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1934 Duesenberg Model J LWB Berline

  • Coachwork by Murphy
  • Chassis Number: 2457
  • Engine Number: J-450
Rumors exist that the original owner of this Duesenberg J-450 was George Whittell Jr. However, there is no conclusive evidence regarding its earliest owner. As is best understood, the car was originally delivered to a woman living in California who returned it to Pasadena where it was subsequently restyled by Bohman & Schwartz. The original coachwork was a limousine body built by the Walter M. Murphy Company.

The exterior was originally dark blue with polished aluminum and chrome. Bohman & Schwartz updated the styling with bullet headlights, mildly skirted fenders, and trim reminiscent of the JN series. The Berline has a highly polished beltline, 1934 Cadillac taillights, body-colored wheel discs, and whitewall tires.

Bohman & Schwartz finished the work in 1934 and delivered it to its first known owner, Jonas Bloom. In 1941, the car was sold to Atherton, California resident J.D. O'Keefe. Later in the decade, it was sold to W.C. Ray of Reno, Nevada.

William Harrah purchased the vehicle in 1948, prior to the establishment of Harrah's Automobile Collection. It remained in his care until 1954, when it was sold to William Craig of Reno, NV. After seven years with Mr. Craig, it was sold to Mr. Emery near Seattle, Washington. By 1963, the car was with E. Rambauer who sold it to J. Cunningham two years later. In 1966, John Dennis acquired the car, and it has remained with him ever since. During the past 45 years, the car has been treated to a sympathetic restoration, preserving the original upholstery and maintaining a high degree of authenticity.

In 1983, the car was given a high-speed rear end for improved highway performance. In 1989, it was given an external exhaust system.

Between 1988 and 1989, the car was loaned to the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum.

The engine is this vehicle is J-450. It is thought that the engine could actually be J-213 and has been re-numbered to J-450.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA. It was estimated to sell for $550,000-$650,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $495,000 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011

2011 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $550,000-USD $650,000 
Sale Price :
USD $495,000

1934 Duesenberg Model J Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Duesenberg Model J

(Data based on Model Year 1934 sales)
34 Duesenberg Model J Town Car
Chassis#: 2531
Sold for USD$1,012,000
  2020 Gooding & Company : Geared Online
1934 Duesenberg Model J image  1934 Duesenberg Model J image  
1934 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton
Chassis#: 2579
Sold for USD$478,000
  2019 Bonhams : Quail Lodge Auction
1934 Duesenberg Model J image  1934 Duesenberg Model J image  
1934 Duesenberg Model J Prince of Wales Berline
Chassis#: 2575
Sold for USD$450,500
  2019 Bonhams : Tupelo Auction
 
1934 DUESENBERG J MURPHY LWB CUSTOM BEVERLY SEDAN
Chassis#: 2489
Sold for USD$1,430,000
  2013 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
 
1934 Duesenberg Model J Long-Wheelbase Berline
Chassis#: 2457
Sold for USD$495,000
  2011 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions
1934 Duesenberg Model J image  1934 Duesenberg Model J image  
1934 Duesenberg Model J Riviera Phaeton by Brunn
Chassis#: 2550
Sold for USD$990,000
  2011 RM Auctions at Monterey
1934 Duesenberg Model J image  1934 Duesenberg Model J image  
1934 Duesenberg Model J Boattail Speedster by Bob Gassoway
Chassis#: 2159
Sold for USD$506,000
  2011 RM Auctions - Concours d'Elegance at St. Johns
1934 Duesenberg Model J image  1934 Duesenberg Model J image  
1934 Duesenberg Model JN Convertible Sedan
Sold for USD$962,500
  2010 Auctions America : Auburn Collector Car Auction
 
1934 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Convertible Coupe
Sold for USD$1,815,000
  2010 Gooding and Company - Scottsdale Auction
1934 Duesenberg Model J image  1934 Duesenberg Model J image  
1934 Duesenberg J Supercharged Dual Cowl Phaeton
Sold for USD$407,000
  2007 Worldwide Auctions - Sterling McCall 2007
 
1934 Duesenberg Model J
Sold for USD$1,210,000
  2006 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction
1934 Duesenberg Model J image  1934 Duesenberg Model J image  
1934 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe
Chassis#: J534
Sold for USD$2,750,000
  2005 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona
1934 Duesenberg Model J image  1934 Duesenberg Model J image  

Duesenberg Model Js That Failed To Sell At Auction

1934 Duesenberg Model J's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1934 Duesenberg Model J Town Car by Murphy25312016 RM Sothebys : Arizona$1,025,000$1,200,000$1,400,000
1934 DUESENBERG J482 MURPHY CONVERTIBLE SEDAN 2001 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN$490,000  

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1934 Duesenberg Model J

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