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The Wrigley Corporation was a prominent business and very popular when Phillip K. Wrigley, heir to the fortune, purchased chassis number 2479 for the sum of $15,450. It was delivered on November 28th of 1931. While in his ownership, the Duesenberg was taken on several trips to the family estate on Santa Catalina Island near Los Angeles.
When the car was delivered to Mr. Wrigley, it wore Convertible Victoria coachwork by Rollston. Not satisfied with the design, he had the car restyled with larger doors. It was sent to H.A. Walker in Indianapolis, but the company went bankrupt almost as soon as the car arrived on their premises. It was returned to Wrigley in 1937 and then sent to Bohman and Schwartz in Pasadena, California.
During the Second World War, it was kept in storage at the Wrigley country home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. In February 1946 the car was sold to John Troka of Chicago, along with his other Duesenberg, J 501.
Troka sold the car in March of 1946 to Gerald Meeker of Michigan who then sold it to a noted early Duesenberg collector, Marshall Merkes. It remained in Merkes possession for just seven months before it was sold back to Troka in the fall of 1949. Soon after, it was sold to Mr. Paoli and then passed through two other Midwest collectors, even being displayed in Michigan's Poll Museum, where it remained from 1953 through 1964. From there, it passed through several prominent collectors, eventually coming into the care of Phil and Carol Bray in 1997. The Bray's had the engine rebuilt and was done to the highest of standards.
In the years that followed, the car was awarded CCCA Primary, Senior, and Premier awards, and an ACD Club certified as a Category One Original Car in 1998. It earned a score of 99 3/4 points at the July 1998 Grand Classic. At the Michigan Region CCCA it was presented an award for the most miles driven by a Full Classic.
During this car's existence, it has been driven just 61,000 miles and has been meticulously maintained. It is finished in a dramatic color scheme and features side mounts with correct metal covers, dual spotlights, driving lights, and horns. It rides on 17-inch chrome wire wheels.
In 2009, this Model J Convertible Sedan with coachwork by Bohman and Schwartz was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The lot failed to sell after its reserve was not met.By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
When the car was delivered to Mr. Wrigley, it wore Convertible Victoria coachwork by Rollston. Not satisfied with the design, he had the car restyled with larger doors. It was sent to H.A. Walker in Indianapolis, but the company went bankrupt almost as soon as the car arrived on their premises. It was returned to Wrigley in 1937 and then sent to Bohman and Schwartz in Pasadena, California.
During the Second World War, it was kept in storage at the Wrigley country home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. In February 1946 the car was sold to John Troka of Chicago, along with his other Duesenberg, J 501.
Troka sold the car in March of 1946 to Gerald Meeker of Michigan who then sold it to a noted early Duesenberg collector, Marshall Merkes. It remained in Merkes possession for just seven months before it was sold back to Troka in the fall of 1949. Soon after, it was sold to Mr. Paoli and then passed through two other Midwest collectors, even being displayed in Michigan's Poll Museum, where it remained from 1953 through 1964. From there, it passed through several prominent collectors, eventually coming into the care of Phil and Carol Bray in 1997. The Bray's had the engine rebuilt and was done to the highest of standards.
In the years that followed, the car was awarded CCCA Primary, Senior, and Premier awards, and an ACD Club certified as a Category One Original Car in 1998. It earned a score of 99 3/4 points at the July 1998 Grand Classic. At the Michigan Region CCCA it was presented an award for the most miles driven by a Full Classic.
During this car's existence, it has been driven just 61,000 miles and has been meticulously maintained. It is finished in a dramatic color scheme and features side mounts with correct metal covers, dual spotlights, driving lights, and horns. It rides on 17-inch chrome wire wheels.
