DIY Network

Duesenberg Model X Jay Leno's remarkable find — a long-lost Diesenberg that was right around the corner. From "Special Presentation" episode DCRD-S

The Model X is one of the rarest Dusenbergs around, with only 13 known examples in existence. Here is what the car looks like today — with original paint.

Jay Leno Duesenberg Collection, Automobile #6: Duesenberg Model X

Statistics:

• Model: X
  
• Year built: 1927
  
• Original owner: Unknown
  
• Original mileage: 79,691
  
• Price new: unknown
  
• Number in Leno's collection: 6th

Awards:

• Displayed at Pebble Beach, 2005 (not entered)

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Before the restoration

A Car Lost in Time

Jay Leno's Model X was thought to be a "lost car" — the last of its kind yearning to be found. Astonishingly, it was a mere few miles from Leno's shop, stored in a garage and "trapped in time. "

This particular model X was a Lock bodied sedan, built in 1927. The first recorded owner of the vehicle was Arthur Broadstreet from Indiana. After an unknown amount of time, Broadstreet sold the vehicle to John Toker, a used Duesenberg dealer in Chicago. It is believed that the vehicle was non-operational at the time of the sale, and did not change hands again until 1946.

Almost 20 years after it was built, William Johnson purchased the vehicle from Toker and had it transported by train back to California. Once there, Johnson tied the Model X to his Model A Duesenberg, and towed the vehicle to his home in Burbank. Johnson allegedly tried to get the Duesenberg to run, but to no avail. Fearing someone may try to steal the rare vehicle, Johnson took the tie rod off and shut the door to the garage — which is where the Model X sat until Leno saved it from its dark cave in 2004.

Restoration Process

Being locked away in a dark garage was actually a blessing in disguise for the integrity of this Model X. Barely scathed by time, the massive vehicle was in fine shape for its age and only needed a partial restoration.

Restoration specialist Randy Ema and his team found they could leave most everything in its original condition — including the paint and interior (although thoroughly cleaned). The engine and transmission had to be restored to working condition, as did the following components:

• wheels
  
• tires
  
• bumpers
  
• headlights

This Model X is the most fully original Duesenberg in Leno's collection.

The Model X on display at Pebble Beach

Brief History of the Model X

Created in between the Duesenberg Model A and the popular J and SJ models, the Model X was an experiment in construction and relationships with coach builders. Due to the nature of their production and limited number, they were thought of as "orphans" after completed.

This was the last Duesenberg to be designed by Fred Duesenberg before the company was sold to E.L. Cord in 1926. Because Cord wanted to focus on building a grand luxury car, he demanded all model X's in construction be finished quickly so the production of the new design could start. Consequently, only thirteen Model X's were ever made, and only four are still in existence today.

Go to the next Duesenberg in Jay's collection.