Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sotheby's Santa
Monica event, June 24, 2017.
Estimate:
$800,000 - $950,000 US
Offered from a prominent private collection
A superlative California Duesenberg; bodied and delivered in
Pasadena
Numerous unique, one-off original features; period updates by
Bohman & Schwartz
Formerly of the Richard Gold collection; five owners from new
Fully correct, pure, and numbers-matching
ACD Club Certified Category 1 (D-052)
While golfing one day at Pebble Beach, Singer sewing machine heir
Arthur K. Bourne spotted one of the first Duesenberg Model Js,
destined for the Los Angeles Salon. Deeply impressed, he became one
of the first to order one of the new cars. Its convertible berline
body was created by the Pasadena coachbuilders Murphy, under the
supervision of designer George McQueery, who subsequently delivered
the car to Bourne and received a fifty dollar gold piece for his
trouble.
Bourne specified several unique features for his Model J, including
a full-size home radio installed in the back of the front seat, a
secret compartment under the driver's seat for stowing valuables,
and Mercedes-Benz-style Zeiss headlights, geared to turn with the
front wheels. The wealthy playboy also equipped the car with a
police siren, which remains present today. Undoubtedly it came in
handy for clearing Los Angeles traffic!
The Model J was modified for Bourne in 1934 by Bohman & Schwartz
with lowered, skirted fenders, a metal trunk, redesigned running
boards, and a long radiator to accommodate mountain and desert
driving. In this form, the car was enjoyed by its owner until 1947,
then stored until 1959, when it was sold to second owner George
Boellert of Nebraska. Boellert noted that the car had 66,001 miles
and new tires, and required only a battery and water in the
radiator to be driven away.
Boellert retained the Duesenberg until 1979. Following brief
ownership in Kansas, it was acquired in 1980 by Classic Car Club of
America charter member and future president, Richard Gold of
Minnesota. Mr. Gold wrote ravishingly of the car in the March 1983
issue of The Classic Car, noting that it was still remarkably
original. It remained with his family for over three decades,
before being sold into the good care of its current owner in
Southern California, with whom it has been with ever since.
This wonderful California Duesenberg has never been fully restored,
only cosmetically refinished as-needed over the years, and retains
its original chassis, engine, firewall, and body, as-delivered in
1929. Furthermore, it has been awarded Category One Certification
by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club. It is offered today to only its
sixth fortunate owners, who can enjoy a truly unique Murphy-bodied
Model J, treasured since new.
Addendum:
Please note this vehicle is being sold title in transit
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/.
