1932 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Sedan

The Walter M. Murphy Company of Pasadena, California, built more than 140 bodies for the Model J Duesenberg. They produced more bodies for the Model J than any other body builder. A Murphy-designed body was part of the first Duesenberg offering at the Auto Salon held in New York in December 1928. Murphy's most popular body style was the Convertible Coupe, of which sixty examples were produced with fifty-two of them mounted on the 142.5-inch platform. The most famous variation of the Murphy Convertible Coupe body was the 'disappearing top.'

Another very popular body style was the Convertible Sedan. This finished example was purchased new for $14,750.

1932 was a great year for Duesenberg, as they announced a supercharger in May. With the supercharger fitted, horsepower rose to 320 and upped the top speed by an additional ten miles per hour. On July 26, 1932, the automotive world was saddened by the death of engineering giant Fred Duesenberg at the age of 55. He passed away due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2010