1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy

Model History

Auction sales research

Specifications

Body styles and Chassis Data

Exterior Photos

Convertible Sedan Coachwork: Murphy Chassis Num: 2225 Engine Num: J-355   The Duesenberg Model J was unveiled to the world at the 1928 New York Auto Salon. The engine was a twin-cam straight eight with a very large crankshaft, with sealed cartridges continuing mercury to eliminate vibrations. There was a 'timing box' located on the side of the engine that contained trains of precision gearing. These would automatically operate lights on the instrument panel to warn the driver when an oil change was necessary, and when to service the battery. After every 75 miles the timing box opened a spring loaded valve which forced oil onto all chassis lubrication points. During operation, lights would illuminate on the drivers instrumentation panel informing the driver the lubrication was in process. The Lycoming built engine displaced 6876cc, had 32-vlaves and produced 265 horsepower in naturally aspirated form. The car was able to achieve 90 mph in second gear, with top speed being achieved at about 110 mph in high gear. 15-inch hydraulically-operated drum brakes on all four corners kept the car in the driver's control. Every Duesenberg Model J constructed was thoroughly tested for 500 miles on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before being sent to the coachbuilder. In June of 1929, they opened an in-house body-design department to create new body styles for individual clients and work as a liaise between the coachbuilders and the factory. Gordon Buehrig headed this department from 1929 through 1933. Buehrig skill would later be used on the Cord 810/812. This Murphy Convertible Sedan is chassis number 2225 and rests on a short (142.5-inch) wheelbase. The original engine was J-204 which was later replaced by engine J-355. Engine J-204 was later installed in chassis #2374, the ex-Wanger chassis. Chassis 2374 made an appearance in the James Dean movie Giant. Murphy bodied more Model J Duesenbergs than any other coachbuilder. Their craft was applied to around 140 examples. The staff of the Murphy Company included such greats as Franklin Q. Hershey and Philip Ogden Wright. This car was a long-term static display in a European automobile museum. Its recent years have been spent in Southern California. It features external exhaust pipes which were optional at the time, and twin side mounts. It is painted in black with a tan top. In 2007 the car was brought to the Bonhams Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club auction. The car was estimated to sell for $850,000 - $950,000. As the gavel fell for the final time, the lot was unsold. By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010

Auction Sales Information
Auction	Bonhams, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia
Estimated Value:	$850,000-$950,000
Lot was not sold

Event	Group
Bonhams, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia	1886-1930