Duesenberg Model A
The first American production car with a straight-eight engine and four-wheel hydraulic brakes.
- Power
- 88 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 20.0 s
- Top speed
- 85 mph
- Est. value
- $140k–$350k
About the Duesenberg Model A
The Duesenberg Model A, originally marketed simply as the Duesenberg Straight-8, was a landmark in American automotive engineering. It was the first mass-produced car in the United States to feature a straight-eight engine and the first in the world to be equipped with four-wheel hydraulic brakes as standard. Developed by brothers Fred and Augie Duesenberg, the car utilised technology derived from their successful Grand Prix racing efforts. Despite its advanced specifications and high performance for the era, its high price tag and the company's financial struggles limited its commercial success.
Duesenberg Model A specs
The Duesenberg Model A produces 88 bhp (66 kW) and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 20.0 seconds and has a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h).
| Make | Duesenberg |
|---|---|
| Model | Model A |
| Trim | Straight-8 |
| Years | 1921–1926 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Touring |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 650 built |
| Original price | About $6,500 when new |
| Engine | 4.3-litre straight-8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,261 cc (4.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 88 bhp (66 kW) at 3,600 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 20.0 s |
| Top speed | 85 mph (137 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,650 kg (3,638 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 53 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Duesenberg Model A worth?
A typical Duesenberg Model A is estimated to be worth $140,000 – $350,000 (about £104,000 – £261,000).
Its original price when new was about $6,500.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Duesenberg Model A rarity in CarSpot
The Duesenberg Model A is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Duesenberg Model A fun facts
- The Model A's hydraulic brake system was so innovative that Duesenberg had to pay royalties to Lockheed, who held the patents for the basic design.
- The engine featured an overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder, features that were almost exclusively found on racing cars in the early 1920s.
- The first production Model A was delivered to the custom body builder Kenelm Winslow in 1921, though full-scale production didn't ramp up until 1922.
