A short history: Denny was born and raised in Indiana and lived a long life, passing away at 91 years of age in 2005. He grew up and helped his Dad Fred (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Duesenberg) race cars at Indy (http://forums.autosport.com/index.php?showtopic=78645&mode=threaded&pid=2006402). I did not find any other connection to the actual Duesenberg Company, even though his Dad was President and Chief Engineer. While in his early 20s, the Duesenberg Company was sold, but Denny continued in the business as a Design Engineer for Ford! His father had already passed away several years before that.

All his and his wife's belongings went to auction in Indianapolis, IN USA in 2006. In a way it's sad, but at the same time, it was very rewarding to hear that he donated (http://www.mcpherson.edu/news/index.asp?action=fullnews&id=1148). all his tools and shop equipment to McPherson College.

At this auction, I picked up a few of his books and these Duesies:
Warning - only the first and maybe the second ones are 1/43 scale.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm12/kschnelle/other_diecast/MOYDuesie.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm12/kschnelle/other_diecast/LuckyDuesie.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm12/kschnelle/other_diecast/FM1930DuesieDurhamTourster.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm12/kschnelle/other_diecast/FM1933Duesie.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm12/kschnelle/other_diecast/PTCruiser.jpg

All were owned by Denny and he even drove a 1:1 scale PT Cruiser in purple, so this one IS also an official Duesie!

Your a lucky guy to have items of a direct connection to Duesenberg!
Thanks for showing us. :thumbsup:

Always a fan of the Matchbox Yesteryears. (red one)
The blue & black one appears to have French or Italian coachwork. Probably a one of one.
It makes me wonder if he remembers the origonal car.

The blue & black one appears to have French or Italian coachwork.
Supposedly that one was built for Greta Garbo although she is reported to have said she never owned it! 1933 Model J with coachwork by Fernandez & Darrin:
http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/f/fernandez_darrin/oo1933-Dues-ex-Garbo.jpg
[source: coachbuilt.com (http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/f/fernandez_darrin/fernandez_darrin.htm)]

Great site, I've seen that before :thumbsup:
I wonder if this Matchbox Models of Yesteryear '38 Hispano Suiza is from Ol' Dutch Darrin and his partner Fernandez?
Sure looks like it, donnit??? The site states Hispanos were a car of choice for the firm amoung others like Delahaye. Many Delahayes I've seen look like the car you posted which is why I thought your Duesie's 1:1 counterpart was French.
http://images.bidorbuy.co.za/user_images/526/302526_090310135707_Hispano_alone.jpg

What a great collection of cars from a wonderful source. I recommend you store the auction paperwork showing they came from his estate with the cars.

I agree, neat cars and back story. Thanks for sharing!