For Science, Technology And Craftsmanship in 1935... [PIC]

I give you the Duesenberg Special. Ab Jenkins and August Duesenberg sought to build a land speed and endurance race using the "J" chassis. Ab Jenkins solicited donors from various automotive oil companies and accessory producers promising them endorsements. Aerodynamics was still in its infancy and without basic wind tunnel or today's CAD programs. Duesenberg designer J Herbert Newport's vision included elements of aerodynamics that had been proven via trial and error. Beginning with a fuselage as narrow as the straight engine compartment would allow, its nose had a canted, concave 'waterfall' grill for both air flow and downforce. Rake a split windscreen and fair the headrests to the sloping rear ending the rear to a sharp line interrupted by a central vertical stabilizer. A wide track was necessary for endurance racing so pontoon fenders were formed over the wheels with integral entry steps on the rear fenders for driver and mechanic. August Duesenberg, using performance components from the corporate investors reworked the straight 8 engine with more advanced carburetors and a supercharger to achieve 400 HP from the 420 cid engine. For me, I'm most impressed with the metal workers who hand hammered this sculptural body over wooden bucks into quite a work of art putting the same craftsmanship and attention to detail as they would a production Duesenberg. After Ab Jenkins drove the car achieving new speed records in straight line and circuit endurance speeds, The car was reworked to house a 750 HP Curtiss Conqueror V12 aircraft engine. That configuration was called the Mormon Meteor which wound up being the name for the Special later on. The brutish V12 in the special set records but exhibited severe understeer at high speeds so a redesign and a new chassis was built as the Mormon Meteor lll in 1937. The original Duesenberg Special was converted to a road car and was driven by Ab and son Marvin for many years. The car exists today brought back to its original racing form.

Model by Automodello: