Return to GOODINGCO.COM
22 of 86 lots
Lot 22
1926 Duesenberg Model A Touring
Estimate:
$120,000 - $150,000
Starting bid:
$25
Sold for
$285,000
Live Auction
Estate of Mark Smith Auction
Description
Coachwork by Millspaugh & Irish

Without Reserve

Chassis: D61H
Engine: 1610

Salesroom Addendum
Please note that this vehicle is titled as 01610, which is its engine number.

A Showcase of Duesenberg’s Innovations Prior to the Model J
History Dating to the 1940s and Formerly Part of the Fred Guyton Collection
Among the First American Automobiles to Feature Hydraulic Brakes

260 CID SOHC Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
Single-Throat Schebler Updraft Carburetor
88 BHP at 3,600 RPM
3-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Front Beam Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs

The Duesenberg Model A has an important place among the most significant cars ever built in the US. Its straight-eight engine with aluminum pistons and the hydraulically operated four-wheel brakes were both firsts for the American automobile industry. Since 1924, Duesenbergs have been among the most successful race cars in America, and over their competitive years, Duesenberg fielded dozens of entries in the Indianapolis 500. The first production automobile from the decorated company was guaranteed to attract attention.

“The World’s Champion Automobile” and “Built to Outclass, Outrun and Outlast Any Car on the Road” were not idle boasts. The overhead cam straight-eight engine was race-bred, differing from the competition version only in details and tuning, and the Model A was known as “The Grand Prix Car” – a car with essentially the same chassis and engine as the one that won the French Grand Prix in 1921.

According to Duesenberg historian Randy Ema, the earliest known owner of this Model A was Paul M. Gerhard of Gorham, New Hampshire, who was reportedly pictured with the car in about 1940. By 1950, the car had passed to Fred Benson of Wheaton, Illinois, who kept it for close to two decades, participating in ACD Club events. In the later 1960s, the Duesenberg was briefly held by two more owners before being purchased by the respected, prolific collector Fred Guyton of St. Louis, Missouri by 1971. The first of his Duesenbergs, and a very early addition to his collection, the Model A remained with him until his passing. In 2019, Mark Smith enthusiastically added it to his collection.

A service sticker remains affixed in the doorjamb and records that the car registered 55,189 miles in October 1967; the Duesenberg’s odometer displayed just over 57,000 miles at the time of cataloguing. The Model A also bears a badge declaring its restoration, performed several decades ago, completed by Wolfington of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and today it displays an inviting patina, with a time and use-worn leather interior. The quality of its construction, details of its coachwork, and industry-first innovations make this late-production Model A Duesenberg an ideal choice for participation in rallies, CCCA CARavans, and vintage events. Its rich history is still being written.

*Please note that this Lot, like all vehicles in this Auction, has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to any road use.

Gooding & Company presents and conducts the Estate of Mark Smith Auction under the authority of John J. Rendemonti, Executor of the Estate of Mark J. Smith, duly appointed by the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire, Probate Division, Case Number 312-2022-ET-00072. The Estate has compiled available title and/or registration paperwork for the Vehicles offered in the Auction and will provide such paperwork to the Buyer if it is available. However, as set forth more fully in the Conditions of Sale, neither the Estate nor Gooding makes any representation or warranty with respect to any existing certificate of title or registration with regard to any Lot in the Auction. Any Lot may be sold on a Bill of Sale. By participating in this Auction, all bidders and buyers recognize that Estate and Gooding have expressly disclaimed all such warranties concerning the availability or sufficiency of any title or registration documentation.