Car 2524
1933 Model J Duesenberg 2524, Derham Tourster
Engine No.:	J-504 [Pictures]
First Coachbuilder:	Derham
First Body Style:	Tourster
Wheelbase:	Short
Current Coachbuilder:
Current Body Style:
Original Owner:	David Gray
Owner in 1968:	C. J. Elsner, 1119 S Main St, Crete, NE
Current Owner:	Tom Hartman
References:	Adler, p. 177; Malks, p. 71; Roe, p. 260

 Notes:
Display photo by David Curtright, September 15, 2013, Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance.


The car was used as a factory showpiece in Chicago and Los Angeles.  In 1935 David Gray bought it and kept it until 1950.  In 1938 he installed 17 inch wheels, external exhaust pipes, and a Stromberg downdraft carburetor.
Sold to Charles Hoyt of Silverstone, Oregon in 1950.
Sold to Dort Lounsbury of Kirkland, Washington in 1955.
Within a year the car was traded to a Mr. Henderson, who in a few months sold it to Mr. Fifield of Denver.  Fifield abused the car and ruined the engine. 
Dr. C. J. (Doc) Elsner bought it from Fifield and drove it home to Crete, Nebraska on Christmas Day, 1956.
Elsner then acquired engine J-392, which was blown, rebuilt it and temporarily installed it in 2524 while engine J-504 was meticulously rebuilt.  In 1958 he began the restoration of the rest of the car that lasted a number of years.  He has performed most of the work himself.
[Facts from an article in "Road and Track", March 1963, by F. Robert Woodward, Jr.]

A story has also been heard that this is the car that Roosevelt rode in during a visit to Los Angeles.  I find it surprising, if this is true, that the detailed article from Road and Track doesn't mention this.


Photo by Jack Curtright, September 15, 2013, Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance.


Photo by Jack Curtright, September 15, 2013, Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance.


Photo by Jack Curtright, September 15, 2013, Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance.


Ppicture from http://tjhclassiccars.com/home


Picture from http://tjhclassiccars.com/home


Picture from Automobile Quarterly, Vol. 10, No. 2, pg. 126-7 (1972).


Picture from "Duesenberg The Pursuit of Perfection", p. 260.