In 2009, this Model J Convertible Sedan with coachwork by Bohman and Schwartz was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The lot failed to sell after its reserve was not met.By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
2009 The Scottsdale Auction : Gooding & Company
Lot was not sold
1931 Duesenberg Model J Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Duesenberg Model J
(Data based on Model Year 1931 sales)
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham Chassis#: 2440 Sold for USD$1,710,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan by LeBaron Sold for USD$1,050,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Arlington Sedan Chassis#: 2187 Sold for USD$857,500 2022 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham Chassis#: 2464 Sold for USD$3,415,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Roadster 'Green Hornet' Chassis#: 2410 Sold for USD$1,650,000 2021 RM Sothebys : Hershey | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Limousine by Willoughby Chassis#: 2438 Sold for USD$451,000 2019 RM Sothebys : Hershey | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Custom Berline Chassis#: 2371 Sold for USD$506,000 2019 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale, Arizona | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J SWB Sport Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2486 Sold for USD$1,320,000 2018 Worldwide Auctioneers : Pacific Grove Auction | |
1931 Duesenberg II Dual Cowl Phaeton Sold for USD$134,750 2016 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham Chassis#: 2468 Sold for USD$1,320,000 2016 RM Sotheby's : Monterey | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Phaeton in the Style of Tourster Sold for USD$265,000 2015 Auctions America - Auburn Fall | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham Chassis#: 2456 Sold for USD$825,000 2013 RM Auctions - Amelia Island | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2350 Sold for USD$462,000 2013 Gooding and Company - The Amelia Island Auction | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham Chassis#: 2440 Sold for USD$1,320,000 2013 RM Auctions - Arizona | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Dual Windshield ‘Barrelside' Phaeton by LeBaron Chassis#: 2318 Sold for USD$1,292,500 2012 RM Auctions - Hershey, PA | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Long-Wheelbase Limousine Chassis#: 2438 Sold for USD$330,000 2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2363 Sold for USD$693,000 2010 RM Auctions - Sports & Classics of Monterey | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster Chassis#: J444 Sold for USD$1,485,000 2007 RM Auctions - The McMullen Collection | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster Sold for USD$378,000 2007 The Florida Collector Car Auction | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Special Phaeton Chassis#: 2189 Sold for USD$2,640,000 2006 The Otis Chandler Collection Auction |
Duesenberg Model Js That Failed To Sell At Auction
1931 Duesenberg Model J's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan Coachwork by Carrosserie Franay | 2465 | 2024 Bonhams : The Scottsdale Auction | |||
1931 Duesenberg Model J | 2009 Automobiles of Arizona | $600,000 | $900,000 | $1,200,000 | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J | 2009 The Scottsdale Auction : Gooding & Company | ||||
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster | J206 | 2006 RM Auctions at Meadow Brook | $430,000 | $350,000 | $500,000 |
1931 Duesenberg J104 Convertible Victoria | 2004 The Florida Collector Car Auction | $425,000 | |||
1931 Duesenberg Model J Conv. Victoria | 2003 Vintage Motor Cars at Amelia Island | $450,000 | |||
1931 Duesenberg Model J Sedan | 2003 Vintage Motor Cars at Amelia Island | $280,000 | |||
1931 DUESENBERG TORPEDO PHAETON | 2319 | 2001 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN | $410,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $1,045,602 range.
1998 RUF BTR Chassis#:W09TD0364WPR06013 Sold for $1,050,000 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S Coachwork by Bertone Chassis#:4124 Sold for $1,037,077 2024 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde a Paris | |
2021 Ford GT Carbon Series Sold for $1,055,500 2023 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1937 LAGONDA LG45 RAPIDE Chassis#:12245/G10S Sold for $1,055,500 2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
2011 Ferrari 599 GTO Chassis#:ZFF70RCA0B0183377 Sold for $1,039,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1936 Hispano-Suiza J12 d'Ieteren Frères Cabriolet Chassis#:13033 Sold for $1,050,000 2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#:189.010.7500563 Sold for $1,050,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#:198.042.8500277 Sold for $1,040,093 2023 RM Sothebys : Villa Erba | |
2021 Ford GT Chassis#:2FAGP9DW4MH200013 Sold for $1,050,000 2023 Broad Arrow Group : Amelia Island | |
2020 Ford GT Carbon Series Chassis#:2FAGP9DW8LH100186 Sold for $1,050,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | |
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan by LeBaron Sold for $1,050,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Sold for $1,045,000 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Chassis#:198.042.7500570 Sold for $1,039,000 2022 Bonhams : The Quail Auction | |
2020 Ford GT MkII Chassis#:FPMMMK11012 Sold for $1,045,000 2022 Mecum : Monterey | |
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Chassis#:CSX 2547 Sold for $1,050,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Drophead Coupe by Lancefield Chassis#:169317 Sold for $1,050,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1991 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Lightweight Chassis#:964018 Sold for $1,050,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | |
1966 SHELBY 427 COBRA Chassis#:CSX 3192 Sold for $1,050,000 2022 Gooding & Company : Amelia Island Auction | |
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#:198.042.8500137 Sold for $1,035,821 2022 RM Sothebys : Paris | |
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#:198.042.10.002899 Sold for $1,043,753 2021 RM Sothebys : St. Moritz, Switzerland |
1931 Duesenberg Model J
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