Combustion
Fuel systemSingle updraft Schebler 1+1⁄2 in carburetor
ManagementDelco coil and points, distributor mounted at end of starter/generator unit
Fuel typeGasoline
Oil systemWet sump, full pressure lubrication
Cooling systemwater cooled
Output
Power output88 bhp (66 kW) @ 3600 rpm
Torque output170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m) at 1500 rpm[6]
Chronology
SuccessorDuesenberg Model X[4]

The Duesenberg Model A was the first automobile in series production to have hydraulic brakes and the first automobile in series production in the United States with a straight-eight engine. Officially known as the Duesenberg Straight Eight, the Model A was first shown in late 1920 in New York City. Production was delayed by substantial changes to the design of the car, including a change in the engine valvetrain from horizontal overhead valves to an overhead camshaft; also during this time, the company had moved its headquarters and factory from New Jersey to Indiana. The Model A was manufactured in Indianapolis, Indiana, from 1921 to 1925 by the Duesenberg Automobiles and Motors Company and from 1925 to 1926 at the same factory by the restructured Duesenberg Motor Company. The successors to the company began referring to the car as the Model A when the Model J was introduced.

  1. ^ a b Posthumus 1977, p. 76.
  2. ^ a b Mueller 2006, p. 52.
  3. ^ Robson 2001, p. 181.
  4. ^ a b c d e Kimes 1990, p. 231.
  5. ^ a b Mueller 2006, p. 51.
  6. ^ a b c d e Robson 2001, p. 180.