Equipment
Ab Jenkins Duesenberg Special Mormon Meteor with nearly 400hp from its Augie Duesenberg built twin carb supercharged J engine and distinctive body. Twice set the 24 hour land speed record, once with this engine and later with a 1650 cubic inch Curtiss Conqueror aircraft V12. Thoughtfully restored in the 60s, then re done cosmetically and rewired in the mid 80s. Four times on the Colorado Grand since. The fastest and most famous of all Duesenbergs, in excellent condition considering the age of its restoration and subsequent enthusiastic use. 12 volt electrical system with Trippe lights added. Known history from new; last sold in 1961.
Market commentary
I had a ride in this monster on Thursday and it is one of the most memorable events of my automotive life. It is strong, it is loud, it is elemental, it is rude: a big hammer built for a specific purpose. Bidding was spirited with a bidder in the room bumping the bid by $200K and $300K increments up to nearly $4 million against a phone bidder who wasnt scared off. A landmark car, bought for a landmark price which may prove to be a bargain. Sold to a collector in the UK who then did a post block deal with the underbidder here to free up cash to bid for the Mercedes Benz SSK at Bonhams Goodwood ten days later. At $7,479,867, he ended up being the underbidder himself. Even the very rich have concerns about too much of a good thing.