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The most well-known design from California coachbuilder Walter M. Murphy on a Duesenberg Model J chassis is the Disappearing Top Convertible Coupe, about 25 of which were made. However, the Disappearing Top Torpedo Convertible Coupe, with its boattail rear deck, is considered to be the pinnacle of Murphy's work on the Duesenberg chassis. Six were built, each one slightly different. It combined the standard Convertible Coupe's lines with the flowing tapered rear deck of a 'boattail' speedster, often finished in bare aluminum that extended forward through the beltline and down the center of the car's cowl.
This car was the first of six similar models, originally built with a rumble seat for what must have been an exciting ride! It was sold new to David Gray of Santa Barbara, California, an early investor of Henry Ford who, in 1919, sold his stock back to Mr. Ford for $26 million - and lived extremely comfortably for the remainder of his life. By the late 1940s, the Duesenberg had passed through several Southern California owners, including Motor Trend columnist Robert J. Gottlieb. The car was first restored in the early 1990s. The current owner has just completed a detailed restoration, returning the car to its original polished and brushed aluminum body with dark blue fenders.
This car was the first of six similar models, originally built with a rumble seat for what must have been an exciting ride! It was sold new to David Gray of Santa Barbara, California, an early investor of Henry Ford who, in 1919, sold his stock back to Mr. Ford for $26 million - and lived extremely comfortably for the remainder of his life. By the late 1940s, the Duesenberg had passed through several Southern California owners, including Motor Trend columnist Robert J. Gottlieb. The car was first restored in the early 1990s. The current owner has just completed a detailed restoration, returning the car to its original polished and brushed aluminum body with dark blue fenders.
2021 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $3,500,000-USD $4,000,000
Sale Price :
USD $5,725,000
2016 RM Sothebys : Arizona
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $3,000,000-USD $3,500,000
Sale Price :
USD $3,000,000
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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