Image credit: © conceptcarz.com (Reproduction Or reuse prohibited).
This Murphy-bodied Sedan was built on Duesenberg's short wheelbase of 142.5 inches, identified by the dual-piece running-boards (in contrast to the three-piece boards of the longer 153.5-inch wheelbase).
The original owner of this Duesie was Rowland and Rich Wooley - a Hollywood attorney who represented Mary Astor, Olivia De Havilland, and Lionel and John Barrymore, among others. He also represented Lydia Grey when she was awarded what, at the time, was the largest divorce settlement in American history - $825,000 - from ex-husband Charlie Chaplin. Speculation suggests that his legal fees funded the purchase of this car. In 1935, Mrs. Harriet Moffat of Upland, California purchased the Duesenberg and drove cross-country to her son's college graduation in Troy, New York. She drove the car back to California....with her son's roommate! Five years later, the car was purchased by screenwriter and novelist Hollister Noble. All subsequent owners are known and documented; typical of most Duesenbergs.
Once displayed at the prestigious Louwman Museum in Holland, this sedan features the iconic external exhaust pipes that signal its substantial straight-8 engine.
The original owner of this Duesie was Rowland and Rich Wooley - a Hollywood attorney who represented Mary Astor, Olivia De Havilland, and Lionel and John Barrymore, among others. He also represented Lydia Grey when she was awarded what, at the time, was the largest divorce settlement in American history - $825,000 - from ex-husband Charlie Chaplin. Speculation suggests that his legal fees funded the purchase of this car. In 1935, Mrs. Harriet Moffat of Upland, California purchased the Duesenberg and drove cross-country to her son's college graduation in Troy, New York. She drove the car back to California....with her son's roommate! Five years later, the car was purchased by screenwriter and novelist Hollister Noble. All subsequent owners are known and documented; typical of most Duesenbergs.
Once displayed at the prestigious Louwman Museum in Holland, this sedan features the iconic external exhaust pipes that signal its substantial straight-8 engine.
Chassis 2225 is equipped with motor J-355 and wears a Convertible Sedan coachwork by Murphy. The wheelbase measures 142.5 inches and the 420 CID DOHC engine offers 265 horsepower.
The Walter M. Murphy Company of Pasadena, California employed legendary designers such as Frank Hershey and Philip Ogden Wright. They were Duesenberg's preferred coachbuilder and bodied more Model Js than any other firm, dressing approximately 140 cars. Their designs featured iconic raked front screens with narrow chrome posts which were uniquely low and long for the time.
The early history of 2225 is not fully known. At some point, the original motor for this car - J-204 - was replaced by the motor now found under its bonnet. Engine J-204 was then fitted to Model J chassis 2374.
Much of this vehicle's life has been spent in one of Europe's most prestigious automobile museums. In 2010 it received some necessary attention, including the trimming of a new leather interior in a natural saddle shade. The coachwork was painted red to contrast the black fenders. There are chrome wheels, exterior exhaust pipes, and a tan convertible top. Period options include Pilot-Rays, dual chrome-wrapped side mounts, and a black metal luggage trunk.
In 2011 the museum decided to sell the vehicle so it was sent to the US to be sold. It briefly resided in a Los Angeles collection where it saw minor maintenance, including the fitting of six new tires.
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $550,000 - $700,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $522,500 inclusive of the buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2014
The Walter M. Murphy Company of Pasadena, California employed legendary designers such as Frank Hershey and Philip Ogden Wright. They were Duesenberg's preferred coachbuilder and bodied more Model Js than any other firm, dressing approximately 140 cars. Their designs featured iconic raked front screens with narrow chrome posts which were uniquely low and long for the time.
The early history of 2225 is not fully known. At some point, the original motor for this car - J-204 - was replaced by the motor now found under its bonnet. Engine J-204 was then fitted to Model J chassis 2374.
Much of this vehicle's life has been spent in one of Europe's most prestigious automobile museums. In 2010 it received some necessary attention, including the trimming of a new leather interior in a natural saddle shade. The coachwork was painted red to contrast the black fenders. There are chrome wheels, exterior exhaust pipes, and a tan convertible top. Period options include Pilot-Rays, dual chrome-wrapped side mounts, and a black metal luggage trunk.
In 2011 the museum decided to sell the vehicle so it was sent to the US to be sold. It briefly resided in a Los Angeles collection where it saw minor maintenance, including the fitting of six new tires.
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $550,000 - $700,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $522,500 inclusive of the buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2014
The Duesenberg Model J was unveiled to the world at the 1928 New York Auto Salon. The engine was a twin-cam straight-eight with a very large crankshaft, with sealed cartridges continuing mercury to eliminate vibrations. There was a 'timing box' located on the side of the engine that contained trains of precision gearing. These would automatically operate lights on the instrument panel to warn the driver when an oil change was necessary, and when to service the battery. After every 75 miles, the timing box opened a spring-loaded valve which forced oil onto all chassis lubrication points. During operation, lights would illuminate on the driver's instrumentation panel informing the driver the lubrication was in process.
