Supercars.net

Before and during the war, the Duesenberg brothers had made a name for themselves racing their own racecars and selling engines to other manufacturers. For the most part, they hadn’t successfully sold their own road car until the Model A. It is often overlooked by collectors despite being a 'sensation when produced'.

When released the Model A featured a new SOHC inline-8, but that wasn’t enough of a bonus to sell the required amount of cars. Poor sales were blamed the on the weak dealership network and the inability to get the car to market on time.

In total a couple hundred Model As were made, despite the $1 500 000 raised in the sale of stocks. Most of the cars received custom coachwork and some featured lavish appointments with grand styling. After 1922, Duesenberg offered a range of standard bodies, including the necessary seven passenger coupe.

Despite the Model A being a flop commercially, in the period of 1923 to 1929 Duesenberg scored many racing successes, including three Indianapolis wins. 1924 was a particularly notable win, as the Duesenberg was the first to use a supercharger, and it won. Duesenberg later offered a supercharger for the Model A, but only a six or seven were so equipped.