One of only four surviving 1927 Duesenberg Model X dual-cowl phaetons has been donated to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum in northeast Indiana. The donation was made by Perry and Margie Pintzow, who a year earlier had given the museum a Duesenberg Model A running chassis.
“The Model X was a transition model for Duesenberg and represented an improvement upon the sporty Straight-Eight engine in their passenger car,” the museum said in its announcement. “Different valve angle, moving the exhaust and intake together, and modified timing resulted in a modest increase in horsepower from 88 to 100.
“However, E. L. Cord wanted something grander.
“In total, it is believed that 13 Duesenberg Model X’s were constructed, with only five of them receiving bodies. Of those five, only four remain, including the only Duesenberg Model X speedster owned by the museum, making the museum the stewards of half of the extant bodied model X’s in the world.”
The museum noted that the car has coachwork by Locke of New York, is the only surviving example dual-cowl phaeton, and was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Salon in 1928 “wearing the identical color scheme seen today.” The car had been owned by Reno, Nevada, casino magnate Bill Harrah and was restored during his ownership.
Petersen sets virtual tours for students
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is well known for bringing in busloads of students from Southern California to learn about automotive history. In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the museum has developed 60-minute virtual tours followed by live lessons with a museum educator.
The lessons follow California Curriculum Standards, the museum said, and are based on various grade levels, from K-2 through high school.
“The museum believes that the automobile can be an essential learning tool for students, and part of the museum’s education initiative is to deepen their knowledge and connection to topics that support California’s curriculum standards,” said Terry Karges, the museum’s executive director. “We are thrilled to be able to offer students and teachers the ability to learn about automotive history in an enjoyable and safe environment.”
New chief executive at the Gilmore
Josh Russell is the new chief executive of the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan. He joined the museum staff earlier this year as senior director of marketing and development.
Russell had been involved in marketing for several companies involved in motorsports and was executive vice president of PROtential, a company that specialized in programs for motorsports and other professional sports leagues.
Vauxhall collection gets temporary home
With the sale of the company’s Griffin House site in Luton, UK, most of the Vauxhall Heritage Collection and Archive has been moved to a temporary home in a building at the company’s Ellesmere Port assembly plant. However, 20 vehicles will remain on display at the Stockwood Discovery Center in Luton through March 2021, and six vehicles from the collection can be seen at Manor Park Classics in Runcorn.
Vauxhall has plans to build a new home for its collection and archives at Toddington.
Special events this weekend
The Miles through Time museum in Clarkesville, Georgia, hosts a holiday cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 5.
The Mustang Owner’s Museum in Concord, North Carolina, stages its final car show of the year from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on December 5. The show will feature Shelby, Roush and Saleen Mustangs.
The Owls Head Transportation Museum hosts a “Holiday AirMail Express” car show from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on December 6 on Runway 17. The event is free but car reservations are required for the socially distanced event.
Mark your calendar
The Mustang Owner’s Museum in Concord, North Carolina, hosts a driving cruise December 12 from its facility to Innovation Performance Technologies in Pinehurst. The cruise begins at 10 a.m. and includes lunch and a tour of the Innovative Performance facility and its vehicles. See the museum website for registration information.
The Canadian Automotive Museum in Oshawa, Ontario, continues its Third Thursday lecture series on December 17 at 7 p.m. when restoration specialist Justin Sookraj presents “The Delorean Dream” on Zoom. To participate, visit the museum’s Third Thursday lecture website.
The San Diego Automotive Museum will feature an electric vehicle exhibit from January 22 to May 22, 2021. Among the vehicles on display will be a 1914 Galt gas-electric roadster that has been on loan and on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The Galt’s regular home is the Canadian Automotive Museum in Oshawa, Ontario, where the car is scheduled to return after its San Diego pit stop.
Does your local car museum have special events or exhibitions planned? Let us know. Email larrye@classiccars.com.