The Lycoming-built engine displaced 6876cc, had 32-valves, and produced 265 horsepower in naturally aspirated form. The car was able to achieve 90 mph in second gear, with top speed being achieved at about 110 mph in high gear. 15-inch hydraulically-operated drum brakes on all four corners kept the car in the driver's control.
Every Duesenberg Model J constructed was thoroughly tested for 500 miles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before being sent to the coachbuilder. In June of 1929, they opened an in-house body-design department to create new body styles for individual clients and work as a liaise between the coachbuilders and the factory. Gordon Buehrig headed this department from 1929 through 1933. Buehrig skill would later be used on the Cord 810/812.
This Murphy Convertible Sedan is chassis number 2225 and rests on a short (142.5-inch) wheelbase. The original engine was J-204 which was later replaced by engine J-355. Engine J-204 was later installed in chassis #2374, the ex-Wanger chassis. Chassis 2374 made an appearance in the James Dean movie Giant.
The original owner of this Duesenberg is believed to have been Rowland Rich Woolley, a Hollywood attorney who represented Mary Astor, Olivia DeHavilland and Lionel and John Barrymore, among others. Mr. Woolley also represented Lydia Grey when, up to that time, she was awarded the largest divorce settlement in American history, from ex-husband Charlie Chaplin. Speculation suggests that his legal fees funded the purchase of this car.
Murphy bodied more Model J Duesenbergs than any other coachbuilder. Their craft was applied to around 140 examples. The staff of the Murphy Company included such greats as Franklin Q. Hershey and Philip Ogden Wright.
This car was a long-term static display in a European automobile museum. Its recent years have been spent in Southern California. It features external exhaust pipes which were optional at the time and twin side mounts. It is painted black with a tan top.
In 2007 the car was brought to the Bonhams Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club auction. The car was estimated to sell for $850,000 - $950,000. As the gavel fell for the final time, the lot was unsold.By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2018
The Lycoming-built engine displaced 6876cc, had 32-valves, and produced 265 horsepower in naturally aspirated form. The car was able to achieve 90 mph in second gear, with top speed being achieved at about 110 mph in high gear. 15-inch hydraulically-operated drum brakes on all four corners kept the car in the driver's control.
Every Duesenberg Model J constructed was thoroughly tested for 500 miles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before being sent to the coachbuilder. In June of 1929, they opened an in-house body-design department to create new body styles for individual clients and work as a liaise between the coachbuilders and the factory. Gordon Buehrig headed this department from 1929 through 1933. Buehrig skill would later be used on the Cord 810/812.
This Murphy Convertible Sedan is chassis number 2225 and rests on a short (142.5-inch) wheelbase. The original engine was J-204 which was later replaced by engine J-355. Engine J-204 was later installed in chassis #2374, the ex-Wanger chassis. Chassis 2374 made an appearance in the James Dean movie Giant.
The original owner of this Duesenberg is believed to have been Rowland Rich Woolley, a Hollywood attorney who represented Mary Astor, Olivia DeHavilland and Lionel and John Barrymore, among others. Mr. Woolley also represented Lydia Grey when, up to that time, she was awarded the largest divorce settlement in American history, from ex-husband Charlie Chaplin. Speculation suggests that his legal fees funded the purchase of this car.
Murphy bodied more Model J Duesenbergs than any other coachbuilder. Their craft was applied to around 140 examples. The staff of the Murphy Company included such greats as Franklin Q. Hershey and Philip Ogden Wright.
This car was a long-term static display in a European automobile museum. Its recent years have been spent in Southern California. It features external exhaust pipes which were optional at the time and twin side mounts. It is painted black with a tan top.
