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Brothers Fred and August Duesenberg were born in Germany and settled in Des Moines, Iowa. They were self-taught engineers and began producing cars in 1913. Eddie Rickenbacker placed 10th in the 1914 Indianapolis 500 behind the wheel of a Duesenberg. In 1921, Jimmy Murphy was the first American to win the French Grand Prix, also driving a Duesenberg. The company moved to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1919 and eventually settled in Auburn, Indiana after being purchased by E.L. Cord. The Model J was the result of over two years of work by Fred. The company had expected to sell 500 per year but, due to the Great Depression, only 481 were sold by the time the company closed in 1937.
The Duesenberg Model J's debut at the New York Auto Show in 1928 was front-page news. The combination of the Duesenberg reputation and the Model J's grand concept made it the star of the show. Even during the Great Depression, Duesenberg's power and luxury were a metaphor for prosperity and success. Known for their formal limousines, Derham built relatively few open cars, and this Tourster design is considered to be the firm's masterpiece.
This Model J - chassis number 2646 with engine J-448 - is one of the few retaining the original body, chassis, engine, and other major components. The 420 cubic-inch 'Straight Eight' engine delivered 265 horsepower in naturally aspirated form with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. When new, this was the only Model J equipped with vertical hood louvers. The SC-specification external exhaust pipes provided period flair and performance is enhanced by an exhaust system dump at the flip of a lever on the floor. The exhaust-dump system was a rare option; it bypasses the exhaust system and redirects the airflow through a three-inch open pipe.
The Tourster features a wind-up rear windshield that could be cranked from inside the front seat back. The deletion of the rear side vents and the rear cowl made it easier for passengers to enter and exit.
This car was one of eight Derham Toursters designed by Gordon Buehrig.
The current owners of this example have driven J448 on several thousand miles of cross-country touring events. It has a continuously documented history. This Tourster received a ***** and bolt restoration resulting in a Best of Show award at the Concours d'Elegance of America in 2013, best in class honors at Amelia Island and Pebble Beach Concours in 2012, where it was nominated for best of show.
The Duesenberg Model J's debut at the New York Auto Show in 1928 was front-page news. The combination of the Duesenberg reputation and the Model J's grand concept made it the star of the show. Even during the Great Depression, Duesenberg's power and luxury were a metaphor for prosperity and success. Known for their formal limousines, Derham built relatively few open cars, and this Tourster design is considered to be the firm's masterpiece.
This Model J - chassis number 2646 with engine J-448 - is one of the few retaining the original body, chassis, engine, and other major components. The 420 cubic-inch 'Straight Eight' engine delivered 265 horsepower in naturally aspirated form with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. When new, this was the only Model J equipped with vertical hood louvers. The SC-specification external exhaust pipes provided period flair and performance is enhanced by an exhaust system dump at the flip of a lever on the floor. The exhaust-dump system was a rare option; it bypasses the exhaust system and redirects the airflow through a three-inch open pipe.
The Tourster features a wind-up rear windshield that could be cranked from inside the front seat back. The deletion of the rear side vents and the rear cowl made it easier for passengers to enter and exit.
This car was one of eight Derham Toursters designed by Gordon Buehrig.
The current owners of this example have driven J448 on several thousand miles of cross-country touring events. It has a continuously documented history. This Tourster received a ***** and bolt restoration resulting in a Best of Show award at the Concours d'Elegance of America in 2013, best in class honors at Amelia Island and Pebble Beach Concours in 2012, where it was nominated for best of show.
2022 RM Sothebys : Arizona
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $2,750,000-USD $3,250,000
Sale Price :
USD $3,415,000
1931 Duesenberg Model J Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Duesenberg Model J
(Data based on Model Year 1931 sales)
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham Chassis#: 2440 Sold for USD$1,710,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan by LeBaron Sold for USD$1,050,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Arlington Sedan Chassis#: 2187 Sold for USD$857,500 2022 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham Chassis#: 2464 Sold for USD$3,415,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Roadster 'Green Hornet' Chassis#: 2410 Sold for USD$1,650,000 2021 RM Sothebys : Hershey | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Limousine by Willoughby Chassis#: 2438 Sold for USD$451,000 2019 RM Sothebys : Hershey | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Custom Berline Chassis#: 2371 Sold for USD$506,000 2019 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale, Arizona | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J SWB Sport Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2486 Sold for USD$1,320,000 2018 Worldwide Auctioneers : Pacific Grove Auction | |
1931 Duesenberg II Dual Cowl Phaeton Sold for USD$134,750 2016 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham Chassis#: 2468 Sold for USD$1,320,000 2016 RM Sotheby's : Monterey | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Phaeton in the Style of Tourster Sold for USD$265,000 2015 Auctions America - Auburn Fall | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham Chassis#: 2456 Sold for USD$825,000 2013 RM Auctions - Amelia Island | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2350 Sold for USD$462,000 2013 Gooding and Company - The Amelia Island Auction | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham Chassis#: 2440 Sold for USD$1,320,000 2013 RM Auctions - Arizona | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Dual Windshield ‘Barrelside' Phaeton by LeBaron Chassis#: 2318 Sold for USD$1,292,500 2012 RM Auctions - Hershey, PA | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Long-Wheelbase Limousine Chassis#: 2438 Sold for USD$330,000 2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2363 Sold for USD$693,000 2010 RM Auctions - Sports & Classics of Monterey | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster Chassis#: J444 Sold for USD$1,485,000 2007 RM Auctions - The McMullen Collection | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster Sold for USD$378,000 2007 The Florida Collector Car Auction | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Special Phaeton Chassis#: 2189 Sold for USD$2,640,000 2006 The Otis Chandler Collection Auction |
Duesenberg Model Js That Failed To Sell At Auction
1931 Duesenberg Model J's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan Coachwork by Carrosserie Franay | 2465 | 2024 Bonhams : The Scottsdale Auction | |||
1931 Duesenberg Model J | 2009 Automobiles of Arizona | $600,000 | $900,000 | $1,200,000 | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J | 2009 The Scottsdale Auction : Gooding & Company | ||||
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster | J206 | 2006 RM Auctions at Meadow Brook | $430,000 | $350,000 | $500,000 |
1931 Duesenberg J104 Convertible Victoria | 2004 The Florida Collector Car Auction | $425,000 | |||
1931 Duesenberg Model J Conv. Victoria | 2003 Vintage Motor Cars at Amelia Island | $450,000 | |||
1931 Duesenberg Model J Sedan | 2003 Vintage Motor Cars at Amelia Island | $280,000 | |||
1931 DUESENBERG TORPEDO PHAETON | 2319 | 2001 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN | $410,000 |
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2021 Ford GT Chassis#:2FAGP9DW4MH200013 Sold for $1,050,000 2023 Broad Arrow Group : Amelia Island | |
2020 Ford GT Carbon Series Chassis#:2FAGP9DW8LH100186 Sold for $1,050,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan by LeBaron Sold for $1,050,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Sold for $1,045,000 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
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1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#:198.042.8500137 Sold for $1,035,821 2022 RM Sothebys : Paris | |
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#:198.042.10.002899 Sold for $1,043,753 2021 RM Sothebys : St. Moritz, Switzerland |
1931 Duesenberg Model J
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