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1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Clear Vision Sedan

When Duesenberg unveiled the spectacular Model J at the 1929 New York Auto Salon, a disappearing top roadster by Murphy was one of the three cars shown. The Murphy design proved popular with Duesenberg buyers and cemented a relationship between the Pasadena, California, coachbuilder and the Indianapolis super luxury car builder that would result in approximately 25% of the Model J Duesenbergs built being equipped with Murphy bodies.

Frank S. Spring, Murphy's design director in the late 1920s, had lived in France and brought 'Clear Vision' design to America, adapting it from Salon cars he'd seen overseas. The concept placed thin pillars at the windshield and doors to enhance driver visibility, while also providing a pleasingly light, airy appearance.

Three Duesenberg Clear Vision sedans were built by Murphy with a 6-window body featuring a styled rear quarter window shape. This contributed to an especially racy appearance. The belt line was accented with polished aluminum, which, combined with the steeply raked (for the time), thin-pillar windshield, further emphasized the sleek lines. The list price was $13,500. This Clear Vision Sedan features optional chrome wheels and bands for the side-mounted spares that compliment the body's polished aluminum accents.
Clark Gable and Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes, and Jay Paul Getty - how's that for a list of customers? From the roaring twenties through most of the thirties, the Duesenberg Model J was the choice of movie stars, millionaires, magnates, and royalty. Both huge and elegant, its chassis flaunted long, swept wings and oversized bumpers, scuttle and dashboard, bonnet, and grille. Only the Depression could ground such a dream car. Back in the days when a Model T Ford sold for $300, a Duesenberg chassis alone went for a whopping $9,000. The last Duesy was made in 1937, a final gasp from an earlier era of wealth and excess. This Clear Vision Sedan is one of six originally built and one of five known to still exist. The 420-cubic inch inline eight-cylinder engine, with four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts, develops 265 horsepower. The chassis rides on a wheelbase of 142.5 inches.

No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.

1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Duesenberg Model J Murphy

(Data based on Model Year 1931 sales)
1931 DUESENBERG MODEL J DISAPPEARING-TOP CONVERTIBLE COUPE
Chassis#: 2365
Sold for USD$2,645,000
  2024 Gooding : Amelia Island Concours
 
1931 Duesenberg Model J 'Disappearing Top' Convertible Coupe by Murphy
Chassis#: 2414
Sold for USD$4,295,000
  2023 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island
1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  
1931 DUESENBERG MODEL J CONVERTIBLE SEDAN
Chassis#: 2153
Sold for USD$2,205,000
  2023 Gooding & Company : Amelia Island Auction
1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan
Chassis#: 2363
Sold for USD$880,000
  2016 Auctions America : Auburn Fall
 
1931 Duesenberg Model J 'Disappearing Top' Convertible Coupe by Murphy
Chassis#: 2414
Sold for USD$3,520,000
  2015 RM Sotheby's : The Andrews Collection
1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  
1931 Duesenberg Model J Long-Wheelbase Coupe
Chassis#: 2478
Sold for USD$10,340,000
  2011 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions
1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  
1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy
Sold for USD$2,640,000
  2008 Automobiles of Amelia Island, RM Auctions
1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy image  
1931 DUESENBERG J MURPHY CONVERTIBLE COUPE
Sold for USD$632,500
  2001 Barrett-Jackson - Scottsdale 2001
 

Duesenberg Model J Murphys That Failed To Sell At Auction

1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
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1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy

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