1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton

This 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline has coachwork by LeBaron that is fitted on chassis number 2127 and powered by engine number J-103. This vehicle was sent to the Canadian Duesenberg dealer named William C. (Billy) Van Horne. It was an early Model J example and one of the more photographed car of the 1929 Duesenberg model-line. When Van Horne took possession of the car, it was fitted with a Holbrook seven-passenger limousine body. This Duesenberg, along with three other Model J's, were the only ones sent to the Canadian market. Van Horne had showrooms in Toronto and Montreal but was unable to find willing and capable buyers to part with the tremendous sum of money required to own one of the most elegant and expensive vehicles of all time.

J103 was later sold to a Canadian named William Christie, grandson of the founder of the Christie Cookie Company. In 1931 the car was traded at a Cadillac Dealership and later resold to a Toronto businessman named Arnold Burke. While in Burke's care, the car was shipped back to the Duesenberg factory where it was fitted with the LeBaron Convertible Berline Body, which it retains today.

Burke cared for the car until 1957 when ownership passed to Alan Thurn. Thurn was a resident of Pennsylvania and a collector of Duesenbergs. After just two years, the car was sold to Canadian Tom Landreth of Galt, Ontario. Landreth had the car restored; upon completion, it was sold to a retired Indian school teacher named Ed Hedges in 1962. Hedges passed away the following year and the car was sold to Al Rodway of Ohio.

The car was sold again in 1969, 1974, and 1978. The 1978 purchaser was Larry and Marvin Kopp who kept the car for nearly ten years. The car received minor updates and restorations and was shown on several occasions. It was awarded its CCCA Senior (badge number 919) in the early 1980s. Ownership passed to George Walthers in 1987 and then to RM Classic Cars in 1996. RM sold the car to Denver collector, Roger Willbanks where it would remain for several years. In 2004 it was traded by RM on another deal and RM later re-sold it to another customer. In 2008 the car was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $900,000 - $1,200,000. The lot was sold for $1,210,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008