In 1920, the Duesenberg Automobile and Motors Corporation was incorporated and launched its first car. The prototype had four-wheel brakes, which was a first, and the car was powered by a 260-cid eight-cylinder overhead valve engine, which produced a straight-eight. Duesenberg decided he would upgrade the engine to single overhead camshaft for the production model. The prototype used the Duesenberg patented horizontal valve and rocker arm set-up. However, this change delayed the flow of cars into the dealers until late 1921.
The new “Model A’ came in a variety of factory bodies including a Tourer, Roadster, Sedan and Town Car. These models were all based on a 134-inch wheelbase chassis. The two-door Roadster was probably the nicest, with a host of chrome-plated details set of by the dark coachwork, white wall tires on spoked wire wheels and a white hood also added to the glamor. The rear deck was in an early boat style, and the car was an example of the classic styling of the 20’s.