1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Coupe

This Duesenberg is one of 27 to be fitted with a sporty 'Disappearing Top' Convertible Coupe body from famed coachbuilder Walter M. Murphy & Co. It was purchased by an underworld figure who met an untimely end, then it passed to a prominent bootlegger, who gave it to his business partner, also known as 'The English Godfather,' who owned Harlem's famous Cotton Club. After a rather exciting year in the hands of these three colorful characters, it has several more owners. In 1954 Allan Eby purchased the Model J for $150, then passed it to his son, Eldon, who became the car's longest caretaker, restoring it to its original condition and converting it to supercharged SJ specification. In the early 1980s, the car was sold to John Thorpe, who showed it at the 1984 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It was later owned by Gordon Apker, a noted Duesenberg collector.