1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan

This Duesenberg Model J was originally fitted with an Arlington sedan body by Derham and used as a factory demonstrator. After Several owners, the car was sold in 1944 to Mr. Marion Roberts of Grand Island, New York, where it joined another Duesenberg, (J127 on chassis 2152), which had originally been fitted with this LeBaron Convertible Sedan body. Both Duesenbergs were then sold to noted Duesenberg collector Homer Fitterling, who undertook a restoration on this Model J but sadly determined its original Derham body was beyond repair. A body swap was carried out, and the LeBaron Convertible Sedan was installed on the restored chassis of this car. Upon completion, the car was granted ACD Category One status by Duesenberg historian Fred Roe. More recently, the car spent a few years in the Petersen Collection. The current owner acquired it in 2013 and a new restoration has just been completed.

William S. Rupert of Philadelphia, PA took delivery of this Model J Duesenberg which had previously been used as a factory demonstrator. Originally, the car wore an Arlington sedan body built by Derham. In 1933, the car was purchased by William Ferguson, also of Philadelphia. Mr. Marion Roberts of Grand Island, New York purchased the car (along with J-127/2152) near the close of 1944. J-127, following a previous chassis renovation, had been fitted with a new Lebaron convertible sedan body. The LeBaron body had originally been destined to be installed on a Packard chassis. The Duesenbergs languished in his property before finally selling the automobiles as a pair to John North of Maryland in 1965. By mid-1967 Mr. North sold the pair to noted Duesenberg collector Homer Fitterling. During Mr. Fitterling's ownership, J-338 was treated to a thorough restoration. At that time, the LeBaron Convertible Sedan body was removed from chassis 2152 along with its firewall and installed on the restored chassis of J-338/2350. Upon completion, the car was put on display in the foyer of his museum.

In July of 1988, J-338 was inspected and certified by Duesenberg historian Fred Roe and was granted ACD Category One status. Upon Mr. Fitterling's passing, his entire collection was purchased as a group for $13 million by collector Ed Weaver. After Mr. Weaver's passing, his estate was sold at auction. J-338 was sold along with 20 other Duesenbergs among approximately 200 collector automobiles.

J-338 was subsequently shown at the 1996 Port Gardner Bay Concours where it earned high marks. In 2001, the convertible sedan was purchased by the current owner.

The car is currently finished in red and maroon over a red leather interior.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2013