In 2007 the car was brought to the Bonhams Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club auction. The car was estimated to sell for $850,000 - $950,000. As the gavel fell for the final time, the lot was unsold.By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2018
2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $550,000-USD $700,000
Sale Price :
USD $522,500
2007 Bonhams, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $850,000-USD $950,000
Lot was not sold
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Duesenberg Model J Murphy
(Data based on Model Year 1929 sales)
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 2265 Sold for USD$3,305,000 2022 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Sport Sedan by Murphy Chassis#: 2132 Sold for USD$1,710,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 2165 Sold for USD$2,365,000 2022 Mecum : Glendale | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J 'Butterfly' Dual-Cowl Phaeton by Murphy Chassis#: 2169 Sold for USD$3,305,000 2021 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2245 Sold for USD$2,365,000 2021 Mecum : Monterey | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J 'Disappearing Top' Torpedo by Murphy Chassis#: 2199 Sold for USD$5,725,000 2021 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy Chassis#: 2168 Sold for USD$1,430,000 2017 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline by Murphy Chassis#: J259 Sold for USD$880,000 2017 RM Sothebys : Santa Monica | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J 'Disappearing Top' Convertible Coupe by Murphy Chassis#: 2551 Sold for USD$1,540,000 2016 RM Sotheby's : Motor City | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Torpedo Convertible Coupe by Murphy Chassis#: 2199 Sold for USD$3,000,000 2016 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1929 Duesenberg J Convertible Coupe, Rumbleseat Sold for USD$2,530,000 2015 Morphy Auctions : Premier Automobile Sale | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 2134 Sold for USD$2,365,000 2013 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton in the style of Murphy Chassis#: 2201 Sold for USD$682,000 2013 RM Auctions - St John's | |
1929 DUESENBERG MODEL J CABRIOLET MURPHY Sold for USD$1,319,888 2013 ARTCURIAL MOTORCARS À RÉTROMOBILE | |
1929 DUESENBERG J MURPHY BERLINE CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: 2307 Sold for USD$725,000 2013 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Sport Sedan by Walter M. Murphy Co. Chassis#: 2163 Sold for USD$792,000 2012 RM Auctions - Hershey, PA | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 2134 Sold for USD$1,897,500 2012 RM Auctions - Monterey | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2225 Sold for USD$522,500 2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline by Murphy Inc Chassis#: 2307 Sold for USD$704,000 2011 RM Auctions - Concours d'Elegance at St. Johns | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Clear Vision Sedan Chassis#: 2209 / J187 Sold for USD$742,500 2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions |
Duesenberg Model J Murphys That Failed To Sell At Auction
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1929 Duesenberg Model J Clear-Vision Sedan by Murphy | 2209 | 2018 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | $750,000 | $1,000,000 | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan | 2194 | 2014 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach Concours | $1,350,000 | $1,750,000 | |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy | 2007 Bonhams, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia | $850,000 | $950,000 | ||
1929 DUESENBERG MURPHY ROADSTER | 2001 Kruse Auction Scottsdale Arizona | $625,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $1,578,456 range.
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#:198.040.6500214 Sold for $1,572,500 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1953 Siata 208S Spider Chassis#:BS518 Sold for $1,572,500 2023 Bonhams : Scottsdale Auction | |
1965 Ferrari 275 GTS Chassis#:07767 Sold for $1,586,250 2023 Bonhams : Scottsdale Auction | |
1962 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER Chassis#:198.042.10.003105 Sold for $1,572,500 2022 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1987 Porsche 959 Komfort Chassis#:WP0ZZZ95ZHS900057 Sold for $1,563,355 2021 RM Sothebys : London | |
2012 Aston Martin One-77 Chassis#:SCFGFXXX3BGS17725 Sold for $1,589,298 2021 RM Sothebys : St. Moritz, Switzerland | |
DJ DEADMAU5s 2015 MCLAREN P1 Chassis#:SBM12ABA6FW000236 Sold for $1,567,500 2021 Barrett-Jackson : Las Vegas | |
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Sold for $1,567,500 2021 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1983 Ferrari 126 C3-068 Formule 1 Chassis#:068 Sold for $1,575,488 2020 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#:198.040.6500206 Sold for $1,581,250 2019 RM Sothebys : Abu Dhabi | |
1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Chassis#:06887 Sold for $1,572,500 2019 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1931 Bugatti Type 50 Roadster Chassis#:50123 Sold for $1,581,340 2019 RM Sothebys : Villa Erba | |
2005 Maserati MC12 Chassis#:ZAMDF44B000017561 Sold for $1,575,000 2015 Mecum : Monterey | |
1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#:198.042.10.002530 Sold for $1,567,500 2015 Gooding & Company - Arizona | |
2003 Ferrari Enzo Chassis#:ZFFCZ56B000132653 Sold for $1,580,320 2014 RM Auctions - London | |
1948 Tucker 48 Chassis#:1036 Sold for $1,567,500 2014 RM Auctions at Monterey | |
1934 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Sedan by LeBaron Chassis#:2515 Sold for $1,567,500 2014 RM Auctions - Amelia Island | |
1969 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/3 Sports Racer Chassis#:105 800 23 Sold for $1,591,628 2012 RM Auctions at Monaco | |
1953 Siata 208 S Spider Chassis#:BS 514 Sold for $1,567,500 2011 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions | |
1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Berlinetta Chassis#:0452MD Sold for $1,567,500 2010 RM Auctions - Sports & Classics of Monterey |
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy
• Additional valuation insight and sales data• History
• Specifications
• Image gallery
• Other Duesenberg Model J Murphy model years