1930 Duesenberg Model J

Sold for $1,066,500 at 2022 Bonhams : Amelia Island Concours.
New York coachbuilder Rollston Co. bodied automobiles beginning in 1921. Founded by Harry Loenschein and associates, Rollston was best known for its almost staid and conservative 'top hat' formal limousines. At the opposite end of the spectrum, however, it designed and produced what are arguably some of the most beautiful and elegant convertible victorias - including four on the Duesenberg chassis. As the demand for coachbuilt vehicles dwindled, Loenschein decided to liquidate the company. Rudolph 'Rudy' Creteur, who was the manager of Rollston's shop and lead designer and engineer, purchased the bulk of the assets at auction and set up a firm of similar name - Rollson.

Like all Duesenbergs, this car sports a Lycoming built 420 cubic-inch straight-eight producing 265 horsepower, a number unmatched by any other manufacturer at the time. This particular convertible victoria is on the short wheelbase chassis and was originally owned by Cotton Club co-founder Owney Madden.

Sold for $1,066,500 at 2022 Bonhams : Amelia Island Concours.
The four-passenger Convertible Victoria coachwork by Rollston has a top that folds virtually flush with the car's beltline when lowered, resulting in a clean appearance that compliments the Model J's sporting persona. Two versions of this body style were built, on a short- and long-wheelbase chassis, and with and without rear quarter windows.

This particular example, with body number 485, was built to design number 361 with the blind-quarter top. It is believed that this body was originally mounted to this chassis, number 2474, but may have been later installed on another Model J, engine number J-387.

This Duesenberg was first owned by Joe Rosenthal, then by Gunnar Anderson, who modified the vehicle by cutting down the tops of the doors. The car was later sold to Dick 'The Baron' Meyer of New Jersey, in whose ownership the Rollston body was exchanged for a Murphy Beverly.

In 1978, Mr. Longo sold the Model J to Seymour Siegel, in whose ownership it was fully restored anew in the present livery of white with tobacco brown moldings, tan top, and tan leather upholstery. At this time, the car received external exhausts similar to the ones used on the supercharged 'SJ' Duesenbergs. While in his car, J-394 was inspected by the ACD Club and awarded Category 1 Certification, meaning it is comprised entirely of original Model J components.

This Duesenberg remained with Mr. Siegel until October 2004 and was then sold to the present owner's father. For the past 17 years, before coming to Bonham's Amelia Island Auction in 2022, has remained in the family's care. During that time, the car was shown in 2018 at The Elegance at Herhsey.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2022