Image credit: © conceptcarz.com (Reproduction Or reuse prohibited).
When introduced, the Model J was the most expensive car in America. The chassis alone cost a staggering $8500; the typical family car cost around $500. The price came standard with ambiance, style, and perfection. It was matched by its performance which included a 265 horsepower engine (325 hp for the supercharged version) and power hydraulic brakes.
The Duesenberg Model J models were excellent candidates for coachbuilders with Murphy providing some of the most desirable and elegant designs of all. Based in Pasadena, California, the Murphy Company was well known for its work with Packards. Their designs were elegant with their trademark being the 'clear vision' pillar which helped eliminate blind spots and improve visibility.
This 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan with chassis number J262 has had several owners since its debut. The original color was grey but by the 1980s it was changed to red. A restoration was undertaken; it was sold in 1989 part way through the restoration process. The next owner, Sonny Abagnale, completed the restoration and had the color finished in black. It was shown in a movie with Mick Jagger. Since that time it has passed through a few more owners.
It was auctioned at the 2006 Meadow Brook auction by RM Auctions where it was estimated to fetch between $750,000 - $900,000. It found a new home at the price of $907,500.
This wonderful car has coachwork by Murphy and is powered by a 420 cubic-inch engine that produces 265 horsepower. It has a three-speed manual gearbox and vacuum-assisted four-wheel hydraulic brakes.
In 2010, the car returned to RM's Auction Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook sale where it was estimated to fetch between $800,000 - $1,000,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $825,000.By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2010
The Duesenberg Model J models were excellent candidates for coachbuilders with Murphy providing some of the most desirable and elegant designs of all. Based in Pasadena, California, the Murphy Company was well known for its work with Packards. Their designs were elegant with their trademark being the 'clear vision' pillar which helped eliminate blind spots and improve visibility.
This 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan with chassis number J262 has had several owners since its debut. The original color was grey but by the 1980s it was changed to red. A restoration was undertaken; it was sold in 1989 part way through the restoration process. The next owner, Sonny Abagnale, completed the restoration and had the color finished in black. It was shown in a movie with Mick Jagger. Since that time it has passed through a few more owners.
It was auctioned at the 2006 Meadow Brook auction by RM Auctions where it was estimated to fetch between $750,000 - $900,000. It found a new home at the price of $907,500.
This wonderful car has coachwork by Murphy and is powered by a 420 cubic-inch engine that produces 265 horsepower. It has a three-speed manual gearbox and vacuum-assisted four-wheel hydraulic brakes.
In 2010, the car returned to RM's Auction Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook sale where it was estimated to fetch between $800,000 - $1,000,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $825,000.By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2010
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Duesenberg Model J Murphy
(Data based on Model Year 1929 sales)
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 2265 Sold for USD$3,305,000 2022 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Sport Sedan by Murphy Chassis#: 2132 Sold for USD$1,710,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 2165 Sold for USD$2,365,000 2022 Mecum : Glendale | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J 'Butterfly' Dual-Cowl Phaeton by Murphy Chassis#: 2169 Sold for USD$3,305,000 2021 RM Sothebys : Monterey | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2245 Sold for USD$2,365,000 2021 Mecum : Monterey | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J 'Disappearing Top' Torpedo by Murphy Chassis#: 2199 Sold for USD$5,725,000 2021 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy Chassis#: 2168 Sold for USD$1,430,000 2017 RM Sothebys : Monterey | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline by Murphy Chassis#: J259 Sold for USD$880,000 2017 RM Sothebys : Santa Monica | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J 'Disappearing Top' Convertible Coupe by Murphy Chassis#: 2551 Sold for USD$1,540,000 2016 RM Sotheby's : Motor City | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Torpedo Convertible Coupe by Murphy Chassis#: 2199 Sold for USD$3,000,000 2016 RM Sothebys : Arizona | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg J Convertible Coupe, Rumbleseat Sold for USD$2,530,000 2015 Morphy Auctions : Premier Automobile Sale | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 2134 Sold for USD$2,365,000 2013 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton in the style of Murphy Chassis#: 2201 Sold for USD$682,000 2013 RM Auctions - St John's | ![]() ![]() |
