Vehicle Description
Late in the 1920s, Duesenberg was struggling as an automobile
manufacturer. Their stellar reputation on the track had not
translated into the sales success they hoped for, and now their
only offering, the Model A, was getting long in the tooth. A new
model would have solved their problems, yet sales of one or two
cars a week didn't produce the funds to develop a replacement. Fred
and August Duesenberg needed a savior if they hoped to continue
their dream of creating America's finest automobile. Thankfully, a
savior came in the form of Errett Lobban Cord. He had already
transformed moribund Auburn's fortunes and envisioned a motoring
empire with a glamorous flagship. It was the perfect match, as Cord
could essentially buy an established reputation for engineering
excellence, and the Duesenberg Brothers finally got the resources
to develop the cars they were capable of producing. In 1926, E.L.
Cord purchased the Duesenberg Motors Company and reincorporated it
as Duesenberg, Inc. Cord installed Fred Duesenberg as Chief
Engineer, and the two quickly set to work designing their vision of
the world's most prestigious automobile. The result of their
efforts, the much-lauded Model J, first appeared on the show
circuit in the fall of 1928, with production cars reaching the
first customers about a year later. With its powerful, 420
cubic-inch, twin-overhead cam inline eight-cylinder engine, the
Model J debuted as the fastest, most expensive and most exclusive
car in America. Only the best coachwork would suit the spectacular
machine, and the work of Willoughby, LeBaron, Murphy, Franay,
Gurney Nutting and many others graced the Duesenberg J chassis.
While a variety of coachbuilders created bodies for the Model J,
the shape of the iconic radiator grille and numerous other details
came from the pen of Gordon Buehrig. One of the twentieth century's
most influential and prolific industrial designers, his work for
Duesenberg included a number of bodies offered through the factory
catalog. Business moguls, Hollywood stars, and royalty would all
clamor for a chance to be seen in the stunning new Duesenberg. The
Model J and its derivatives would go on to become the Gold Standard
of the Classic Era, and one of the most influential collector cars
of all time. One of the most distinctive and stylish of Buehrig's
designs is featured here on car number J-354, one of just two Model
Js fitted with the fabulous and sporting Victoria Coupe coachwork.
Built atop a short-wheelbase chassis and realized in the metal by
Judkins Company of Merrimac, Massachusetts, this coupe counts among
the sportiest of closed Duesenbergs and it was one that Mr. Buehrig
was particularly proud. He achieved the breathtaking proportions by
utilizing the short, 142.5-inch wheelbase chassis, and adopting a
unique seating arrangement. Alongside the driver's seat was a small
jump seat, with a two-passenger bench and built-in hat box in the
rear. There are subtle differences between the two Victoria Coupes
built by Judkins (J-333 and J-354). Buehrig described J-354 in his
autobiography "Rolling Sculpture," and this is the only one of the
two that incorporates all of the features of his original design,
such as the folding front jump seat. Marque experts have thoroughly
documented the history of J-354. Sold new in September 1932, the
first owner was Mortimer Warren Loewi, a successful New York
financier who supported the development of America's earliest
television networks. Mr. Loewi enjoyed his $14,750 Duesenberg for
only a short period before selling it to Hilton Motors of New York
in August of 1934. The second owner is believed to be C.M. Peele,
who also traded it back Hilton Motors in relatively short order.
S.F. Williams then bought J-354 and kept it until 1943, selling it
to Norvin T. Harris, an officer in the United States Army. Harris
enthusiastically drove the Duesenberg from New York to his home in
Louisiana. When he was deployed to fight in World War II, he stored
the car at Camp Claiborne (or possibly Camp Polk). In 1949, the
magnificent Duesenberg resurfaced at a used car lot in Harris' home
town of New Orleans, where it was snapped up by Dr. R.B. Dunham of
Corpus Christi, Texas. Dr. Dunham kept the car for a few years
before it traded to fellow Texan David Pennington. A noted
Duesenberg enthusiast and ex-fighter pilot, Pennington owned
several examples over the years. At least one historical record
suggests he swapped the engine with that from J-223, a
LeBaron-bodied Sweep Panel Phaeton which he also owned. However, it
is important to note that at some point they were swapped back, as
this car's bell housing and crankshaft carry number 354. In 1954,
Dave McGahey of Texas bought the Victoria Coupe, keeping it for
nearly 30 years. He did a light restoration, noted as "ongoing" in
Fred Roe's 1982 book Duesenberg: The Pursuit of Perfection. By the
time it sold to Frank Kleptz of Terre Haute, Indiana, J-354 was
ready for a complete, nut and bolt restoration. A noted collector
and restorer, Kleptz was a successful businessman and a beloved
character in the classic car world. He set to work restoring the
car to his typically high standard, taking well over a decade to
complete. Though still unfinished, the first public appearance was
at the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg National Reunion in 1994. It appeared
in 1996 (this time completed) and again in 2001 and 2002. Shortly
after the restoration, J-354 was photographed for a feature in the
book Duesenberg by Dennis Adler. Following Frank Kleptz's passing,
stewardship of J-354 fell to his son David, and since 2015 this
spectacular Victoria coupe has been a cherished part of the Hyman
Ltd collection, receiving expert care and maintenance since its
arrival. Following its acquisition, it went to renowned specialist
Brian Joseph of Classic and Exotic Service in Troy, Michigan.
There, it received a comprehensive freshening, update, and detail.
While the restoration was still quite beautiful, Joseph and his
team went bumper to bumper to ensure every nut, bolt, and fastener
was scrutinized and absolutely correct for modern concours
standards. More recently, the chrome wheels were restored at
considerable expense by the award-winning experts Brightworks of
Piqua, Ohio. The same no-expense-spared approach was taken to dial
in the car mechanically for dependable running. The engine now
features high-strength Carrillo rods, and the rear axle is updated
with high-speed gears. It runs beautifully, delivering astonishing
performance for a Classic Era automobile. Aside from its mechanical
upgrades, the only deviation from the original spec is the addition
of a marvelous period-correct Crosley radio fitted by Kleptz in the
rear compartment. Finished in elegantly judged hues, with a unique
straw-colored relief treatment on the doors and complementary
upholstered roof, Duesenberg J-354 presents today in gorgeous
condition. It has received the finest in expert care while also
being thoroughly enjoyed on numerous tours, events, concours, and
casual weekend drives. Highlights of its exploits during its time
with Hyman Ltd include a coveted Rolex Award at the 2015 Amelia
Island Concours d'Elegance. Also, it won Best in Show (Elegance) at
the 2018 Milwaukee Concours d'Elegance, participated in the 2017
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Tour d'Elegance, and won
awards at the Hilton Head Concours, St. Johns, San Marino Concours,
Boca Raton Concours, and the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club festival.
It performed flawlessly on two recent Duesenberg Tours and
continues to be enjoyed on casual weekend drives. There is no
question that this is one of the best driving and most enjoyable
Model J Duesenbergs on the market today. As a testament to the
quality of the original ...for more information please contact the
seller.
