Spectacular piece of motoring history

Robert and Lynette Duncan, of Wanaka, polish their 1934 Duesenberg model J in Dunedin yesterday....
Robert and Lynette Duncan, of Wanaka, polish their 1934 Duesenberg model J in Dunedin yesterday. Photo by Stephen Jaquiery

Going back to the 1930s, if a Duesenberg model J pulled up to a kerb near you, you could rightly expect a movie star, the sickeningly wealthy or even royalty to step out.

So, when Robert Duncan pulled up in his 1934 Duesenberg model J in Dunedin yesterday, he enjoyed the personal attention - even if it was just for a fleeting moment before everyone's eyes moved back to the car.

"You certainly get a buzz pulling up in it,'' he said.

The Model J was one of the most popular luxury cars as well as a status symbol in the United States and Europe, and was driven by the nobility, the rich and the famous, including Al Capone, Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes, Mae West, Clark Gable, Bill "Bojangles'' Robinson, William Randolph Hearst and the Duke of Windsor.

Mr Duncan's car was formerly owned by Hollywood actress Carole Lombard. He bought it in 2011 from an estate and it is now on display at the Warbirds and Wheels Museum in Wanaka.

The 7 litre, DOHC straight-8 (198kw) engine with 3-speed manual gearbox was capable of a top speed of 215kmh, and was believed to be the only model J in the southern hemisphere, he said.

The car was one of only 480 made by August and Frederick Duesenberg in Indianapolis, United States; and only one of about 350 left in the world.

The Duesenberg remains a status symbol, with one selling in 2011 for $US10.34 million.

Mr Duncan's car is one of more than 250 classic cars and motorcycles on display at the Edgar Centre today for the 2015 TL MacLean Autospectacular.

Organiser Kevin Casey said the Duesenberg was an extraordinary car.

"They don't come more extraordinary than that.''

He said more than 30 car clubs would be exhibiting a variety of vehicles at the show today, including Cadillacs, Pontiacs, Fords, Holdens, Chevrolets, Ferraris, Packards, Jaguars, Fiats, Bentleys, and Highland Motorsport Park's Mosler GT3 race car.

"There will be quite a few exotic cars here.''

The event aimed to raise funds for the Otago Therapeutic Trust, he said.

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