August Duesenberg: The Mechanic Behind the Legend

August "Augie" Duesenberg was the practical genius who turned his brother Fred's dreams into reality. While Fred designed, Augie built and raced. As the chief of the Duesenberg racing team, he engineered the first American victory at the French Grand Prix and dominated the Indy 500, later creating the record-breaking Mormon Meteor.

The Hands-On Genius

In the partnership of the Duesenberg brothers, Fred was the dreamer who drew the blueprints, but August "Augie" Duesenberg was the master mechanic who made them run. While Fred focused on the luxury passenger cars, Augie lived for the racetrack. He was the field general, managing the pit crews and tuning the engines that would dominate American motorsport for two decades.

Conquering the World

Augie's crowning achievement came in 1921. He took a team of Duesenberg race cars to France to compete in the prestigious French Grand Prix at Le Mans. Against the best European engineering, the car prepared by Augie and driven by Jimmy Murphy took first place—the first time an American car had ever won a Grand Prix. Back home, under his supervision, Duesenberg cars won the Indianapolis 500 three times (1924, 1925, and 1927), cementing the brand's reputation for speed and durability.

The Mormon Meteor

After Fred's tragic death in 1932, Augie took over as chief engineer. He didn't stop pushing boundaries. He collaborated with endurance driver Ab Jenkins to build the Mormon Meteor, a monstrous speed record car powered by a supercharged Duesenberg aircraft engine. In 1935, this beast averaged 135 mph for 24 hours straight on the Bonneville Salt Flats, a record that stood for decades and proved that Augie's engineering prowess was second to none.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was August Duesenberg and what was his role in the Duesenberg legacy?

<p><strong>August Samuel "Augie" Duesenberg</strong> (1879–1955) was a masterful German-American engineer and the technical backbone of the <strong>Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company</strong>. While his brother Fred was often the public face and chief designer, Augie was the pragmatic genius who managed the manufacturing plant and spearheaded the racing division. He was instrumental in transforming Fred’s visionary concepts into high-performance realities, ensuring that Duesenberg vehicles became synonymous with unmatched power and <strong>American luxury</strong> during the Jazz Age.</p>

How did August Duesenberg contribute to the success of Duesenberg racing?

<p>Augie Duesenberg was the driving force behind the brand’s legendary dominance on the track. Serving as the crew chief and racing director, he led the Duesenberg team to three <strong>Indianapolis 500</strong> victories (1924, 1925, and 1927). His meticulous preparation and tactical brilliance were vital in 1921 when Duesenberg became the first American car to win the <strong>French Grand Prix</strong> at Le Mans. Augie’s focus on <strong>racing engine development</strong> ensured that the "Duesy" name was feared and respected on both sides of the Atlantic.</p>

What was August Duesenberg’s role in developing the Model J?

<p>During the development of the iconic <strong>Model J</strong>, August Duesenberg took complete responsibility for the racing activities to allow Fred to focus on design. However, Augie’s influence was felt in the car’s <strong>supercharged performance</strong>. He was the primary engineer behind the centrifugal superchargers used in the <strong>Model SJ</strong>, which boosted the straight-eight engine to a staggering 320 horsepower. This innovation allowed a 3-ton luxury car to reach speeds of 130 <abbr title="Miles Per Hour">MPH</abbr>, a feat nearly impossible for other manufacturers in the 1930s.</p>

What was the "Walking Beam" engine designed by the Duesenberg brothers?

<p>One of the earliest technical triumphs for August and Fred was the <strong>"Walking Beam" engine</strong>. This unique design used long, vertical rocker arms (resembling the walking beams of steamships) to actuate horizontal valves. This setup allowed for larger valves and better airflow, giving their early <strong>Mason</strong> racing cars and marine engines a significant power advantage. This rugged engineering became the foundation for the Duesenberg brothers’ reputation as the premier engine builders in the USA.</p>

Did August Duesenberg work on the first American straight-eight engine?

<p>Yes, August worked alongside Fred to develop the first American <strong>mass-produced straight-eight engine</strong> for the 1921 Duesenberg Model A. While Fred focused on the overhead cam (<abbr title="Single Overhead Camshaft">SOHC</abbr>) design, Augie managed the production and refinement of the unit. This engine was revolutionary, providing a level of smoothness and torque that established the straight-eight as the gold standard for luxury performance in the United States until the 1950s.</p>

What was August Duesenberg’s contribution to the 1931 Cummins Diesel Indy car?

<p>In a historic collaboration, August Duesenberg designed and built the chassis for the <strong>1931 Cummins Diesel</strong> entry in the Indianapolis 500. Powered by Clessie Cummins’ diesel engine, the car finished 13<sup>th</sup> and became the first vehicle in Indy 500 history to complete the entire 500-mile race <strong>without a single pit stop</strong>. Augie’s ability to engineer a chassis that could handle the immense weight and vibrations of an early diesel engine showcased his versatile brilliance.</p>

How did August Duesenberg manage the company after Fred’s death in 1932?

<p>After Fred Duesenberg’s tragic passing in 1932, August assumed greater leadership in the engineering department. He worked under the direction of <strong>E.L. Cord</strong> to keep the brand alive during the Great Depression. Augie was responsible for the final refinements of the supercharged <strong>SSJ</strong> models—ultra-short wheelbase roadsters built for Hollywood stars like Gary Cooper and Clark Gable. His dedication ensured that the company maintained its <strong>"no-compromise" quality</strong> until it finally ceased production in 1937.</p>

What role did August Duesenberg play in World War I aviation?

<p>During <strong>World War I</strong>, August helped manage the Duesenberg Motor Company’s shift to military production in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The brothers were contracted to build <strong>Bugatti-designed U-16 aviation engines</strong>. Augie’s expertise in large-scale engine assembly was critical in managing a workforce of over 1,200 people, proving that Duesenberg’s artisanal engineering could be scaled to meet national defense requirements.</p>

How did August Duesenberg help set land speed records at Daytona Beach?

<p>In 1920, August helped prepare the twin-engine Duesenberg land speed car driven by Tommy Milton at <strong>Daytona Beach</strong>. The vehicle utilized two 8-cylinder engines coupled together, reaching a record-breaking speed of 156 <abbr title="Miles Per Hour">MPH</abbr>. This achievement put the world on notice that American engineering, led by the Duesenbergs, was now capable of outperforming the best of Europe’s established marques.</p>

How is August Duesenberg honored in 2026 automotive culture?

<p>In 2026, August Duesenberg is celebrated as a giant of <strong>American motorsports</strong>. He is an inductee of the <strong>Motorsports Hall of Fame of America</strong> and is remembered for his relentless work ethic—often working 72-hour shifts alongside his mechanics. His legacy is preserved at the <strong>Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum</strong> in Indiana, where he is honored not just as Fred’s brother, but as a master craftsman who made the "World's Finest Motor Car" a reality.</p>