The Most Famous Duesenberg of All Time - Summary

Summary

The transcript is a detailed account of an episode of Jay Leno's Garage, where a famous Duesenberg car, named the "20 Grand", is discussed and showcased. The car, which was built in 1933 for the Century of Progress at the World's Fair in Chicago, was the most expensive car of its time, costing $20,000. It was designed by Gordon Buehrig and Ralston, and was built with a 421 cubic inch twin cam 4 valve engine that produced 320 horsepower. This made it one of the most powerful engines in America at the time.

The car was restored in the 1960s and was driven down from Las Vegas a few months prior to the episode. It was noted for its comfortable driver's compartment and the luxurious back seat. The car was sold to Shreve Archer, one of the founders of AMD Foods, in 1934 for the same price of $20,000. It was restored in 1979 and was bought by Jay Leno's great-grandfather in 1979 for $130,000.

The car's unique features included a centrifugal supercharger, a mechanical computer, and hydraulic brakes, which were innovative for its time. It was noted for its impressive performance and the quality of its design. The car was driven for the episode, with the presenter commenting on its acceleration, handling, and comfort. The car was also noted for its weight, with the presenter mentioning that it was over 7,000 pounds and that it was surprisingly quick for its size.

Facts

1. The text is a monologue from a television show, presumably Jay Leno's Garage, discussing an antique car, likely a Duesenberg model from the 1930s.
2. The car has a 421 cubic inch twin cam 4 valve supercharged engine with 320 horsepower.
3. The car was built by Duesenberg and Ralston, with the body designed by Gordon Buehrig.
4. The car was featured at the Chicago World's Fair in 1933, where it was displayed as "the ultimate car".
5. The car was originally priced at $20,000, which was a significant amount at the time.
6. The car was restored in the 1970s, and later sold for $130,000.
7. The car was driven by Jay Leno's father, who was a fan of fast and flashy cars.
8. The car has a unique feature of a centrifugal supercharger and a mechanical computer for maintenance.
9. The car was known for its powerful engine and was considered ahead of its time.
10. The car was the first American car with hydraulic brakes and a full dashboard in the back seat for the driver.
11. The car was used in the filming of various TV shows and was considered a "crown jewel" in the collection.
12. The car was known for its luxury and comfort, with features like leather seats and a full dashboard.
13. The car was popular among the rich and famous, including Charles Lindbergh, who admired the car's design.
14. The car was known for its powerful acceleration and was considered a "hot rod" in its time.
15. The car was known for its intricate design and craftsmanship, with features like a hood ornament called the D'Orsay Bird.
16. The car was known for its quiet operation, with the engine providing enough heat for the passengers.
17. The car was known for its sophisticated design, with features like an altimeter on the dashboard.
18. The car was known for its powerful engine and was considered a "hot rod" in its time.
19. The car was known for its luxury and comfort, with features like leather seats and a full dashboard.
20. The car was known for its powerful engine and was considered a "hot rod" in its time.