1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy LWB Convertible Sedan

Errett Lobban Cord acquired the Duesenberg Company in 1926 and quickly establish it as the finest automobile manufacturer in the world. The result of this endeavor was the Model J. This particular Convertible Sedan is a Full CCCA Classic and was originally delivered to Ernest P. Behrend, president of Hammermill Paper Company in Erie, Pennsylvania, on October 18, 1929. The second owner was Sears, Roebuck and Co. Executive William Rosenwald in 1931.

This Model J is one of nine long-wheelbase Convertible Sedan examples resting on the 153.5-inch wheelbase and the only known surviving example. The chassis is constructed of 8.5-inch deep channels of 7/32-inch steel and supported by parallel semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear, with a solid beam front axle and heavy-duty semi-floating hypoid rear axle. Adjustable vacuum-assisted hydraulic drum brakes on all four corners provide the stopping power. The wheels are 19-inch Buffalo type with 6-inch cast chrome-plated brass center caps, chrome-plated rims and hubs, and stainless spokes. The 420 cubic-inch straight-8 engine with downdraft Stromberg carburetor produces 265 horsepower at 4,200 RPM which made it the most powerful of all automobile engines of the time. It is backed by a three-speed manual transmission and a torque-tube drive shaft. The body and fenders are finished in dark green and complimented with fine horizontal pinstriping. Dual spare tires are carried in the fender wells and are hidden with painted metal and chrome-plated covers with chrome-plated accessory side mirrors. Distinctive chrome-plated Duesenberg bumpers protect the front and rear. There is a chrome-plated Model J Duesenberg radiator shell framed by large chrome-plated headlights and dual horns, and the radiator is topped with the iconic bright Duesenberg mascot. Four plated flexible exhaust pipes exit the hood on the right side despite it not being an SJ (supercharged). The interior is trimmed in Saddle leather with brown wool carpeting.

This Duesenberg is a two-time winner of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, in 1993 and 2006. It is a CCCA Grand Classic 100 Point Winner, and a Best in Class Winner at the 1993 ACD Fall Meet, along with the Mayor's Trophy and Fred & Augie Duesenberg Trophy. It was First in Class and Best of Show at the Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance in 1996, and Best of Show & Artisans Award at the Port Gardner Bay Classic Concours d'Elegance in 1994.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021