1934 Duesenberg Model J LWB Berline

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