Duesenberg Model A

Duesenberg Model A
1923 Duesenberg Model A with touring car body by Leon Rubay
Overview
Manufacturer	Duesenberg
Also called	Duesenberg Straight Eight
Production	1921-1926
Assembly	Indianapolis, IN US
Designer	Fred and August Duesenberg
Body and chassis
Class	luxury
Body style	by arrangement with coachbuilder
Layout	FR
Related	Duesenberg Model X
Powertrain
Engine	4.3 L (260 cu in) OHC straight-eight engine
Transmission	3 speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	standard: 3,403.6 mm (134 in) long: 3,581.4 mm (141 in)
Chronology
Successor	Duesenberg Model X

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.

Fred and August Duesenberg built aircraft and marine engines during World War I and used this expertise to design and build racing engines and to design a car. The Duesenberg Automobiles and Motors Company was incorporated in Delaware and founded to manufacture and market the production car while Duesenberg Brothers, a separate organization, built racing cars and engines.

The Duesenberg Straight Eight was introduced in late 1920 at the Commodore Hotel in New York City, but production of the Straight Eight did not begin until late 1921. The main reason for the delay was Fred Duesenberg's decision to redesign several aspects of the car, including the valvetrain. The headquarters and manufacturing facilities of the Duesenberg Automobiles and Motors Company were relocated from Newark, New Jersey, to Indianapolis, Indiana during this time. The move was completed in May 1921, but the redesign was not.