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1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe
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Date Posted
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1845
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Wed January 3, 2007
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Price
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Type Listing
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$825,000.00
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Description:
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1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe
Coachwork by the Murphy Body Company
265bhp 420 cu. in. four-cylinder twin overhead camshaft inline eight-cylinder, three-speed transmission, front beam axle, live rear axle and vacuum-assisted four wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 142.5"
RM Auctions is pleased to offer an exceptional example of the classic Murphy roadster at the 2005 Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall Auction.
J194 was sold new by Duesenberg’s New York City factory branch in August of 1929 to William Durant Campbell, at which time it was finished in black with 19 inch chrome wire
wheels. Within a year, on May 23rd of 1930, the car was resold to a banker named E.C. Converse, also of New York City, who commissioned Murphy to repaint the car in sage
green with a red undercarriage.
Later, the car belonged to early Duesenberg enthusiast Bob Roberts, of Los Angeles, California, who apparently had the hood louvers replaced with side screens. According to noted historian Ray Wolff, it was probably during Roberts’ ownership that the car’s firewall was replaced with the one from S/N 2462 (Ex-J449).
By 1935, the car (still sporting its sage green exterior) was being offered by the Cadillac Agency in Palo Alto, California, who sold it to an unknown Chinese businessman in San Francisco. In 1943, Robert Thelin bought the car, keeping it until 1954 before selling it to Harry Rau of Tujunga, California. In the late 1950s, the car went to Rosell Moore of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and then to noted Duesenberg historian Ray Wolff of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, who paid $400 cash plus a 1929 Cadillac Touring, and began the
restoration process.
In October of 1960, Wolff sold J194 to Dr. Rufus Reitzel in Michigan for $5,350. Reitzel became another long-term owner, keeping until he passed away in late 1974 or early 1975. His estate sold the car to Duesenberg dealer Leo Gephardt for $94,000. Over the next two years, the car was traded back and forth between Gephardt and another Duesenberg dealer, Lou Lazarus, before finally selling to Jack Finden, a banker from Topeka, Kansas. Later, Lazarus bought the car back, selling it to Courtland Dietler of Denver, Colorado in June of 1977.
Dietler kept J194 for five years before selling it to David Kerr ofDenver in March of 1982. Kerr resold the car to noted Denver area collector Roger Willbanks in July of 1982. Willbanks sold the car to William E. Schultz of Los Angeles, California in 1984. Schultz kept J194 for a year before selling it to Dick Boeshore of Lebanon, Pennsylvania in 1985, who arranged for the car to be inspected by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club, following which J194 was
awarded a level one certification (D-010). Shortly afterwards, Boeshore resold J194 to Texas billionaire, Jerry J. Moore. The vendor acquired the car from Moore in May of 2004.
Today, J194 presents very well, having acquired a lovely patina since its earlier restoration. The silver and green paintwork is generally quite good, although some minor areas of bubbling are evident on the fenders as well as some chips to door and rumble seat edges. The chrome and brightwork is also quite acceptable, although some pieces show minor rippling and would benefit fromr replating with a higher standard of preparation work.
The lovely dark green leather interior is in as new condition; although the top, probably done at the same time, trimmed in matching leather, shows minor discoloration today and one snap has pulled through. The instrument panel is complete and correct, including the proper and rare original marbled shift knob.
The engine bay detailing is older and shows some evidence of road use since restoration. It is generally quite correct, although some minor parts are of incorrect finish. Similarly, the chassis – while quite clean – shows evidence of use. Notably, J194 is fitted with both Watson Stabilators and hydraulic shock absorbers, as well as the more desirable downdraft carburetion system.
J194 is exceptionally well equipped, having been fitted with external exhaust, twin taillights, twin cowl mounted spotlights, and twin Pilot Ray driving lights. The car is nicely accented with 19 inch chrome wire wheels and whitewall tires.
J194’s wonderful overall condition will provide its new owner with a thoroughly rewarding driving experience, while the car’s continuous history and well-known provenance should ensure that it is also a rewarding automotive investment.
Please note that this vehicle is titled by the engine number.
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Keywords:
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1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe
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(2):
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RM, Meadow Brook
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(3):
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8/6/2005
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;)
;)
;)
