SOLD 1922 Model A Duesenberg Fleetwood "Dr's Coupe"
THIS PHOTO GALLERY INCLUDES VIDEOS!
Unique opportunity to acquire the only known custom Fleetwood two-door 1922 Model A Duesenberg "Doctor's Coupe." So named when famously owned by Pennsylvania physician Dr. C.E. Beals.
Apart from its dashing and elegant closed cabin, the unique design discarded typical practice and comprises custom Fleetwood hood, fenders and splash aprons over the commonly-issued factory counterparts. Featured in Fred Roe’s Duesenberg: The Pursuit of Perfection and Jim Schild’s Fleetwood: The Company & The Coachcraft.
From Dr. Beals' ownership, in 1931, the Duesenberg went to Fred McGarvey. Garvey maintained the car in essentially original condition regularly driving it to East Coast meets of the ACD Club and to other events. At McGarvey's passing in 1975, the vehicle was acquired by Harrah’s Automobile Collection and shown there for 11 years, during which time it received its ACD Club Category One Certification. The Duesenberg then found its way to Germany whereupon it was acquired by Mark Smith in the late nineties at a Coys auction. Then to Jim Kaufmann, of Georgia, Shawn Miller of Indianapolis and to Michigan collectors Richard and Linda Kughn. The Kughn's stripped the body to bare metal and performed a beautiful and accurate refinish in the original colors of dark green with black fenders. The top covering is elephant hide. Much of the nickel trim was replated, and the interior, which had previously been restored in correct green leather, was freshened as necessary. A modern brake master cylinder was installed (original unit accompanies vehicle).
In 2014, the car was sold at RM Hershey auction to the Millhouse Brothers; they spent over $60K+ to rebuild the engine using sources including Stephen Babinsky of Automotive Restorations.
In October of 2018, the Doctor's Coupe passed to the current Albuquerque NM owner. The owner retained Chris Charlton of Classic Car Services to machine and install a new stainless steel exhaust manifold. Extensive sorting by the current owner including fuel and cooling systems plus front suspension work. The tender engine cross shaft gears have also been replaced with newly-manufactured units from Classic & Exotic Services of Troy, MI.
This special Duesenberg scored a second-in-class Lion award at the 2019 Concours America at St. John's—against six Model Js!
This lovely "Doctor's Coupe" goes like the proverbial locomotive, torquey, strong and straight as an arrow. The next privileged owner will have the distinction of caretaker of a piece of remarkably preserved Duesenberg history and a dashing styling icon from the early twenties.