1932 Duesenberg Model J Town Car / 2514 Chassis Information

Town Car
Coachwork: Kirchhoff
Chassis #: 2514
Engine #: J-497

Sold for $594,000 at 2017 RM Sothebys : Hershey.
This Duesenberg Model J wears Town Car coachwork built by J. Gerald Kirchhoff at a cost of $25,000. The car was built for Countess Anna Ingraham, heiress to the American clock and watch fortune.

The Countess gave Kirchhoff free rein on building this automobile. The interior features hand-embroidered silk brocade upholstery, cabinetry of inlaid Birdseye maple, and brass hardware plated in 24-karat gold. The exterior was finished in a bright metallic aqua. The design included a large trunk and rooftop luggage rack to hold the vast quantities of luggage for planned European travels. A tank for portable water was installed and solid disc wheels were fitted at all four corners, for rough terrain

After building the body, Kirchhoff accepted her invitation to become her chauffeur. Together, they crossed the Atlantic by ocean liner and enjoyed a tour of Europe. The car and occupants returned stateside near the onset of World War II.

After the Countess passed in 1944, the Duesenberg was put into storage. In 1962, it was sold to the Powers Museum. Several years later, it came into the care of Anthony Pascucci. In 1982, ownership passed to Bernard Wajer of Maryland, who commissioned its restoration by Al Pruett & Sons of Glen Rocks, Pennsylvania. After the work was completed, it was shown at numerous Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) meets, as well as several times in Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) and Auburn Cord Duesenberg (ACD) Club events, winning numerous awards.

The car remained with Mr. Pascucci for 17 years. In 1999, it was purchased by Thomas Derro and remained in his collection for 18 years.

The car retains its original trim hardware. Enough of the original upholstery survived to enable patterns for its recreation, in Italy. It has a fully original and matching numbers drivetrain and the body remains in its original confirmation, aside from skirted fenders added later in the 1930s. The disc wheels have been replaced by wire wheels.

The debate is ongoing whether this was the most expensive Duesenberg ever built.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2017

2017 RM Sothebys : Hershey

Pre-Auction Estimates :

$750,000-$1,000,000

Sale Price :

$594,000

2019 1
2017 1
2016 1
2015 2
2012 1
2011 2
2010 2
2004 1

Recent Sales

(Data based on Model Year 1932 sales)

1932 Duesenberg Model J Rollston Torpedo Berline Chassis#: 2574 Sold for $880,000 2019 Mecum : Phoenix Auction
1932 Duesenberg Model J Town Car by Kirchhoff Chassis#: 2514 Sold for $594,000 2017 RM Sothebys : Hershey
1932 Duesenberg Model J Phaeton Chassis#: J4632480 Sold for $600,000 2016 Mecum : Monterey
1932 Duesenberg Model J Chassis#: J4632480 Sold for $720,000 2015 Mecum : Monterey
1932 Duesenberg Model J Phaeton Sold for $500,000 2015 Mecum : Houston
1932 Duesenberg Model J LWB Custom Speedster Sold for $297,000 2012 Worldwide Auctions - The Houston Classic Auction
1932 DUESENBERG MODEL J FIVE-PASSENGER SEDAN Sold for $404,250 2011 Auctions America - Spring Auburn
1932 DUESENBERG MODEL J DUAL COWL PHAETON Sold for $440,000 2011 Auctions America - Fort Lauderdale
1932 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Berline Chassis#: J546 Sold for $726,000 2010 RM Auctions - Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook
1932 Duesenberg Model J Tourster Chassis#: J356 Sold for $550,000 2010 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Arizona
1932 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton Chassis#: 2276 Sold for $500,500 2004 Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall

Vehicles That Failed To Sell

1932 Duesenberg Model J's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.

Vehicle	Chassis	Event	High Bid	Est. Low	Est. High
1932 Duesenberg Model J Victoria Coupe by Judkins	2375	2019 RM Sothebys : Monterey		$1,400,000	$1,800,000
1932 Duesenberg Model J Tourster	2571	2015 Bonhams : Greenwich Concours		$625,000	$875,000
1932 DUESENBERG SUPERCHARGED MODEL J BOATTAIL SPEEDSTER		2011 Auctions America Auburn Fall Auction	$450,000	$600,000	$750,000
1932 Duesenberg Model J Custom Speedster	2522	2011 Bonhams Quail Lodge Sale		$400,000	$600,000

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