1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan

Fred and August Duesenberg designed a twin-cylinder car in 1906 in Des Moines, Iowa. The two brothers named the creation, the Mason, after its backer, a local attorney. The car proved to be rather fast and reliable, winning many races and hillclimbs. After a disastrous change of ownership in 1913, the Duesenbergs left to form their own company in St. Paul, Minnesota.

In 1916, the Duesenberg Motors Corporation moved into a new factory in Elizabeth, New Jersey. They had built a solid reputation for creating highly successful board track racers which had enabled them to begin series production. Plans changed, and instead of entering production, they built aero engines in support of the war effort.

Production of the Duesenberg automobiles resumed in 1922. By this time, the brothers had given the company a new name, the Duesenberg Automobile and Motors Corporation, of Indianapolis. The Model A had been shown in prototype form in 1920 and was powered by a horizontal-valve, straight-eight engine, and hydraulic brakes. When it emerged a few years later in production guise, it had an overhead-camshaft engine.

The Model A did well in racing, but in the market place, it fared less well. By 1927, less than 700 examples had been constructed.

In 1926, Errett Lobban Cord purchased the Duesenberg Company. A short time later, the most powerful American car made appeared, the Duesenberg Model J. It was powered by a twin-overhead-camshaft, 32-valve, straight-eight engine capable of producing 265 horsepower. The elegant bodies sat atop of a wheelbase that came in two sizes, 142.5- or 153.5-inches. In 1932, the supercharged SJ was introduced, which increased horsepower to 320. A short time later, it was increased farther with the 'ram's horn' manifolding.

This 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan started life as a Sedan/Limousine with coachwork by Willoughby and Criteser & Company. It carries chassis number 2253 and engine number J245. Its first owner was a Chicago, Illinois resident who kept the car until 1958, when it was sold to Charles D. Turek, also of Illinois. By this point in history, the car had been converted to an open coachwork configuration. The car was purchased in the mid-1980s by Don Criteser of Oregon. Under his care, the car was treated to a complete restoration. This task was completed in 1987. Most of the body is the original Willoughby coachwork, albeit from the waistline upwards.

This car is a Pebble Beach invitee, and an award winner at numerous concours events. It was awarded the 'Sweepstake' award at Forest Grove, 'Best Duesenberg' at Palo Alto in 2005, and 'Best in Class' and 'Judges Pick' at Hillsboro in 2006.

This car was offered for sale at the 2006 Bonhams & Butterfields auction held at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, California where it was estimated to sell between $500,000 - $600,000. The lot was sold for $502,000, just barely satisfying the estimated value and meeting the reserve. The Model J cars are among the most sought-after in the collector car market, and this brilliant Willoughby example will most certainly be an excellent addition to any collection and a welcomed contender for high honors at any major concours. The restoration still appears to be very fresh and is said to be in excellent running condition.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2011