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1935 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe

Duesenberg began building racing cars in 1913. They were very successful running at the Indy 500 and multiple Championship races in their teens and twenties. The first passenger Duesenberg produced was the Model A. It featured a Straight 8 engine with a gear-driven single overhead cam, 3-speed transmission, and Duesenberg patented 4-wheel hydraulic brakes. The chassis and engine had been designed by Fred Duesenberg under the direction of E.L. Cord, the new owner of the company, who wanted to produce the fastest, most luxurious, and most prestigious motorcars in America.

The Duesenberg Model J is one of the most powerful and luxurious cars in the world. Starting in 1926, brothers Fred and Augie Duesenberg sought to produce automobiles that would rival the top European brands like Hispano-Suiza, Isotta Fraschini, and Rolls Royce.

The Model J, launched in 1928, was based on a straight-eight engine that produced 265 horsepower. It features a dual overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. The top speed was close to 120 miles per hour. This was indeed the most expensive and fastest American automobile on the market.

The Rollston Company was formed in 1921. The bodies were acknowledged as the strongest of the Classic Era, and they built 57 bodies for the Duesenberg Model J.

Once an owner selected the car, he could choose from a number of different bodybuilders. The chassis alone cost around $8,500. Various bodybuilders were available to choose from including Derham, Judkins, LeBaron, Murphy, Walker, and others, including Rollston. Carriage making was an art and many companies were transitioning from carriage making to automotive body building.

This one-off Rollston convertible coupe was originally owned by Isabel T. Pell of New York City who had purchased a supercharged car, SJ-527 with this body on it in 1934. In February of 1935, she traded in the supercharged car and had the body mounted on this chassis 2576 engine J-550.

In 1939 she took the car to France. The car was later sold to a French owner who shipped the car to Havana, Cuba in 1947. He died a few days after the car arrived in Havana and the car sat on the dock unclaimed until 1950 when it was purchased by Lillian Ramirez. It was later purchased by Al Thurn of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The current owner purchased the car from Al Thurn in 1967.

2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $4,000,000-USD $4,500,000 
Sale Price :
USD $4,680,000

1935 Duesenberg Model J Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Duesenberg Model J

(Data based on Model Year 1935 sales)
1935 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Rollston
Chassis#: 2576
Sold for USD$4,680,000
  2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey
1935 Duesenberg Model J image  1935 Duesenberg Model J image  
1935 Duesenberg Model J 'Sweep Panel' Dual-Cowl Phaeton by LaGrande
Chassis#: 2558
Sold for USD$3,125,000
  2021 RM Sothebys : Monterey
1935 Duesenberg Model J image  1935 Duesenberg Model J image  
1935 Duesenberg Model J Cabriolet by d'Ieteren
Chassis#: 2548
Sold for USD$1,485,000
  2017 RM Sothebys : Hershey
1935 Duesenberg Model J image  1935 Duesenberg Model J image  
1935 Duesenberg Model J Sedan
Sold for USD$288,200
  2004 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona
 
1935 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe
Sold for USD$825,000
  2003 Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall
 

Duesenberg Model Js That Failed To Sell At Auction

1935 Duesenberg Model J's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1935 DUESENBERG MODEL J LIMOUSINE 2001 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN$325,000  

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1935 Duesenberg Model J vehicle thumbnail image  1935 Duesenberg Model J vehicle thumbnail image  

1935 Duesenberg Model J

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Other Duesenberg Model J model years

1935 Duesenberg Model J Vehicle Profiles

1935 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Convertible Coupe
Coachwork: Rollston & Company
Chassis #: 2576
Engine #: J-550
1935 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Convertible Victoria
Coachwork: d'Leteren Freres
Chassis #: 2548
Engine #: J519
1935 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Speedster
Coachwork: Gurney Nutting
1935 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Limousine
Coachwork: Rollston & Company
Designer: Gordon Buehrig
1935 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Sweep Panel Dual-Cowl Phaeton
Coachwork: LaGrande
Designer: Gordon Buehrig
Chassis #: 2558
Engine #: J-537
1935 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Berline
Coachwork: Judkins
Chassis #: 2557
Engine #: J-540