1929 Duesenberg Replica

Description

Think the replica business is a new development? Guess again! This incredibly unique, custom-built 1929 Duesenberg Replica dates back many decades (first built in the late '60 & '70s and then restyled and refreshed again the '90s) and was inspired by some of history's greatest cars, the Duesenberg SSJ, the Mercedes SSK, the Stutz Super Bearcat, and the L-29 Cord just to name a few. Utilizing a sturdy and reliable 1954 Ford chassis and driveline along with an array of genuine parts and components that range from a Duesenberg to Marmon to a Rolls-Royce and about a dozen more legendary vehicles. The result is a faithful amalgamation of all that was grand in luxury car making, wrapped up in a very affordable roadster that's just about the coolest car we've ever featured here at Streetside. Take a closer look and ask us about the history of this amazing custom car, because it's not often we find vehicles with such a cool story and thoughtful build.

Despite all the various components in this build the most obvious inspiration for the car is the Duesenberg J, and they got the proportions pretty close on this replica, starting with correct 1929 fiberglass fenders (the only fiberglass on the entire car), long hood, and boattail-style bodywork. The original Duesenberg cars were as ornate and top-of-the-line as you could be and still call it an automobile and so few were made only for the uber-elite, yet this car manages to carry a similar attitude. Note the correct Duese radiator ornament, the trumpet horns, the low-slung chassis, and the rear trunk, not to mention the laundry list of stylish components borrowed from over a dozen rare cars of similar ilk. These are all details that recall the original roadster of old, at least in flavor if not function. The car was first built between 1969-1978, and then restyled and refreshened in 1996-1997, but it's always been in the hands of connoisseurs so obviously there's something to its charm, and honestly, it's pretty easy to imagine sitting behind that folding windshield and slinging this sportster through the turns of your favorite country road. Finish quality is good, acceptable for weekend outings, but this isn't a show car after decades out on the open road. You also get 12-inch headlights from a Marmon poking up over the fenders, side-mounted spare spoke wheels, front and rear bumpers (from Willis Knight and Rolls-Royce, respectively) and plenty of lighting via the 1929 Buick taillights out back for safety. So yes, this isn't just a show piece, this car is well-equipped to hit the road today.

The interior is very comfortable, with loads of comfort and style in the Duesenberg tradition. Red vinyl on the bucket seats looks to be the freshest addition in the car, and the shade of deep crimson is a perfect complement to the white livery. The 1952 Jaguar steering wheel feels beefy in your hands and matches the steampunk style of the Smith floor shifter, while the engine-turned stainless-steel dashboard is simply the star of the interior, featuring a vast array of Duse Model J gauges that includes a NOS speedometer, an aircraft altimeter, and an 8-day wind clock from Brentling-Wakmann. A 3-speed shifter sticks out of the floor and will feel familiar to anyone who has driven an early '50s Ford and the seating position is pretty good for something so low. There's no top, no side curtains, no radio, no heater, so there's nothing to get in the way of the fun. Everything is in good condition considering its age and it needs nothing to start having fun immediately. And just like in the original Duese there's a motor under that long hood, so unlike the more common rear-engine VW replica's it can't be used for storage, relying instead on the trunk out back that has just enough space for a day bag or two.

Lift up that aforementioned long hood and you'll likely be surprised, as the clever builders of this eclectic roadster managed to neatly install a rebuilt 239 cubic inch V8 that powers it today. Of course, start it up and it has a great old-school Ford soundtrack, and the gutsy 2-barrel, 130HP V8 engine moves the lightweight roadster with aplomb. It's easy to maintain, parts are insanely cheap, and this really is more fun that you should be allowed to have with a car. The '54 Ford's chassis and suspension works especially well with the low-slung roadster bodywork and the drum brakes are powerful in this application, too. Freshened components during the restyling included a replacement gas tank, 12-volt system and battery, and lots of brake work, so it's ready to play. Red spoked wheels with custom Harvey hubcaps are wrapped with 6.00x17 front and 6.50x17 rear wide-white tires finish off the fantastic look.

No, it's not a million-dollar find, but that's not the point. The truth is, this is just fun boiled down to its most elemental level, and for that this car is ideally suited. Not sure you'll ever find a vintage roadster with this kind of build history, let alone one with so many original parts from other legendary cars. And it all seems to fit perfectly, resulting in one of the coolest cars we've ever had the pleasure of featuring. Call today.