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1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Sports Boattail Torpedo

Introduced in 1932 was the supercharged Model J with 320 horsepower (often referred to as 'SJ'), which had a top speed of 135-140 mph. Special-bodied models, such as the later 'Mormon Meteor' chassis, achieved an average speed of over 135 mph, and a one-hour average of over 152 mph.

These supercharged cars can be recognized by the shiny creased exhaust tubes, which Cord registered as a trademark and used in his other supercharged cars from Cord and Auburn. It was said, 'The only car that could pass a Duesenberg was another Duesenberg, and that was with the first owner's consent.'

Quickly, the Duesenberg became one of the most popular in America, driven by the rich and famous, among them Clark Gable, Gary Cooper (each driving one of the two very rare SSJ 125-inch short-wheelbase convertibles), and the Duke of Windsor.

Duesenberg advertising claimed it was the best car in the world, and their world-beating performance and extreme opulence tended to back that up.

'He drives a Duesenberg' and 'She drives a Duesenberg' is all that need be said in the advertising campaigns for one of the most prestigious automobiles ever produced in the United States. This Indianapolis, Indiana manufactured automobile was the favorite of the rich-and-famous and driven by many a Prince, Princess, and celebrities such as Clark Gable and Garry Cooper. The 8-cylinder engine produced 265 horsepower ranking it the fastest automobile of its day. Prices of the Duesenberg commonly reached the $20,000 mark when America was in the midst of the depression. This Duesenberg sports Boattail Coachwork designed by Franklin Hershey and built by Murphy of Pasadena, CA.

This Duesenberg, now showing 260,000 on its odometer, was previously owned by Cliff Durant (son of GM founder William Durant), financier J. Paul Getty and author John O'Hara.
Duesenberg J-476 was one of five short-wheelbase Torpedo Convertible Coupe bodies built by Murphy. Notable in its design is the Murphy hallmark disappearing convertible top and the bare aluminum top of the body. This Duesenberg Model J engine is a modified Lycoming straight eight, featuring dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. With a displacement of 420 cubic inches, it produces 265 horsepower. The Model J chassis alone cost $8,500.

This vehicle was purchased new by Cliff Durant, son of General Motors founder William Durant. Durant owned the vehicle for a few months and then traded it to J. Paul Getty for a Duesenberg Model A and some cash. Getty owned the vehicle until 1940. It was the first Duesenberg donated to the Museum.

No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.

1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Duesenberg Model J Murphy

(Data based on Model Year 1932 sales)
1932 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy
Sold for USD$825,000
  2010 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Amelia Island
1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  
1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy
Chassis#: 2330
Sold for USD$407,000
  2006 RM Auctions at Amelia Island
1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  
1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Conv.Coupe
Sold for USD$748,000
  2004 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona
 
1932 Duesenberg Durham Tourister
Sold for USD$429,300
  2003 Houston Classic
 

Duesenberg Model J Murphys That Failed To Sell At Auction

1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1932 DUESENBERG PHAETON CONVERTIBLE SEDAN 2001 Kruse Auction Tulsa, OK$350,000  
1932 DUESENBERG 4 DOOR PHAETON CONVERTIBLE SEDAN 2001 Kruse Auction Tulsa, OK$350,000  

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1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy

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1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Vehicle Profiles

1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy vehicle information
Beverly Berline
Coachwork: Murphy
Chassis #: 2533
Engine #: J-274 / J-498X
1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy vehicle information
Sports Boattail Torpedo
Coachwork: Murphy
Designer: Franklin Hershey
Engine #: J-476
1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy vehicle information
Dual Cowl Phaeton
Coachwork: Murphy
Chassis #: 2330
Engine #: J315
1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy vehicle information
Convertible Coupe
Coachwork: Murphy
1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy vehicle information
Convertible Coupe
Coachwork: Murphy
Chassis #: 2364
Engine #: J340
1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy vehicle information
Convertible Sedan
Coachwork: Murphy
1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy vehicle information
Convertible Sedan
Coachwork: Murphy
1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy vehicle information
Convertible Victoria
Coachwork: Murphy
Engine #: J-154

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