1935 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Victoria

This Duesenberg Convertible Victoria with coachwork by D'leteren represents the final model of the coveted Model J. Originally shipped to Europe, it bears chassis number J-519 and was known to be tested on September 11th of 1933 and later shipped on February 9, 1934. It arrived at E.Z. Sadovich's Motors Deluxe dealership in Paris, France. They would then commission its coachwork from the renowned Belgian firm of d'leteren.

The body that D'leteren produced is simply striking with its clean curves, which certainly conceal the considerable size of this car. It certainly enhances the impression of power and beauty. The sleek windshield wraps cleanly into the doors, much in the style of Dietrich Packard, while the raised top forms a cohesive curve that continues downward into the streamlined rear deck area.

Interestingly, while many Duesenbergs of the era were largely skinned in aluminum, this D'leteren body is all steel. The result is exceptional strength and rigidity. The body was originally finished in two shades of tan, with a dark blue frame. It also features the Model J rear bumpers on both ends.

Well known in Duesenberg circles, this car has been featured in numerous books and publications. The restoration remains nearly flawless and show-worthy.

1935 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Victoria (J519)

This Duesenberg is the last standard Model J shipped to Europe. It was given engine number J-519 and tested by the factory on September 11th of 1933. It was shipped on February 9th of 1934 and arrived at E.Z. Sadovich's Motors Deluxe dealership in Paris, which commissioned its coachwork from the Belgian firm of d'Leteren Freres. This is the only known example to wear coachwork by d'Leteren.

The Belgian coachbuilder gave it more deeply skirted front fenders, integrated cowl and windshield frame, and a rakish sweep to the entire body line. The windshield wraps into the doors, in a similar fashion to the Dietrich-bodied Packards.

Many Duesenbergs from this era were clothed in aluminum; the d'leteren body is all steel. The body was originally finished in two shades of tan, with a dark blue frame. It also had Model J rear bumpers on both ends.

Motors Deluxe delivered the car in October 1935 to a Monsieur Addes. Mr. Addes had homes in Paris and the Netherlands. It is believed that the Duesenberg was sent to his Dutch home, as its second owner, L.R. Boissevain was also a resident of that country.

After World War II, the Duesenberg was exported to North America and entered the care of Arthur James 'Jim' Hoe of Weston, Connecticut. Mr. Hoe subsequently sold the car to William Crossett of Pennsylvania. Mr. Crossett used the car in several early CARavans, as did the next owner, Bill Kranz of Bay Village, Ohio, who purchased the car in 1973. Mr. Kranz later had the car restored, spending $9,000 to paint it two-tone red with a tan interior. In this guise, the car won many awards and was photographed for numerous books and calendars.

In 1986, the car entered Rick Carroll's collection in Jensen, Florida. After Mr. Carroll's passing in 1989, his collection was sold at a sale held by Sotheby's in West Palm Beach. At the sale, the car was purchased by Jerry J. Moore of Houston, Texas. He displayed the car until the late 1990s, then sold it to Dr. Joseph Murphy of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Murphy commissioned Brian Joseph of Classic & Exotic Service in Troy, Michigan, to return it to its original condition. The body was finished in a two-tone blue, which was chosen by General Motors designer David Holls, and regained its original bumper arrangement and correct European-delivery Marchal headlamps.

After the work was completed, the car was shown in 1998 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it won 2nd in Class. In 2000, the car was acquired by Thomas F. Derro and has remained in his collection for the past 17 years. During that time, it was shown at the Greenwich Concours in 2003 and 2007 where it won the Chairman's Choice, and at Radnor Hunt in 2006 where it won a Radnor Award.

The car wears a CCCA Senior Premier badge, no. 96, from Mr. Kranz's ownership.