1930 Duesenberg J Tourster -Gary Cooper - Franklin Mint

This MODEL is OUT OF PRODUCTION

Fred and Augie Duesenberg made some of the most prestigious cars ever produced.  During the heydays of the "roaring 20's" these were the cars sought after by the wealthy.  The phrase "It's a Duesy!" was the direct result of the perfection these automobiles personified.  Duesenberg became the flagship if E.L. Cord's fledgling empire.  Designed and built in Indianapolis, fewer than 500 of these large, powerful, sophisticated road cars were produced, between 1929 and 1937.  Most of the cars came on long wheelbases of either 142.5" or 153.5".  Many survive today as showpieces of the rich and famous.

This is the dual-cowl phaeton featuring the longer wheelbase and a rear trunk.  The coachwork was of course custom, this time made by Derham.  Movie star Gary Cooper bought one just like this car painted mint green and yellow with a matching interior.   This model by Franklin Mint is one of the earliest produced.   As such it lacks some of the features now found on most models but it is an important piece of history both for the 1:1 cars past and the earlier days of Franklin Mint.   It is both intricate and delicate with decent details under the hood and in the interior.  One interesting early feature is the 2 top option giving the collector a choice of top up or down displays.