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The Duesenberg Model J is one of the most powerful and luxurious cars in the world. Starting in 1926, brothers Fred and Augie Duesenberg sought to produce automobiles that would rival the top European brands like Hispano-Suiza, Isotta Fraschini, and Rolls Royce.
The Model J, launched in 1928, was based on a straight-eight engine that produced 265 horsepower. It features a dual overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. The top speed was close to 120 miles per hour. This was indeed the most expensive and fastest American automobile on the market.
By 1928, when the Model J was introduced, enclosed coachwork was the predominant body style in America - although today, as with many exclusive marques, original closed cars are very rare indeed.
The Rollston Company was formed in 1921. The bodies were acknowledged as the strongest of the Classic Era, and they built 57 bodies for the Duesenberg Model J. Rudy Creteur was hired as chief stylist in 1927 and was then responsible for most of Rollston's designs.
Once an owner selected the car (the chassis alone cost approximately $8,500), they could choose from a number of different body builders including Derham, Judkins, LeBaron, Murphy, Walker, and others, including Rollston. Carriage making was an art and many companies were transitioning from carriage making to automotive body building.
This car, J-490 is a very rare design that was originally destined to be a convertible, but the customer later decided he preferred the Victoria Coupe. It is the only Duesenberg with this Rollston quarter-window closed Victoria Coupe body style. The car was cosmetically restored more than 50 years ago. It has had a total of 13 owners although the previous owner had it for 52 years. This unique Model J was first presented at Pebble Beach in 1978.
The Model J, launched in 1928, was based on a straight-eight engine that produced 265 horsepower. It features a dual overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. The top speed was close to 120 miles per hour. This was indeed the most expensive and fastest American automobile on the market.
By 1928, when the Model J was introduced, enclosed coachwork was the predominant body style in America - although today, as with many exclusive marques, original closed cars are very rare indeed.
The Rollston Company was formed in 1921. The bodies were acknowledged as the strongest of the Classic Era, and they built 57 bodies for the Duesenberg Model J. Rudy Creteur was hired as chief stylist in 1927 and was then responsible for most of Rollston's designs.
Once an owner selected the car (the chassis alone cost approximately $8,500), they could choose from a number of different body builders including Derham, Judkins, LeBaron, Murphy, Walker, and others, including Rollston. Carriage making was an art and many companies were transitioning from carriage making to automotive body building.
This car, J-490 is a very rare design that was originally destined to be a convertible, but the customer later decided he preferred the Victoria Coupe. It is the only Duesenberg with this Rollston quarter-window closed Victoria Coupe body style. The car was cosmetically restored more than 50 years ago. It has had a total of 13 owners although the previous owner had it for 52 years. This unique Model J was first presented at Pebble Beach in 1978.
2020 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $1,200,000-USD $1,400,000
Sale Price :
USD $1,325,000
1932 Duesenberg Model J Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Duesenberg Model J
(Data based on Model Year 1932 sales)
1932 Duesenberg Model J 'Sweep Panel' Dual-Cowl Phaeton Chassis#: 2841 Sold for USD$1,127,000 2023 Bonhams : Quail | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Tourster Chassis#: J490X Sold for USD$665,000 2021 Worldwide Auctioneers : The 14th Annual Auburn Auction | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Stationary Victoria by Rollston Chassis#: 2505 Sold for USD$1,325,000 2020 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Tourster Sold for USD$522,500 2020 Mecum Auctions : Kissimmee | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Rollston Torpedo Berline Chassis#: 2574 Sold for USD$880,000 2019 Mecum : Phoenix Auction | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Town Car by Kirchhoff Chassis#: 2514 Sold for USD$594,000 2017 RM Sothebys : Hershey | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Phaeton Chassis#: J4632480 Sold for USD$600,000 2016 Mecum : Monterey | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Chassis#: J4632480 Sold for USD$720,000 2015 Mecum : Monterey | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Phaeton Chassis#: 2480 Sold for USD$500,000 2015 Mecum : Houston | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J LWB Custom Speedster Sold for USD$297,000 2012 Worldwide Auctions - The Houston Classic Auction | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton Chassis#: 2206 Sold for USD$1,540,000 2011 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions | |
1932 DUESENBERG MODEL J DUAL-COWL PHAETON Sold for USD$375,000 2011 Auctions America - Spring Auburn | |
1932 DUESENBERG MODEL J FIVE-PASSENGER SEDAN Sold for USD$404,250 2011 Auctions America - Spring Auburn | |
1932 DUESENBERG MODEL J DUAL COWL PHAETON Sold for USD$440,000 2011 Auctions America - Fort Lauderdale | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Berline Chassis#: J546 Sold for USD$726,000 2010 RM Auctions - Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Tourster Chassis#: J356 Sold for USD$550,000 2010 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Arizona | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton Chassis#: 2276 Sold for USD$500,500 2004 Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall | |
1932 DUESENBERG J LEBARON DUAL COWL PHAETON Chassis#: 2206 Sold for USD$830,000 2001 Kruse Auction - Auburn, IN |
Duesenberg Model Js That Failed To Sell At Auction
1932 Duesenberg Model J's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1932 Duesenberg Model J Victoria Coupe by Judkins | 2375 | 2019 RM Sothebys : Monterey | $1,400,000 | $1,800,000 | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Tourster | 2571 | 2015 Bonhams : Greenwich Concours | $625,000 | $875,000 | |
1932 DUESENBERG SUPERCHARGED MODEL J BOATTAIL SPEEDSTER | 2011 Auctions America Auburn Fall Auction | $450,000 | $600,000 | $750,000 | |
1932 Duesenberg Model J Custom Speedster | 2522 | 2011 Bonhams Quail Lodge Sale | $400,000 | $600,000 |
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Similar sales to the $699,792 range.
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1932 Duesenberg Model J
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