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Introduced in the fall of 1928, the Model J Duesenberg boasted a four-valve-per-cylinder straight-eight engine that produced more than twice the horsepower of its nearest competitor. This particular Murphy Sports Sedan was featured at the San Francisco Auto Show in 1929. Original projections called for the production of 500 Model Js in its first run. No one foresaw the stock market crash of October 1929 that triggered 'The Great Depression' and the effect it would have on the luxury car market. A second production run never occurred and it took nearly 10 years to sell the 480 autos built.
Duesenberg went out of business in 1937 and, without question, is the single most sought-after collector car in America today.
This 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe has coachwork by Walter M. Murphy and carries chassis number 2198, engine number J179, and body number 824. It is powered by a 420 cubic-inch Dual Overhead Camshaft engine with Schebler Duplex Dual 1.5-inch Throat Carburetor. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and 265 horsepower available. The vehicle rests on a 142.5-inch wheelbase. It was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction where it was one of the highlights of the auction.
Its first owner was James L. and Olive D. Robers of Schenectady, NY. The vehicle was ordered on July 17th of 1929 making it one of the earlier Model J's to be ordered. The vehicle was ready a month later and the Roberts traveled to Indianapolis to take delivery. The car remained in their possession for twenty years, until 1949 when it passed to its next owner, John W. Howell III. Ownership quickly changed again, passing to Ethan Allen. Mr. Allen had some minor mechanical work done on the vehicle and kept it in his possession for the next thirty-five years.
In 1998 a complete mechanical restoration was commissioned. It is an Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Level 1 car, meaning that it still retains its original chassis, engine, and body.
In the front of the vehicle is a single Pilot-Ray driving light. Behind the light is a black honeycomb radiator without grille bars or slate. There are dual mounted side spare tires with side mirrors mounted on them. The interior has matching blue upholstered seats and blue carpets.
At auction, the car found a new owner, selling for $902,000.By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2012
Duesenberg went out of business in 1937 and, without question, is the single most sought-after collector car in America today.
This 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe has coachwork by Walter M. Murphy and carries chassis number 2198, engine number J179, and body number 824. It is powered by a 420 cubic-inch Dual Overhead Camshaft engine with Schebler Duplex Dual 1.5-inch Throat Carburetor. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and 265 horsepower available. The vehicle rests on a 142.5-inch wheelbase. It was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction where it was one of the highlights of the auction.
Its first owner was James L. and Olive D. Robers of Schenectady, NY. The vehicle was ordered on July 17th of 1929 making it one of the earlier Model J's to be ordered. The vehicle was ready a month later and the Roberts traveled to Indianapolis to take delivery. The car remained in their possession for twenty years, until 1949 when it passed to its next owner, John W. Howell III. Ownership quickly changed again, passing to Ethan Allen. Mr. Allen had some minor mechanical work done on the vehicle and kept it in his possession for the next thirty-five years.
In 1998 a complete mechanical restoration was commissioned. It is an Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Level 1 car, meaning that it still retains its original chassis, engine, and body.
In the front of the vehicle is a single Pilot-Ray driving light. Behind the light is a black honeycomb radiator without grille bars or slate. There are dual mounted side spare tires with side mirrors mounted on them. The interior has matching blue upholstered seats and blue carpets.
At auction, the car found a new owner, selling for $902,000.By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2012
2006 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction
Sale Price :
USD $902,000
2004 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $800,000-USD $950,000
Sale Price :
USD $787,500
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 |
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1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy
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