1929 Duesenberg J For Sale in St Louis, MO, 2146376814 Tweet

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 Auburns fortunes with the vision of creating a motoring empire with the worlds 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 worlds 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 Duesenbergs superlative standards). Some 55 years ago this cars 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 companys uncompromising standards of excellence. The company founded by Walter Murphy a nephew of one of Henry Fords original backers was originally the Californian dealership for the mighty Simplex automobile later adding Lincoln and Duesenberg to its list of agencies.Murphys 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 Europes 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 Americas 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 cars meticulous preparation led to an invitation to the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance. Following a trouble-free run in the pre-show Tour dElegance 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 consideredFor additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7793-1929-duesenberg-j-murphy-convertible-sedan/