1930 Duesenberg Model J Transformable Cabriolet

It is believed that two Duesenbergs received this style of coachwork from Hibbard & Darrin of Paris. The allure of the European continent, especially Paris, France, added to the mystic of Hibbard & Darrin, but it was actually operated by two Americans, Thomas Hibbard and Howard 'Dutch' Darrin, who had relocated across the Atlantic in the early 1920s. One of their styling elements was the bold beltline treatment that flowed into and narrowed through the end to end at a pointed 'spear' just behind the radiator. Additionally, they pioneered virtually all-metal body construction with the patented Silentlyte method, outer panels of pressed aluminum over a cast aluminum inner frame.

Long-wheelbase Duesenberg cars often received three-section running boards, but this example was originally built with a two-section style more often used on short-wheelbase model. Its exterior was originally dark blue with grey trim.

This Duesenberg was delivered in 1930 to Luis Martinez de las Rivas, who maintained homes in both Madrid and Paris. It is believed that this Duesenberg remained in Pairs after it was sold there in October 1932 to its second owner, Lucius D. Humphrey. During the summer of 1934, this Duesenberg was used on a European continent tour.

The Duesenberg came with the Humphrey family went they came to the United States and was shortly resold to L. William Gilbert of New York City. In 1946, it was purchased from New York dealer Walter Hodich by James 'Jim' Hoe, who had accompanied the Humphrey's as their mechanic during their European tour. Mr. Hoe resoled J-319 a year later to Richard K. Wells of Rhode Island, who then sold it in 1952 to Matthew McKay-Smith, then to William A.C. Pettit II of Louisa, Virginia. His son, W.A.C. III, known to all as Bill, inherited his family's collection and maintained much of it for many years.

In 1984, J-319 was sold to Ray Bowersox of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. In his ownership, the car was cosmetically restored to its present appearance, in a rich red with deep maroon moldings, and was Certified Category 1 by the ACD Club.

In 1987, Mr. Bowersox sold the Duesenberg to the Imperial Palace Auto Collection of Las Vegas, where it remained for over a decade, before it was purchased by John Hendricks for the Gateway Auto Museum in October 2004.

Currently, the restoration remains in good overall condition, given its age. There is leather upholstery in both the front and rear compartments. There is a Philco radio in the rear compartment, elaborate woodwork on the faces of the jump seats, a vertical louvered stone guard, crank-operated cowl vents, and an early-style Winchester radiator.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2023