1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Torpedo Convertible Coupe

The most well-known design from California coachbuilder Walter M. Murphy on a Duesenberg Model J chassis is the Disappearing Top Convertible Coupe, about 25 of which were made. However, the Disappearing Top Torpedo Convertible Coupe, with its boattail rear deck, is considered to be the pinnacle of Murphy's work on the Duesenberg chassis. Six were built, each one slightly different. It combined the standard Convertible Coupe's lines with the flowing tapered rear deck of a 'boattail' speedster, often finished in bare aluminum that extended forward through the beltline and down the center of the car's cowl.

This car was the first of six similar models, originally built with a rumble seat for what must have been an exciting ride! It was sold new to David Gray of Santa Barbara, California, an early investor of Henry Ford who, in 1919, sold his stock back to Mr. Ford for $26 million - and lived extremely comfortably for the remainder of his life. By the late 1940s, the Duesenberg had passed through several Southern California owners, including Motor Trend columnist Robert J. Gottlieb. The car was first restored in the early 1990s. The current owner has just completed a detailed restoration, returning the car to its original polished and brushed aluminum body with dark blue fenders.