Image credit: © conceptcarz.com (Reproduction Or reuse prohibited).
Considered by many the finest automobile ever built, the metaphor 'it's a Duesie!' remains a part of the American lexicon to this day. Auggie and Fred Duesenberg were bicycle manufacturers from Iowa who developed a reputation for building the finest race cars beginning in the 1920s. Enter the dynamic E.L. Cord who purchased the company in 1926 and instructed the brothers to build the world's most magnificent automobile, cost be damned. And that, they did! Approximately 481 chassis were produced, all with custom coachwork. The close-coupled coachwork of this car features a short body on a long-wheelbase chassis including roll-down windows with a removable center post and narrow windshield posts. Known as 'clear vision,' it was developed by coachbuilder George Gangloff of Switzerland and executed by the Walter Murphy Co., of Pasadena, California.
This 1929 Duesenberg Model J Clear Vision Sedan has coachwork courtesy of Murphy, Inc., of Pasadena California. It was outfitted with a 420 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine capable of producing nearly 270 horsepower. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission while vacuum-assisted four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided ample stopping power.
The Model J was an exquisite car with a price tag that matched. The rolling chassis would set the buyer back nearly $9000 and completed versions approaching $20,000. Though this may not seem like a lot in modern times, in 1928 the average car cost $500. In other words, the rolling chassis alone was about 17 times more expensive than the typical car.
Each Model J was made specifically for its customers. Murphy bodied many of the Model J's including this one. The 'clear vision' term derived its name from its slim windshield pillars. This not only gave the driver better visibility and eliminated blind spots, it gave the car a sporty appeal.
This car was offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auctions in Amelia Island and later brought to the 2009 Gooding & Company in Scottsdale, Arizona. At Gooding, the car was estimated to sell for $900,000 - $1,300,000.
On September 1st of 1929, a Clear Vision Sedan was delivered to law partners Arnold Lackersby and Noyes Avery of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The next owner, as recorded by the 1982 ACD Certification, was Dr. Woods who purchased the car in 1931 from Duesenberg's Michigan Avenue Showroom in Chicago.
The car's next caretaker may have been R.S. Pruitt of Chicago, Duesenberg's vice president. It was traded in 1935 to the Chicago Factory Branch where he took possession of J297. The car then went through four Illinois owners before being sold in 1953 to Dudley Waters of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. Waters sold the Clear Vision to Dr. Sidney N. Buka of Denver, Colorado. It was retained by Mr. Buka until around 1982, at which time it came into the possession of Paul Lapidus, a resident of New York City. It later returned to Indiana where it joined the collection of Joe Folladori. He kept it until June of 1991, at which time the car joined the Imperial Palace Collection in Las Vegas.
While in the Imperial Palace Collection, the car was treated to a restoration. Upon completion, it was featured by Bob McEwan in Olds Car Weekly. In 1999, the car was purchased by Dean Kruse as part of a major deal including numerous other cars. Shortly thereafter, it was purchased by a renowned classic car collector. It was sold in 2006 to its current owner.
In 2009, the car was purchased at the Gooding & Company Auction for the sum of $836,000 including the buyer's premium.
In 2011, the car returned to auction, this time in Scottsdale, Arizona presented by RM Auction. The car was estimated to sell for $600,000 - $800,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $742,500 including the buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2011
The Model J was an exquisite car with a price tag that matched. The rolling chassis would set the buyer back nearly $9000 and completed versions approaching $20,000. Though this may not seem like a lot in modern times, in 1928 the average car cost $500. In other words, the rolling chassis alone was about 17 times more expensive than the typical car.
Each Model J was made specifically for its customers. Murphy bodied many of the Model J's including this one. The 'clear vision' term derived its name from its slim windshield pillars. This not only gave the driver better visibility and eliminated blind spots, it gave the car a sporty appeal.
This car was offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auctions in Amelia Island and later brought to the 2009 Gooding & Company in Scottsdale, Arizona. At Gooding, the car was estimated to sell for $900,000 - $1,300,000.
On September 1st of 1929, a Clear Vision Sedan was delivered to law partners Arnold Lackersby and Noyes Avery of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The next owner, as recorded by the 1982 ACD Certification, was Dr. Woods who purchased the car in 1931 from Duesenberg's Michigan Avenue Showroom in Chicago.
The car's next caretaker may have been R.S. Pruitt of Chicago, Duesenberg's vice president. It was traded in 1935 to the Chicago Factory Branch where he took possession of J297. The car then went through four Illinois owners before being sold in 1953 to Dudley Waters of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. Waters sold the Clear Vision to Dr. Sidney N. Buka of Denver, Colorado. It was retained by Mr. Buka until around 1982, at which time it came into the possession of Paul Lapidus, a resident of New York City. It later returned to Indiana where it joined the collection of Joe Folladori. He kept it until June of 1991, at which time the car joined the Imperial Palace Collection in Las Vegas.
While in the Imperial Palace Collection, the car was treated to a restoration. Upon completion, it was featured by Bob McEwan in Olds Car Weekly. In 1999, the car was purchased by Dean Kruse as part of a major deal including numerous other cars. Shortly thereafter, it was purchased by a renowned classic car collector. It was sold in 2006 to its current owner.
In 2009, the car was purchased at the Gooding & Company Auction for the sum of $836,000 including the buyer's premium.