1929 DUESENBERG MODEL J CABRIOLET MURPHY Sold for USD$1,319,888 2013 ARTCURIAL MOTORCARS À RÉTROMOBILE | |
1929 DUESENBERG J MURPHY BERLINE CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: 2307 Sold for USD$725,000 2013 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Sport Sedan by Walter M. Murphy Co. Chassis#: 2163 Sold for USD$792,000 2012 RM Auctions - Hershey, PA | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 2134 Sold for USD$1,897,500 2012 RM Auctions - Monterey | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2225 Sold for USD$522,500 2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline by Murphy Inc Chassis#: 2307 Sold for USD$704,000 2011 RM Auctions - Concours d'Elegance at St. Johns | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Clear Vision Sedan Chassis#: 2209 / J187 Sold for USD$742,500 2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions |
Duesenberg Model J Murphys That Failed To Sell At Auction
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1929 Duesenberg Model J Clear-Vision Sedan by Murphy | 2209 | 2018 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | $750,000 | $1,000,000 | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan | 2194 | 2014 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach Concours | $1,350,000 | $1,750,000 | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy | 2007 Bonhams, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia | $850,000 | $950,000 | ||
1929 DUESENBERG MURPHY ROADSTER | 2001 Kruse Auction Scottsdale Arizona | $625,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $1,578,456 range.
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#:198.040.6500214 Sold for $1,572,500 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | ![]() ![]() |
1953 Siata 208S Spider Chassis#:BS518 Sold for $1,572,500 2023 Bonhams : Scottsdale Auction | ![]() ![]() |
1965 Ferrari 275 GTS Chassis#:07767 Sold for $1,586,250 2023 Bonhams : Scottsdale Auction | |
1962 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER Chassis#:198.042.10.003105 Sold for $1,572,500 2022 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1987 Porsche 959 Komfort Chassis#:WP0ZZZ95ZHS900057 Sold for $1,563,355 2021 RM Sothebys : London | |
2012 Aston Martin One-77 Chassis#:SCFGFXXX3BGS17725 Sold for $1,589,298 2021 RM Sothebys : St. Moritz, Switzerland | |
DJ DEADMAU5s 2015 MCLAREN P1 Chassis#:SBM12ABA6FW000236 Sold for $1,567,500 2021 Barrett-Jackson : Las Vegas | |
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Sold for $1,567,500 2021 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1983 Ferrari 126 C3-068 Formule 1 Chassis#:068 Sold for $1,575,488 2020 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#:198.040.6500206 Sold for $1,581,250 2019 RM Sothebys : Abu Dhabi | |
1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Chassis#:06887 Sold for $1,572,500 2019 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1931 Bugatti Type 50 Roadster Chassis#:50123 Sold for $1,581,340 2019 RM Sothebys : Villa Erba | |
2005 Maserati MC12 Chassis#:ZAMDF44B000017561 Sold for $1,575,000 2015 Mecum : Monterey | |
1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#:198.042.10.002530 Sold for $1,567,500 2015 Gooding & Company - Arizona | |
2003 Ferrari Enzo Chassis#:ZFFCZ56B000132653 Sold for $1,580,320 2014 RM Auctions - London | |
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#:1036 Sold for $1,567,500 2014 RM Auctions at Monterey | ![]() ![]() |
1934 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Sedan by LeBaron Chassis#:2515 Sold for $1,567,500 2014 RM Auctions - Amelia Island | ![]() ![]() |
1969 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/3 Sports Racer Chassis#:105 800 23 Sold for $1,591,628 2012 RM Auctions at Monaco | ![]() ![]() |
1953 Siata 208 S Spider Chassis#:BS 514 Sold for $1,567,500 2011 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions | ![]() ![]() |
1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Berlinetta Chassis#:0452MD Sold for $1,567,500 2010 RM Auctions - Sports & Classics of Monterey | ![]() ![]() |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy
• Additional valuation insight and sales data• History
• Specifications
• Image gallery
• Other Duesenberg Model J Murphy model years