1931 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Coupe

The convertible coupe with a disappearing top was listed among Murphy's factory-catalogued styles. It is believed that this design was fitted to 27 Model J chassis.

This example wears a very exact restoration. It has body number 925, engine number J-345, and frame and firewall numbered 2367. It is complete and numbers matching and as original as it was in 1930, retaining even the original crankshaft, numbered 345.

The car was purchased new by William Collins on August 20th of 1930. Unfortunately, Mr. Collins met an untimely end a day later, having never had the chance to enjoy his new Duesenberg. The car passed to Mickey Duffy, a prominent bootlegger in Philadelphia at the time. The car is said to have then passed to Owney Madden, who has since been dubbed 'The English Godfather' and immortalized in film and in print.

In 1931, the Duesenberg having had three owners during its first year of life passed to James Imbrie Jr. In December of 1953, it was offered for sale in the classifieds in Motor Trend magazine. It was acquired by Allan Eby of Ohio in 1954, who passed it a year later to his son, Eldon. Eldon Eby would become the car's longest-term caretaker. Between 1975 and 1980, the car was restored to its original condition.

During the restoration, the car was converted to SJ specification, utilizing a single-carburetor supercharger assembled from meticulously remanufactured components. The engine was fully rebuilt with hardened valve seats and bearings.

In its restoration form, the car won Best Duesenberg and Best in Show at the ACD Club National Reunion in 1982.

In the early 1980s, ownership passed to John Thorpe, of California, in whose hands it appeared at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1983 and 1984. Over the next two decades, it would pass through the ownership of several collectors, including Gordon Apker and Calvin High.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014