For Sale: 1931 Duesenberg Model J in Saint Louis, Missouri

The New York Auto Salon held on December 1, 1928, marked a momentous occasion in motoring history, with the unveiling of the show-stopping Duesenberg Model J. As E.L. Cord's latest acquisition, Duesenberg Automobile and Motors Co. put on a tour de force of engineering, centered on a 420-cubic inch inline eight-cylinder engine, built by Cord subsidiary Lycoming. The engine had race-proven technology including twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, producing an astonishing 265 horsepower in naturally aspirated form - or a mighty 320 horsepower when fitted with the optional supercharger. Astounding figures for 1928! Handling all that power was an overbuilt chassis with revolutionary hydraulic drum brakes and fully automatic chassis lubrication operating every 30-60 miles. The Model J far and above the fastest, most exclusive, and most expensive car in America, able to vanquish virtually anything that came its way.
Unfortunately for Duesenberg, the entry price of nearly $10,000 for a chassis alone came at a time of worsening economic conditions. So, despite the hype, sales topped off at just 481 cars in total - well short from E.L. Cord's ambitious, and likely unrealistic, goal of 500 vehicles per year.
Much like its competitors, Duesenberg buyers were sold a compete rolling chassis, while bodies were offered either via the house LaGrande label (produced by Union City Body Company), or by any number of outside coachbuilders. Independent firms including LeBaron, Murphy, and Judkins offered a number of different catalogue styles from stately limousines to rakish convertibles and were always ready to accommodate special requests for unique coachwork.
LeBaron Carrosserie was one of the most prolific producers of Duesenberg J bodies producing some 40 bodies and earning an enviable reputation for exceptional quality. In fact, when choosing a name for its in-house body catalogue, A-C-D management chose the phonetically similar "LaGrande" deliberately playing on LeBaron's reputation.
Chassis 2189, engine J-168, is a short-chassis car, featuring a stunning example of LeBaron's coachbuilding mastery. Known as the Special Phaeton, this unique dual-cowl design has a markedly rakish profile, with beautifully flowing fenders, unadorned body sides, angled front door line, and a laid-back windshield. The close-coupled treatment in the rear accentuates the length of the hood, giving the sensation of speed even when sitting still.
According to marque historian and author Fred Roe, J-168/2189 was completed in late 1930 and initially fitted with a Derham four-door sedan body. Just a few months later, the Derham body was replaced with this spectacular LeBaron Special Phaeton ahead of its debut at the 1931 New York Auto Salon. Unique features of this body include a beautiful, steeply raked split windscreen and slash-cut front doors with hidden hinges all around. The first registered owner is known to be Bob McEldowney of Pennsylvania, followed closely by John Troka - a known early collector and prolific dealer of Duesenberg cars - who acquired it in the late 1930s, and who sold it to Walter Kerner of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Approximately a decade later, J-168/2189 was in the hands of Bob Robertson, who, undoubtedly appreciating the car's importance, reportedly performed a cosmetic restoration. Thankfully, the car survived scrap drives of World War II, and Robertson sold it back to Troka in 1949. Troka performed some engine work at that time, fitting the cylinder block, head, and crankshaft from J-352, but had the foresight to retain the original numbered J-168 bell housing assembly. The car changed hands through various enthusiasts over the years, remaining well-loved and appreciated for its significance. In 1993, it was treated to a full restoration while in the care of renowned collector Jack Passey. In 1999, J-168/2189 joined one of the world's finest car collections, that of Otis Chandler. Following the dispersal of the Chandler collection in 2006, the LeBaron Special Phaeton was acquired by another world-renowned collector and enthusiast, Maj. Gen. William Lyon, and it has remained in the Lyon Family Collection through today.
Sporting a beautifully preserved older restoration, the LeBaron Special Phaeton body looks splendid in its metallic champagne, accented with burgundy on the chassis, fenders, and cockpit surround. Accessories are minimized allowing the clean lines to speak for themselves. Fittings include typical fare such as dual side mount spares, cowl lamps, chrome horns, and a trunk rack. Chrome wire wheels with whitewall tires punctuate the already sparkling presence. The interior is trimmed in creme leather and the beige canvas top complements the champagne paintwork quite nicely.
While the restoration was done some time ago, J-168 has been lovingly maintained by previous owners and remains well suited for concours display or touring. It was entered in the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, completing Thursday's Tour d'Elegance, and going on to score 3rd in the Duesenberg class (Class G) - an impressive showing which demonstrates the integrity of its restoration. Retaining its original chassis, bellhousing and firewall, it also wears a CCCA National First Prize badge and is widely eligible for tours and concours events.
The Duesenberg J represents the pinnacle of American Classic Era� automobiles, and superb examples continue to rank highly among a wide swath of collectors. Chassis 2189, with its striking, unique LeBaron coachwork has been proudly maintained in some of America's finest collections and is now ready assume the role of centerpiece in virtually any stable.

Offers welcome and trades considered.