Topic: Solved ropat#66 1930 Duesenberg J263 rebodied by Figoni

[ropat53]

What car is this, make, model, year and cochbuilder for one point?

[ropat53]

Up

[Bill Murray]

Hi Robbie:

I have been staring at this photo off and on for days.

You blocked out most of the background and most of the badges on the front of the vehicle but you left the one mounted on the headlamp support more or less unmolested.

I worked for Swedish auto companies for over 20 years and lived in Sweden for 2 years and I thought I recognized the above mentioned badge as that of the "Kungliga Automobil Klubben".  I post a picture of the badge below.

This led to my going to my basement/cellar and digging out some Swedish automotive history books I had not looked at for 20 years and I think I have the answer.  I should also mention that the distinctive design of the ventilation louvers in the grille threw me off the search in the beginning because it is very typically German.

In any case, I believe this is a 1930 Duesenberg J model owned by Generalkonsul Erik Åkerlund. 

I think it may have originally had a body by Figoni & Falaschi and was later re-bodied by Nordbergs Kaross in Sweden but that may not be totally correct.

Edit:  I believe after a bit more looking that your photo is with body by Figoni & Falaschi.

I have not Googled Herr Åkerlund, but he must have been filthy rich as he apparently owned dozens of the best luxury vehicles from all over the world in his prime.

In any case, here is the badge I mentioned that started me on my journey.

Bill

[ropat53]

Yes you are right it is a 1930 Duesenberg J263 that originally went to Sweden with a Willoughby body that was damaged and replaced by the Figoni (alone still not Falaschi) body.
One well earned point for Bill Murray's detective work

[Bill Murray]

Hi robbie and thanks!!

I Googled the owner and he was a real entrepreneur.  He founded the premier Stockholm newspapers and several other publications in Sweden in the 1920's and later seemed to have become involved in real estate as well.

The title "Generalkonsul" seems to have been an honorary one which was not unusual in Sweden at the time and continues in one form or another even today.  He was the Generalkonsul for Austria and I have no idea what duties that involved.

I did some more looking and finally discovered the Willoughby connection but strangely enough, all hits I got in my books and
Google said Figoni & Falaschi.  Go figure!!!

Bill