The Duesenberg Models series (3.7 linear ft.) consists of five subseries: Topical Files, Photographs, Coachbuilders, Technical Research and Automobile Histories . The Topical Files subseries is arranged numerically by engine number and contains information relating to each car and its ownership. Topical Files, which, for the most part, were likely compiled by a friend of Newport and not Newport himself, include postcards, photographs (both contemporary and more recent images), correspondence, clippings and various documents tracing the history of ownership and body and parts “scrambles.” These files range from prototypes J-099 and J-100 through J-588, with gaps throughout. Duesenberg authorities agree that more than 500 different cars were built by the company, though probably closer to 470 distinct and individual chassis were made. These went through various “scrambles” in which cars were rebuilt or rebodied or had their engines replaced. Notes made on the folders themselves indicate if the car was rebodied (R), if the chassis was sold or replaced, or if the engine was swapped for another (ES).
Arrangement of the Photographs subseries matches that of the Topical Files subseries. These are nearly all small snapshots, many in color, though it is not always clear exactly which photographs are of which model. Included with the snapshots are index cards with additional information on names and addresses of owners. The Coachbuilders subseries is arranged alphabetically by company name. These files consist mainly of photographs of Duesenberg automobiles bodied by American and foreign companies with little textual information aside from captions written on the reverse of a select few. Technical Research files contain information on various automobile systems as well as a sheet explaining how to locate identification numbers on mechanical and body parts. Automobile Histories provides further information on ownership and location of specific cars and mechanical and body “scrambles.”
