Vehicle Description
In the late 1920s, the Duesenberg Brothers' stellar racing record
had not translated into the sales of road cars they hoped for, and
their only model, the Model A was due for replacement. Without the
funds to develop a whole new car, they introduced the stopgap Model
X as they searched for funding. Thankfully, a savior came in the
form of Errett Lobban Cord. He had already transformed moribund
Auburn's fortunes with the vision of creating a motoring empire
with the world's finest automobile as its flagship. Cord found the
perfect match with the Duesenbergs, as he could essentially buy an
established reputation for engineering excellence, while Fred and
August finally got the resources to develop the car of their
dreams. In 1926, E.L. Cord purchased the Duesenberg Motors Company
and reincorporated it as Duesenberg, Inc. Cord then installed Fred
Duesenberg as Chief Engineer, and the two quickly set to work
designing their vision of the world's most prestigious motorcar.
The spectacular 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 was the
fastest, most expensive, and most exclusive car in America. Buyers
demanded the finest coachwork, with Willoughby, LeBaron, Murphy,
Franay, Gurney Nutting and many others granted the opportunity to
grace the Duesenberg J chassis. 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 are
considered the Gold Standard of the Classic Era, standing proudly
among the most influential, significant, and recognizable collector
cars of all time. This car, chassis 2225, is fitted with Murphy
Convertible Sedan bodywork built on the 'short' chassis (which, as
142.5 inches wheelbase, is 'short' only by Duesenberg's superlative
standards). Some 55 years ago this car's original engine, J-204,
was replaced by engine J-355, which came from a Duesenberg formerly
owned by film producer Walter Wanger, maker of such classic movies
as Stagecoach, Foreign Correspondent, and Invasion of the Body
Snatchers. Since Duesenbergs are normally known by their 'J'
numbers, some confusion was caused when engine 204 was fitted in
the ex-Wanger chassis # 2374, another Murphy-bodied car, which
appeared in the 1956 James Dean movie Giant. But the movie
connection is entirely appropriate, for from the early 1920s the
Walter M. Murphy Company of Pasadena, California, had many clients
in the burgeoning movie industry. It bodied more Model J
Duesenbergs than any other custom coachbuilder-around 140 of them,
a remarkable tribute to the company's uncompromising standards of
excellence. The company founded by Walter Murphy, a nephew of one
of Henry Ford's original backers, was originally the Californian
dealership for the mighty Simplex automobile, later adding Lincoln
and Duesenberg to its list of agencies. Murphy's skilled design
staff included such renowned stylists as Franklin Q. Hershey and
Philip Ogden Wright. The Convertible Sedan was among its most
successful designs for the Duesenberg Model J chassis, with some
twenty-five variations on this lithe and elegant theme being
created. This splendid Model J spent much of its life in The
Louwman Museum, one of Europe's most prestigious automobile
museums, where it was lovingly maintained and cared for 24 years.
The Murphy Duesenberg proved a significant draw displayed adjacent
to a Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton, a fitting insight into America's
decadent side during the Depression. In 2011 the museum decided to
part with the Convertible Sedan and the car was sent to the US to
be sold. The Duesenberg briefly resided in a Los Angeles collection
before being purchased by noted collector John Shibles of New
Jersey. Mr. Shibles promptly entrusted it to Steve Babinsky of
Automotive Restorations in Lebanon, NJ for a complete nut and bolt
restoration to exquisite concours standards. Duesenberg J-355
presents in outstanding condition, with concours-quality finishing
and detailing. The stunning livery, with its Dark Green (the color
is actually called "not black") paintwork and contrasting olive
green top, is quite striking. There is a distinct sporting flair
thanks to the black wall Firestone tires and magnificent chrome
wire wheels. The body features dual side-mount spares, beautiful,
polished beltline molding, polished trunk rack and outside exhaust.
Paintwork is suitably exquisite, as is the plating and brightwork.
The beautiful green leather provides a rich contrast to the dark
bodywork. The upholstery is glove-soft and finely trimmed to a high
standard, paired with oatmeal colored carpeting. Interior fittings
are beautiful and exquisitely finished, and the dash features a
full array of instruments - including an altimeter and Jaeger
chronograph - set into the engine-turned alloy panel. Engine and
chassis detailing are up to the same high levels, with plenty of
gorgeous, polished aluminum and the signature bright green paint on
the big twin-cam straight eight. The chassis is fully detailed and
is as impeccably turned out as the rest of this exceptional
motorcar. The car's meticulous preparation led to an invitation to
the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Following a trouble-free
run in the pre-show Tour d'Elegance, it earned the prestigious Best
in Class award. Later that year, it was named Best Duesenberg at
the ACD Festival in Auburn, Indiana, and was invited back to the
Pebble Beach lawn in 2023. The Duesenberg Model J remains an icon
of the Classic Era, revered for its blend of engineering brilliance
and breathtaking design. This beautifully restored Murphy
Convertible Sedan is a testament to the enduring allure of the
marque, offering both timeless elegance and thrilling performance.
It stands ready to impress on the concours lawn or provide an
exhilarating drive on touring events. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7793-1929-duesenberg-j-murphy-convertible-sedan/
