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1933 Duesenberg Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton

When E.L. Cord, President of Auburn Motor Cars purchased control of Duesenberg Inc., of Indianapolis in 1926, he said that, with the assistance of Fred S. Duesenberg, he would build the world's best automobile.

The Model J Duesenberg was powered by an inline eight-cylinder engine with dual, chain-driven overhead camshafts. The engine had a displacement of 420 cubic inches and developed an amazing 265 horsepower. The top speed was 116 miles per hour.

This 1933 Duesenberg sports a dual cowl phaeton body that was designed by Gordon Buehrig in the Duesenberg factory design department and built by the Union City Body Company. The cars that were designed at Duesenberg and built by Union City were given the designation 'La Grande' and were sold by Duesenberg as completed cars, as opposed to most of their sales which were basically chassis that were sent outside to get bodies built, usually at the request of the purchaser.

This example is one of nineteen LaGrande dual cowl phaetons built, fourteen of which were built on the short 142.5-inch wheelbase chassis. It sold for over $18,000 when it was new, about the price of twenty new Fords!

The Duesenberg J has been called the King of Classics, America's Mightiest Motor Car, and the Pursuit of Perfection. It is the ultimate from the Golden Age of motoring.

The LeGrande is one of the most striking bodies ever built by Duesenberg. This example has been treated to a 100-point restoration done over 10 years ago and the Duesy is still very fresh. It is very strong in every respect. It was awarded Best of Class at Meadowbrook this year (2007).

In 2009, this Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas, presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. The lot was estimated to sell for $1,600,000 - $1,800,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot failed to sell after achieving a high bid of $1.25 million.

2021 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $1,000,000-USD $1,250,000 
Sale Price :
USD $1,655,000

2009 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Houston Classic Auction

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $1,600,000-USD $1,800,000 
High Bid (Lot was not sold)
USD $1,250,000

1933 Duesenberg Model J Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Duesenberg Model J

(Data based on Model Year 1933 sales)
1933 DUESENBERG MODEL J 'SWEEP PANEL' DUAL-COWL PHAETON
Chassis#: 2355
Sold for USD$1,655,000
  2021 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction
1933 Duesenberg Model J image  1933 Duesenberg Model J image  
1933 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe Disappearing Top Roadster
Chassis#: 2421
Sold for USD$3,850,000
  2018 Mecum : Monterey
1933 Duesenberg Model J image  1933 Duesenberg Model J image  
1933 Duesenberg Model J Sunroof Berline by Franay
Sold for USD$715,000
  2016 Auctions America : Auburn Fall
1933 Duesenberg Model J image  1933 Duesenberg Model J image  
1933 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe
Chassis#: 2446
Sold for USD$2,695,000
  2013 Gooding and Company - The Scottsdale Auction
1933 Duesenberg Model J image  1933 Duesenberg Model J image  
1933 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Victoria by Rollston
Chassis#: J384
Sold for USD$979,000
  2011 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Amelia Island
1933 Duesenberg Model J image  1933 Duesenberg Model J image  
1933 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Convertible Victoria
Chassis#: 2535
Sold for USD$1,437,000
  2009 Bonhams - Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club
1933 Duesenberg Model J image  1933 Duesenberg Model J image  

Duesenberg Model Js That Failed To Sell At Auction

1933 Duesenberg Model J's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1933 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe24212017 Mecum : Indianapolis$3,000,000  
1933 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe24212017 Mecum : Kissimmee   
1933 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe24212016 Mecum : Monterey$3,600,000  
1933 Duesenberg Model J23552009 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Houston Classic Auction$1,250,000$1,600,000$1,800,000

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1933 Duesenberg Model J

Additional valuation insight and sales data
History
Specifications
Image gallery
Other Duesenberg Model J model years

1933 Duesenberg Model J Vehicle Profiles

1933 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Sedan
Coachwork: Weymann
Designer: Gordon Buehrig
Engine #: J-358
1933 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Town Car
Coachwork: Murphy
Chassis #: 2469
Engine #: J-427
1933 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Berline
Coachwork: Franay
Chassis #: 2385
Engine #: J-365
1933 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Torpedo Convertible Victoria
Coachwork: Rollston & Company
Chassis #: 2535
Engine #: J384
1933 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Victoria
Coachwork: Fernandez & Darrin
Designer: Gordon Buehrig
Chassis #: 2503
Engine #: J-481
1933 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Convertible Coupe
Coachwork: Bohman & Schwartz
Designer: Gordon Buehrig
Chassis #: 2421
Engine #: J-386
1933 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Convertible Sedan Berline
Coachwork: Murphy
Designer: Gordon Buehrig
1933 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Convertible Coupe
Coachwork: Murphy
Chassis #: 2446
Engine #: J-429
1933 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Sports Phaeton
Coachwork: LaGrande
Designer: Gordon Buehrig
1933 Duesenberg Model J vehicle information
Dual-Cowl Phaeton
Coachwork: Union City
Designer: Gordon Buehrig
Chassis #: 2355
Engine #: J-281

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.