Vehicle Description
Brothers Fred and August Duesenberg are heroic figures in the
annals of automotive history. With the guidance and financial
backing of E.L. Cord, they created a masterpiece of engineering and
the archetypal American Classic Era automobile, the Duesenberg
Model J. The Model J was far and away the fastest, most potent, and
most technologically advanced automobile money could buy in the
early 1930s and the best examples can be worth millions of dollars
today. Often with iconic collector cars, demand is far higher than
the finite supply, and values become so great that cars rarely see
use on the road. As a solution, enthusiasts turned to authentic
replicas that recreate the experience of the original, while being
safer, readily serviced, or available at a more manageable price
point - whatever the motivation may be. We are not talking about
frequently dubious kit cars; rather, examples of genuinely
authentic copies that have become collectible in their own right.
Sports cars like the Beck Porsche, ERA Cobra, and Ostermeier
Gullwing offer up similar thills of the original in a usable
package that can often be difficult to differentiate from the
genuine article. When it comes to pre-war American classics,
however, beautiful recreations become scarce. Their larger size and
exposed chassis make it challenging to get the proportions right
using modern components. Glenn Pray was one of the few to
successfully recreate the looks and dimensions of a 1930s classic
with his Auburn recreations from the 1970s, and the Duesenberg II
also came close with their beautifully-built Ford-based
continuations, yet rarely do we see similar creations today. In the
early 2000s, the owner of a genuine Duesenberg Model J had the idea
to build a thoroughly modern, usable, and road-worthy tribute to
one of the most desirable of all Model Js: The disappearing top
roadster by Murphy. Of course, nothing even close to what he
envisioned existed in the market, so he enlisted the help of the
experienced designer and prototype builder Steve Pasteiner of
Michigan-based Advanced Automotive Technologies to build his vision
from the ground up. Mr. Pasteiner worked as a designer for General
Motors for 22 years, ultimately rising to the position of Assistant
Chief Designer for the Buick and Chevrolet divisions. He founded
AAT as a prototyping and fabrication shop to serve the Detroit auto
industry, producing numerous one-off show vehicles and other
special projects. Pasteiner was passionate about Classic Era
automobiles, and many of his designs reflected that - making him
the ideal candidate to create this unique homage to the legendary
Duesenberg J. The question of scale was one of the earliest
obstacles to overcome. A Duesenberg J is a big car, with a tall
radiator and a standard wheelbase of 142.5 inches. Finding a
platform large and robust enough was the first challenge. The
solution came in the form of a 1-ton Ford E350 van, which had a
suitably strong chassis, and importantly for the designers, the
"Twin I-Beam" front axle which conveniently mimicked the look of
the original Model J's solid beam axle. AAT used abrand newE350 as
their basis, stripping it down to a bare frame as the first order
of business. It was then narrowed, and the rear cut off and
replaced with a custom-built section that incorporated the Ford
axle on a bespoke four-link setup with air ride springs. Using an
original Lycoming twin-cam inline-eight was not a viable option, so
the team utilized the E350's existing Triton V10, which makes over
300 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The engine and transmission
were moved more than a foot rearward, to accommodate the
long-bonnet proportions of the design. With the mechanical spec
set, the next order of business was to create the body. Using the
Murphy Roadster as inspiration, the team at AAT crafted a gorgeous,
authentically detailed body out of fiberglass and steel and
finished it in a striking combination of metallic silver and medium
gray, with subtle red striping. The paint quality is simply
outstanding and reflects the meticulous care paid to every aspect
of this build. Details include dual side-mount spares with
body-color covers, a functional rumble seat, suitably large
period-correct headlamps, dual Trippe lights, and "STOP" lights
with LED bulbs for safety. The quality of the coachwork is revealed
in the impressively solid action of the doors, the even panel gaps,
and thoughtful details like the piano-hinged covers over the side
windows. While the body is true to scale and form of the original
Murphy roadster, Steve Pasteiner took some artistic liberties with
the detailing that give this car its unique identity. Most notable
are the 20-inch custom billet wheels wrapped in black-wall
Excelsior tires, which combine with the adjustable air-ride
suspension to provide an aggressive stance. The stunning interior
features gorgeous red leather seats and door panels, accented with
gray carpets and a body-color dash. The level of quality is worthy
of the show floor at the Detroit Auto Show or the concours field
alike. The removable hardtop is lined in red Alcantara, and it fits
snugly against the windows. An array of gauges by Classic
Instruments sit in a polished, engine-turned alloy fascia,
balancing contemporary style and function with timeless classic
looks. Modern equipment includes power windows, air conditioning,
full sound system, and controls for the air ride suspension, all
subtly integrated to keep the cabin on-theme. Ford's big petrol V10
is a highly capable engine designed for extreme duty, yet it isn't
necessarily the prettiest thing in standard form. So the designers
worked around this by creating a bespoke cowling that allows for
serviceability and cooling, and finished it in body colors to give
the engine bay a clean and smooth look. In the interest of
proportions and chassis balance, the engine sits nearly a foot
further back in the frame, and custom fabricated cooling pipes are
used to connect it to the radiator. Aside from the cold-air intake,
the V10 is primarily stock, paired with the original automatic
transmission. Power steering, power disc brakes from the E350, and
air conditioning remain in place for ease of operation in all
conditions. With the car showing just over 800 miles from new,
everything looks fresh and impeccably clean under the hood. This
astonishing Duesenberg is a rare example of modern technology and
Classic Era style blending seamlessly into one. Designed and built
by a talented and experienced team, this fabulous automobile
cruises effortlessly and is suitable for long-distance touring,
show, or casual weekend drives, and is sure to draw a crowd
wherever it takes its next owner. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6546-2007-duesenberg-model-j-murphy-roadster/