1966 Duesenberg

In 1966 there was a try to create a "new" Duesenberg.

Virgil M. Exner designed on a Chrysler Imperial chassis, powered by a V8-440ci engine a car that was inspired by his "Revival Cars".
The design was quite different to the design-suggestion Exner made in 1963 for a
Duesenberg revival.

The prototype was built by Ghia, Torino, Italy.
It cost $ 60'000!

The above picture shows the styling that came true,
below you see the drawing of a 1965(?) styling that wasn't realized.

Fritz Duesenberg, son of August and nephew of Fred Duesenberg, was president of
the new founded Duesenberg.

50 cars were sold (selling price was $ 19,500 in 1966!), among the first clients there were
Elvis Presley and Jerry Lewis.

Production never started.
The marshall seized the car because Duesenberg owed the salesman his commission.
Provision was $ 500 for each car, they couldn't pay him $ 5000, so the prototype was destrained.
That was the end of the new Duesenberg.

The prototype can be seen today at the "Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg-Museum".

Press-Releases and Company-Letters

Fact-Sheet 1 (140kB)
Fact-Sheet 2 (106kB)

Fact-Sheet 3 (135kB)
Fact-Sheet 4 (171kB)
Fact Sheet 5 (130kB)

Letter from Bryan A. Orr, General Sales Manager, dated May 10,1965
page 1 (141kB)
page 2 (34kB)

Letter from Fred Duesenberg, Chairman of the Board, dated August 25, 1965
(161kB)

Magazine-Ad (172kB)

Invitation for Presentation of the Duesenberg, March 29, 1966 (33kB)