Built In the image of the 1929 Duesenberg II Roadster came the Duesenberg Estate Car. It was a glorified golf cart that was no doubt built for those who already had everything else. It was electric-powered and loaded with creature comforts, including a cooler under the hood for your favorite beverage (adult or otherwise). Located in Carlsbad, California, this rare recreational vehicle is available here on craigslist for $15,000. Hats off to Pat L. for another wild tip!
At first glance, this vehicle looks like some sort of a kit car, but, apparently, it’s not. We’re told it’s one of 12 built by Duesenberg Motors, aka Precision Classics. Out of Elroy, Wisconsin, there’s no online indication that this company is still around. The seller says one of these carts was even built for the King of Morocco, although there’s no indication if this is that one. They’re also referred to as the Duesenberg II and look like a mini-me version of the full-scale Depression-era classic.
Powered by 36 volts that produced 3.2 hp, this nifty runabout comes with its own charger and original build sheets, and other documentation. To pamper its two occupants, the Estate Car came with an AM/FM radio, leather upholstery, and loads of chrome and wood trim. The list price when new was almost what the seller is asking now, $14,800 (nearly $27,000 in 2023 dollars). To get it painted in the color of your choice, you had to come up with another $300.
With only a dozen produced, it’s not likely that you’ll ever see another one of these, on the golf course or cruising around slowly in your gated community. This cart comes with an odometer that reads 1,295 miles, but it’s broken so the mileage is likely higher than that. There’s a nice cubby in the back for your golf clubs which might be needed to help identify this as a golf cart rather than an expensive toy.
A bit late for April Fools’ Day, no?
They made 12???????
Even now, 15k scans as real-car money to me. A new Nissan Versa (manual, so spared the JATCO CVT) costs about a grand more. Rare or not, this is top dollar for a 25-year-old golf cart.
I love this vehicle, great visual as a golf cart. I have a friend who has a golf car that looks like a 57 Chevy Bel Air and everyone loves it as well. This vehicle is “classy”….
I live in a 55+ gated community. I know I’d be the only one with one and probably the envy of golf cart owners. But, alas, I don’t have 15K to spend on a golf cart, no matter how rare.
Same here, Steve. Our gated community has 9 golf courses, and the variation of golf carts still amazes me. The 57 Chev is my favorite, but others are a 55 Chev, a Jeep, about 4 based on 1920s styled cars, a couple 1935 Mercedes, and some others I’ve heard about, but haven’t seen, and I’ve lived here for 8 years now. One guy drove to California to buy a specially ordered vehicle, a 60s Vette, and he hauls it behind his car when he plays golf. I have no idea what he paid, but just the trip out to California and back here took some bucks.
Most of the golf carts here are just plain golf carts; there is one that looks like a Model T. In spite of no golf course here there are plenty of carts. They get decorated for holiday parades.
It cost more than that now! It’s a “classic” that still runs great! Afraid I have to exchange the six batteries soon. Plus, needs some TLC. But everyone that has seen it wants to buy it off of me.
For that kind of $$$$ I want a real car not this thing.
“Estate Car” suggests the builder wanted to be buried in it.
These things might even make the game of golf interesting for me.
(despite the jealous “duffers” that might try to smack it with a golf ball… like they do at the driving range with the guy in ball collection tractor)
Hitting it usually got more “High 5’s” than a hole in one!!!
I now own this car in Bandera, TX. Paper work to prove it. Where can I find parts for it?