1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Sedan

The Duesenberg Motor Company, founded by brothers Fred and August, produced racing cars and luxury automobiles from 1913 until 1937. Eddie Rickenbacker's 'Duesy', finished 10th in the 1914 Indianapolis 500 and Duesenberg won the Indy 500 in 1924, 1925, and 1927. In 1921, Duesenberg's Jimmy Murphy was the first American winner of the Grand Prix at LeMans.

It is powered by a 420 cubic-inch, straight-eight engine, with two overhead cams and hefty chains to operate the 4-valves per cylinder. It develops more than 240 horsepower and is capable of 89 mph in 2nd gear and over 112-116 mph in high gear.

This 1930 Duesenberg wears a Convertible Sedan body by the Walter M. Murphy Company of Pasadena, which created many of Duesenberg's most sought-after body designs. The Convertible Sedan was both highly popular and practical; it was ideally suited for almost any purpose. The convertible top made the car comfortable in the summer while the four-door layout made it easy to accommodate two couples or a family - and the genius of Murphy's convertible sedan design was that it looked light and elegant.

James B. Coburn traded in a Stutz Phaeton and a Lincoln Sedan and still paid $9,905 to become this car's original owner on March 31, 1930. After taking his new bride on their honeymoon, he retained ownership of this vehicle from 1930 through 2004. The current owner had the car restored in August 2012.