1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Coupe

This Model J Duesenberg Convertible Coupe had been hidden away since 1967. The coachwork was created by the Walter M. Murphy Company which would build the lion's share of the Duesenberg Model J bodies, creating 140 of the 481 examples built. Among the wide array of styles offered were formal town cars, clear-vision sedans, and convertible coupes. The latter accounted for over one-third of Murphy-bodied Duesenberg, and twenty-five of these had an articulated deck behind the passenger compartment, beneath which the convertible's top would stow completely into a well at the rear of the car. This option has become known as the 'Disappearing Top.'

This body of this Duesenberg was completed in March 1930, and its engine was assembled the following month. It was delivered to Duesenberg's Philadelphia branch in July 1931. The first owner of 2365 was 25-year-old Gene Gordon Culver. Around 1935, the Duesenberg returned to the factory, where the fenders were given skirted sides.

The Convertible Coupe was acquired by its second owner in 1938 when Chicago's David Archibald Smart traded his Duesenberg Murphy Beverly Sedan for it. In May 1941, Mr. Smart sold the Duesenberg to industrialist and fellow Chicagoan, Sigurd Olsen.

In 1951, the Duesenberg was given its current silver paint scheme and the interior was re-trimmed in green vinyl.

The Duesenberg was featured at the 1952 Motorcade of America, and a brass plaque affixed in the interior memorializes this exhibition. A short time later, it was purchased by William A. Burns, and the Duesenberg was relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, taking part in the Classic Car Club of America's Annual Review in 1954, and became an early member of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club in 1956.

In 1959, the Duesenberg was donated by Mr. Burns to the Culver Military Academy. In October 1961, it was advertised for sale in the Chicago Tribune. Tom Hawkinson of Chicago had the winning bid of $5,000, and he brought the car back home to Chicago. After a few years of use, the Duesenberg was placed in their heated garage in 1967. The Duesenberg would remain in the garage for the next 55 years.

In 2022, the Hawkinsons began to consider selling their Duesenberg. They enlisted the services of Doug Pray, proprietor of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Co. of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to help with the sale. A buyer was found (a long-term friend of Mr. Pray) who initially envisioned completing a full restoration on the Convertible Coupe, which would have included finishing it in what appears to be its original royal blue color. Instead, it was returned to running status with the engine receiving extensive work, including the installation of modern connecting rods and pistons. The fenders were returned to their original profile.

The Duesenberg was driven at the AACA Fall Nationals in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 2023 and was given the National Driver's Participation Award.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2024