In 2011, the car returned to auction, this time in Scottsdale, Arizona presented by RM Auction. The car was estimated to sell for $600,000 - $800,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $742,500 including the buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2011
2018 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $750,000-USD $1,000,000
Lot was not sold
2009 The Scottsdale Auction : Gooding & Company
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $900,000-USD $1,300,000
Sale Price :
USD $836,000
2006 RM Auctions at Amelia Island
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $650,000-USD $850,000
Sale Price :
USD $693,000
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Duesenberg Model J Murphy
(Data based on Model Year 1929 sales)
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy Chassis#: 2168 Sold for USD$1,875,000 2024 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 2265 Sold for USD$3,305,000 2022 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Sport Sedan by Murphy Chassis#: 2132 Sold for USD$1,710,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 2165 Sold for USD$2,365,000 2022 Mecum : Glendale | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2245 Sold for USD$2,365,000 2021 Mecum : Monterey | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J 'Butterfly' Dual-Cowl Phaeton by Murphy Chassis#: 2169 Sold for USD$3,305,000 2021 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J 'Disappearing Top' Torpedo by Murphy Chassis#: 2199 Sold for USD$5,725,000 2021 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy Chassis#: 2168 Sold for USD$1,430,000 2017 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline by Murphy Chassis#: J259 Sold for USD$880,000 2017 RM Sothebys : Santa Monica | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J 'Disappearing Top' Convertible Coupe by Murphy Chassis#: 2551 Sold for USD$1,540,000 2016 RM Sotheby's : Motor City | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Torpedo Convertible Coupe by Murphy Chassis#: 2199 Sold for USD$3,000,000 2016 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1929 Duesenberg J Convertible Coupe, Rumbleseat Sold for USD$2,530,000 2015 Morphy Auctions : Premier Automobile Sale | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 2134 Sold for USD$2,365,000 2013 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton in the style of Murphy Chassis#: 2201 Sold for USD$682,000 2013 RM Auctions - St John's | |
1929 DUESENBERG MODEL J CABRIOLET MURPHY Sold for USD$1,319,888 2013 ARTCURIAL MOTORCARS À RÉTROMOBILE | |
1929 DUESENBERG J MURPHY BERLINE CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: 2307 Sold for USD$725,000 2013 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Sport Sedan by Walter M. Murphy Co. Chassis#: 2163 Sold for USD$792,000 2012 RM Auctions - Hershey, PA | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 2134 Sold for USD$1,897,500 2012 RM Auctions - Monterey | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2225 Sold for USD$522,500 2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline by Murphy Inc Chassis#: 2307 Sold for USD$704,000 2011 RM Auctions - Concours d'Elegance at St. Johns |
Duesenberg Model J Murphys That Failed To Sell At Auction
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan | 2194 | 2024 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | $1,800,000 | $2,400,000 | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Clear-Vision Sedan by Murphy | 2209 | 2018 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | $750,000 | $1,000,000 | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan | 2194 | 2014 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach Concours | $1,350,000 | $1,750,000 | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy | 2007 Bonhams, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia | $850,000 | $950,000 | ||
1929 DUESENBERG MURPHY ROADSTER | 2001 Kruse Auction Scottsdale Arizona | $625,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $1,588,022 range.
1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen Chassis#:130945 Sold for $1,600,000 2024 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1910 Stearns 30/60 Five-Passenger Touring Chassis#:2027 Sold for $1,600,000 2024 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
2015 Porsche 918 'Weissach' Spyder Chassis#:WP0CA2A14FS800438 Sold for $1,600,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Las Vegas | |
2008 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Chassis#:VF9SA25C78M795066 Sold for $1,600,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Las Vegas | |
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#:198.040.6500214 Sold for $1,572,500 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1929 Bentley 4½-Litre 'Short-Chassis' Sports Tourer by Vanden Plas Chassis#:NX3463 Sold for $1,600,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
2019 Porsche 935 Chassis#:WP0ZZZ99ZKS199150 Sold for $1,600,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1932 CHRYSLER CG IMPERIAL CUSTOM ROADSTER Chassis#:7803110 Sold for $1,600,000 2023 Gooding & Company : Estate of Mark Smith Auction | |
Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Coupé Sold for $1,603,125 (€ 1603125) 2023 RM Sothebys : Sealed Bid (April 21) | |
1953 Siata 208S Spider Chassis#:BS518 Sold for $1,572,500 2023 Bonhams : Scottsdale Auction | |
1965 Ferrari 275 GTS Chassis#:07767 Sold for $1,586,250 2023 Bonhams : Scottsdale Auction | |
2005 PORSCHE CARRERA GT Chassis#:WP0CA29805L001248 Sold for $1,595,000 2023 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale, Az. | |
1967 Ferrari 330 GTS Sold for $1,595,000 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1985 Audi Sport quattro S1 E2 Group B Works Chassis#:WAUZZZ85ZGA905010 Sold for $1,599,843 2022 RM Sothebys : London | |
1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#:198.042.10.002546 Sold for $1,595,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Gene Ponder Collection | |
1962 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER Chassis#:198.042.10.003105 Sold for $1,572,500 2022 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1967 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 MK III BJ8 Chassis#:H-BJ8-L/40947 Sold for $1,600,000 2022 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1957 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER Chassis#:198.042.7500038 Sold for $1,600,000 2022 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
2012 Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package Chassis#:JTHHX8BHXC1000312 Sold for $1,600,000 2022 Broad Arrow Auctions : Monterey Jet Center Auction | |
2012 Ferrari LaFerrari Prototype MP1 Chassis#:ZFF67NHB000188138 Sold for $1,595,000 2022 Mecum : Monterey |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy
• Additional valuation insight and sales data• History
• Specifications
• Image gallery
• Other Duesenberg Model J Murphy model years