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1932 Duesenberg Model J Town Car

  • Coachwork by Kirchhoff
  • Chassis Number: 2514
  • Engine Number: J-497
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 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 The disc wheels have been replaced by wire wheels.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 on whether this was the most expensive Duesenberg ever built.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2017

2017 RM Sothebys : Hershey

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $750,000-USD $1,000,000 
Sale Price :
USD $594,000

1932 Duesenberg Model J Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Duesenberg Model J

(Data based on Model Year 1932 sales)
1932 Duesenberg Model J 'Sweep Panel' Dual-Cowl Phaeton
Chassis#: 2841
Sold for USD$1,127,000
  2023 Bonhams : Quail
1932 Duesenberg Model J image  1932 Duesenberg Model J image  
1932 Duesenberg Model J Tourster
Chassis#: J490X
Sold for USD$665,000
  2021 Worldwide Auctioneers : The 14th Annual Auburn Auction
 
1932 Duesenberg Model J Stationary Victoria by Rollston
Chassis#: 2505
Sold for USD$1,325,000
  2020 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction
1932 Duesenberg Model J image  1932 Duesenberg Model J image  
1932 Duesenberg Model J Tourster
Sold for USD$522,500
  2020 Mecum Auctions : Kissimmee
 
1932 Duesenberg Model J Rollston Torpedo Berline
Chassis#: 2574
Sold for USD$880,000
  2019 Mecum : Phoenix Auction
1932 Duesenberg Model J image  1932 Duesenberg Model J image  
1932 Duesenberg Model J Town Car by Kirchhoff
Chassis#: 2514
Sold for USD$594,000
  2017 RM Sothebys : Hershey
1932 Duesenberg Model J image  1932 Duesenberg Model J image  
1932 Duesenberg Model J Phaeton
Chassis#: J4632480
Sold for USD$600,000
  2016 Mecum : Monterey
1932 Duesenberg Model J image  1932 Duesenberg Model J image  
1932 Duesenberg Model J
Chassis#: J4632480
Sold for USD$720,000
  2015 Mecum : Monterey
1932 Duesenberg Model J image  1932 Duesenberg Model J image  
1932 Duesenberg Model J Phaeton
Chassis#: 2480
Sold for USD$500,000
  2015 Mecum : Houston
1932 Duesenberg Model J image  1932 Duesenberg Model J image  
1932 Duesenberg Model J LWB Custom Speedster
Sold for USD$297,000
  2012 Worldwide Auctions - The Houston Classic Auction
 
1932 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton
Chassis#: 2206
Sold for USD$1,540,000
  2011 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions
1932 Duesenberg Model J image  1932 Duesenberg Model J image  
1932 DUESENBERG MODEL J DUAL-COWL PHAETON
Sold for USD$375,000
  2011 Auctions America - Spring Auburn
 
1932 DUESENBERG MODEL J FIVE-PASSENGER SEDAN
Sold for USD$404,250
  2011 Auctions America - Spring Auburn
 
1932 DUESENBERG MODEL J DUAL COWL PHAETON
Sold for USD$440,000
  2011 Auctions America - Fort Lauderdale
 
1932 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Berline
Chassis#: J546
Sold for USD$726,000
  2010 RM Auctions - Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook
1932 Duesenberg Model J image  1932 Duesenberg Model J image  
1932 Duesenberg Model J Tourster
Chassis#: J356
Sold for USD$550,000
  2010 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Arizona
 
1932 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton
Chassis#: 2276
Sold for USD$500,500
  2004 Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall
 
1932 DUESENBERG J LEBARON DUAL COWL PHAETON
Chassis#: 2206
Sold for USD$830,000
  2001 Kruse Auction - Auburn, IN
1932 Duesenberg Model J image  1932 Duesenberg Model J image  

Duesenberg Model Js That Failed To Sell At Auction

1932 Duesenberg Model J's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1932 Duesenberg Model J Victoria Coupe by Judkins23752019 RM Sothebys : Monterey $1,400,000$1,800,000
1932 Duesenberg Model J Tourster25712015 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 Speedster25222011 Bonhams Quail Lodge Sale $400,000$600,000

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1932 Duesenberg Model J

Additional valuation insight and sales data
History
Specifications
Image gallery
Other Duesenberg Model J model years

1932 Duesenberg Model J Vehicle Profiles

1932 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Dual Cowl Phaeton
Chassis #: 2841
Engine #: J-474
1932 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Dual Cowl Phaeton
Coachwork: LeBaron
Chassis #: 2206
Engine #: J-182
1932 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Victoria Coupe
Coachwork: Rollston & Company
Chassis #: 2505
Engine #: J490
1932 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Town Car
Coachwork: Kirchhoff
Chassis #: 2514
Engine #: J-497
1932 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Victoria Coupe
Coachwork: Judkins
Chassis #: 2375
Engine #: J-354
1932 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Dual Cowl Phaeton
Coachwork: LaGrande
Chassis #: 2480
Engine #: J-463
1932 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Formal Sedan
Coachwork: Rollston & Company
Chassis #: 2574
Engine #: J546
1932 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Convertible Coupe
Coachwork: Bohman & Schwartz
1932 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Torpedo Phaeton
Coachwork: Weymann
Chassis #: 2319
Engine #: J396
1932 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Coupe
Designer: Judkins Company of Amesbury
Chassis #: 2162
Engine #: J-137

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.