1933 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Convertible Victoria

J-384 is a Torpedo Convertible Victoria with coachwork by Rollston. It was built on a 142.5-inch 'short' wheelbase for E.T. Foley in St. Paul, Minnesota. It has a unique mechanically operated top mechanism, a design that was created for this car and later applied to some Walker-built LaGrande convertible coupés. The top is operated by a crank. The blind quarter top folds completely into a top boot compartment behind the rear seats giving an unobstructed window sill line when lowered. There is an enclosed luggage area that is accommodated below the extended rear deck with a trunk rack behind it.

This car was originally fitted with non-skirted front fenders and flared rear fenders on 19-inch wheels. At some point in its history, the design was updated with teardrop rear fenders as well as smaller wheels.

By the early 1940s, the car was in Texas. In June 1952, it was purchased by James L. Sewell of Dallas. Sewell had it restored and the color changed to red by Joe Lalande. At that time the original engine, J-384, was swapped for J-361. The car was later donated to the San Antonio Museum Association where it was displayed for many years with little use. In 1994 it was sold in an inoperative condition and later treated to a restoration by RM Restorations in Canada, returning it to its original non-skirted fender configuration with chrome wire wheels and liveried in black with burgundy leather upholstery and interior trim following original documents. The original engine, J-384 which had been kept as a spare by a Texas collector, was reunited with the car at the same time.

Following its restoration, it was awarded a Classic Car Club of America National First Prize in 1996. It was displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1996 and earned its CCCA Senior Award in 1999.

Sid Craig purchased the car in 1999.

In 2009, the car was offered for sale by Bonhams at the Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia at the Quail Lodge Resort in Carmel, CA. The car was sold for $1,437,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2009