1932 Duesenberg Model J. Photos by David Newhardt, courtesy Mecum Auctions, unless otherwise noted.
Originality has an impact on the value of any car, including Duesenbergs. Model J's with documented histories typically trade hands in the seven-figure range, with rare examples cracking the eight-figure barrier. Last weekend, a twice-rebodied 1932 Duesenberg Model J, upgraded to SJ engine specifications in the 1970s and currently wearing a La Grande-style dual-cowl phaeton body, sold for $500,000 to become the top seller at Mecum's Houston, Texas, sale.
The 1932 Duesenberg Model J, carrying chassis number 2480 and engine J-463, was delivered to its first owner wearing a Rollston formal limousine body, but was later converted to a Dietrich long-wheelbase convertible Berline body, pulled from Duesenberg chassis 2415. Perhaps the limousine body had fallen into disrepair, or perhaps the car's new owner simply wanted something of a more sporting nature; the exact reason for the conversion, like the exact date, isn't documented.
In 1946 (though some sources say 1956), chassis 2480 was involved in a garage fire that destroyed its Dietrich body, and the car remained as a chassis only for several decades. Sometime in the 1970s, efforts were made to save the car once again, and the restored chassis was fitted with a new body, built in the style of a La Grande dual-cowl phaeton. Around this time, the car's 420-cu.in. inline eight-cylinder engine was upgraded to supercharged SJ specifications, boosting output from 265 horsepower to approximately 320 horsepower.
Despite the Duesenberg's somewhat troubled past, the car was once part of the Al Wiseman Collection (though it was not part of RM Sotheby's December 2007 sale) and was being offered in Houston from the estate of collector Tom Goodlett. As SJ-powered Duesenbergs go, the $500,000 selling price represented something of a bargain for its new owner.
1906 Packard S Touring. Photo by John Hollansworth, Jr., courtesy Mecum Auctions.
Other cars in the sale's top-10 included a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird, which sold for $480,000; a 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition, which sold for $475,000; a 1906 Packard S Touring, which sold for $300,000; a 1910 Peerless Model 27, which sold for $275,000; a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 fastback, which sold for $262,500; a 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster, which sold for $225,000; a 1964 Chevrolet Corvette "Tanker," which sold for $220,000; a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 fastback, which sold for $200,000; and a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, which sold for $180,000.
1966 Ford Custom 500 sedan. Photo courtesy Mecum Auctions.
Those shopping for more affordable lots likely didn't leave empty handed, either. Bargain lots crossing the block in Houston included a 1968 Ford Ranchero, which sold for $2,500; a 1978 Volkswagen Beetle convertible, which sold for $4,500; a 1966 Ford Custom 500 sedan, which sold for $5,000; a 1980 MGB convertible, which sold for $5,500; a 1967 Ford Galaxie, which sold for $5,500; a 1974 Triumph Spitfire 1500, which sold for $5,500; a 1986 Chevrolet Corvette restomod, which sold for $6,500; a 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442, which sold for $6,750; a 1966 Ford Thunderbird Landau, which sold for $7,000, and a 1971 Lincoln Mark III, which sold for $7,500.
For complete auction results from Houston, visit Mecum.com.
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Rather than a lightweight sports car, the Aston Martin V8 is better considered a GT car, which seems to have a lot in common with American muscle cars. Even with aluminum body panels, the rather substantial Aston had a curb weight just a hair over 4,000 pounds, making it several hundred pounds heavier than a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. It’s worth noting that despite being measurably smaller than the Charger, both cars share very similar proportions, with their long hoods, fastback rooflines, and short rear decks. An even closer comparison comes in the form of a ‘67 Ford Mustang, again with similar proportions but also the Aston having a wheelbase and overall length, width, and height very close to the American pony car.
The 1978 Aston Martin V8 is frequently referred to as a Series 3 since it was derived from the DBS, a model that launched in 1967 with an inline-six engine that was followed by the DBS V8, with a fuel-injected V8 engine. Both versions of the DBS were sold alongside each other into 1972, when, during the model year, the simply named V8 model supplanted both. With an updated front end that included a grille shape more reminiscent of Aston Martins past and a pair of headlamps rather than four, these interims V8s were considered Series 2 cars.
In 1973, Aston Martin dumped what had turned out to be a problematic mechanical fuel-injection system, instead opting for four Weber carburetors for its 5.3-liter V8. Multiple carburetion gives it good company with the likes of a Mopar 440 Six-Pack or Pontiac Tri-Power. That carburetor setup required additional hood clearance that resulted in the large scoop worn by such cars, though it was non-functional in terms of letting in any additional air to the intake.
The rest of the engine department takes a big departure from the standard American iron-block, overhead-valve setup. Aston Martin’s V8 featured all-aluminum construction and dual overhead camshafts on each cylinder head, driven by dual chains. Yes, it had hemispherical combustion chambers, even with just two valves per cylinder. Engineers specced a forged crankshaft and forged chrome-moly connecting rods.
Output for 1978 was estimated at 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque—pretty substantial numbers for a car built during the oil crisis era and before engineers had leveraged electronic fuel injection to win the battle against emissions regulations. In accordance with its muscle car vibe, most AM V8s of the period were equipped with a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic, complete with Mopar factory ratios of 2.45:1, 1:45:1 and 1:1, along with a limited-slip rear differential. A 3.31 final-drive ratio was standard, with 3.54:1 optional. A five-speed manual was available.
Distinctions from Detroit grow once you step inside an Aston Martin V8, which was essentially a handmade car, with very low production numbers. Each of the four seats was covered in leather, a material that extended to the door trim, steering wheel, shift knob and even the center console surround. Carpets were wool. Given its high price and object of luxury aspirations, each car was also packed with plenty of sound insulation to isolate occupants from road noise. Power assistance for the brakes and steering was standard, as were air conditioning, power windows and power locks.
With a 0-60 mph time of “about six seconds,” according to Aston Martin literature of the time, along with a top speed over 150 mph, the AM V8 was in nearly a class by itself. Torque wasn't quite like that of an unrestrained big block American V8 from the peak muscle car era, but the Aston Martin’s V8 engine still delivered power with a swift rush towards a redline over 5,000 rpm, though no such actual red line is indicated on the tach. Suspension included unequal-length control arms up front with an anti-roll bar and De Dion rear axle with parallel trailing arms and watt linkage in the rear. Coil spring were at all four wheels, as were disc brakes, with the rear disc inboard. Not designed to tackle a tight road course, the AM V8 was still noted as a competent high-speed handler.
This 1978 Aston Martin V8 Series 3 features a silver metallic body with a red leather interior. The selling dealer indicates that it was purchased from the second owner who it is believed purchased it from the original owner as he aged out of driving in his 90s. The car appears to have been very well maintained, with the seller sharing that the engine, transmission, paint, body and interior are all “highly original.”
Other information to note on this AMV8 are a slew of services performed last fall, including a “full tune-up,” rebuilt carburetors, new spark plugs and filters, new battery and an alternator rebuild. Everything is asserted to be functioning properly with the car seemingly ready to drive anywhere.
As one of less than 1,000 Series 3 examples made, this 1978 Aston Martin V8 coupe offers a uniquely British take on big V8 performance in a midsize car—a muscle car, but with a different accent.
Head on over to Hemmings Auctions and take a closer look for yourself.
Photography by Mark J. McCourt
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Photography by Mark J. McCourt
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Photography by Mark J. McCourt
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