1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Berline

The Duesenberg Model J was introduced in 1928 which was so significant that trading on the New York Stock exchange was halted for its introduction. The vehicle brought with it style, class, and sophistication. More so, it carried an $8,500 sticker price for the chassis alone and was the most expensive car in America. Included in the price was a 420 cubic-inch twin overhead camshaft eight-cylinder engine that produced 265 horsepower.

The Duesenberg Motors Company was acquired by Errett Lobban Cord, commonly referred to as E.L. Cord, in 1925. The vision of Cord was to create an enterprise centered around the creation of the finest automobiles in the world. His target was to surpass the excellent of Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, Isotta Fraschini, Bugatti, Hispano-Suiza, and others. Fred Duesenberg's task was simple, to create a great car. The result was the Model J.

Duesenberg had ordered enough components to create 500 vehicles. The first order for the Model J came in May 1929 just a few months prior to the decline of the Stock Market crash. When the stock market did crash, the list of potential clientele dwindled.

The average price for a family sedan was around $500. The cost of a Duesenberg including coachwork cost around $20,000. The only individuals who could afford one of these were those of extensive means. In modern times, the equivalent of $20,000 would be about $750,000.

Murphy Inc. was based in Pasadena, California. Their initial reputation stems from their work with Packard Automobiles. The trademark design of the Murphy Company was their 'clear vision' pillar which was pillars designed to be as slim as possible to personify a sporty appearance for the vehicle.

George Whittel, Jr. was born in September 1881 in San Francisco. He was born into wealthy means and never needed to work. His flamboyant lifestyle and playboy's reputation caused his family much pain and embarrassment. When war broke out, he joined the war effort. He became a captain in the Italian army. He later transferred to the French armed forces and finally the US Army in 1917. He received medals for valor as he was wounded near the close of the war.

George Sr. passed away in 1922 and George Jr. was left with a $30 million estate. Much to everyone's surprise, he was able to grow it into an even larger fortune. He was one of the few who saw the demise of the stock market before its assurance and was able to weather through the desperate era in fine fashion.

In total, Whittel purchased seven Duesenbergs. His first order was for two, one a convertible coupe and the second a boat-tail speedster. Both were adorned in coachwork by Murphy. Three other vehicles were later purchased for lady friends. The black two-door Model J Sport Berline carrying chassis number 2305 was one of the seven ordered by Whittel. It was delivered in January of 1931 and sent to Jessie McDonald of Los Angeles, California. This would become known as the 'Whittell Mistress Car' It is a one-off creation with an original body, engine, and chassis. Franklin Hershey was tasked with creating the design.

The vehicle features center-opening doors and an integrated trunk. The Murphy slim-pillars can be seen throughout the vehicle. It has an all-aluminum body built entirely without structural woodwork.

Near the close of the 1930s, the vehicle was sold to Don Ballard. The third owner was James Foxley of Perris California. J.B. Nethercutt became its next owner. It was sold, possibly in the 1960s or 1970s, to Bill Harrah where it was added to the Harrah's Automobile Collection in Reno, Nevada. The vehicle passed through a few other owners before being offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auction in Monterey, CA. It was estimated to sell between $1,000,000-$1,500,000.

On auction day the vehicle was found to be very popular. At the conclusion of the auction, the vehicle had been sold, netting $1,650,000.

In 2010, this Sport Berline Model J was offered for sale at RM Auctions Automobiles of Amelia Island' event, where it was estimated to sell for $1,200,000 - $1,500,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $1,705,000, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2010