Duesenberg

This Duesenberg (J354) is one of just two short wheelbase Model Js to be fitted with Victoria Coupe coachwork, which was designed by Gordon Buehrig and built by the Judkins Company of Merrimac, Massachusetts. The left armrest of the passenger compartment features a wood veneer box originally intended for hats but later fitted with a then-new-fangled Crosley automobile radio. This compartment very comfortably seats one passenger, but there is a collapsible jump seat alongside the driver for a footman or maid. This Duesenberg was originally delivered in September 1932 to New York financier Mortimer Warren Loewi, who owned it for five years. After passing through many other hands, owner Fred Kleptz restored the car to its original color scheme.
This Duesenberg (J354) is one of just two short wheelbase Model Js to be fitted with Victoria Coupe coachwork, which was designed by Gordon Buehrig and built by the Judkins Company of Merrimac, Massachusetts. The left armrest of the passenger compartment features a wood veneer box originally intended for hats but later fitted with a then-new-fangled Crosley automobile radio. This compartment very comfortably seats one passenger, but there is a collapsible jump seat alongside the driver for a footman or maid. This Duesenberg was originally delivered in September 1932 to New York financier Mortimer Warren Loewi, who owned it for five years. After passing through many other hands, owner Fred Kleptz restored the car to its original color scheme.
In 1933 Duesenberg introduced a more modern and refined version of the great Model J, and this was later called the JN although the company never used that designation. The new chassis was designed to take smaller 17-inch-diameter wheels, skirted fenders, bullet-shaped taillights, and bodies mounted lower on the chassis rails. The first such chassis was bought by actor Clark Gable. This Model JN Rollston Berline was originally sold to Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, the famous Hollywood tap dancer who appeared alongside Will Rogers and Shirley Temple in several films. Robinson later sent the car to Bohman & Schwartz for a few updates, and in the 1950s, after passing through several other owners, the original engine (J559) was replaced and the car received larger Model J wheels. The car was restored to its original configuration in 1970 and has since been carefully maintained. The present owner returned the original engine to the car.
In 1933 Duesenberg introduced a more modern and refined version of the great Model J, and this was later called the JN although the company never used that designation. The new chassis was designed to take smaller 17-inch-diameter wheels, skirted fenders, bullet-shaped taillights, and bodies mounted lower on the chassis rails. The first such chassis was bought by actor Clark Gable. This Model JN Rollston Berline was originally sold to Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, the famous Hollywood tap dancer who appeared alongside Will Rogers and Shirley Temple in several films. Robinson later sent the car to Bohman & Schwartz for a few updates, and in the 1950s, after passing through several other owners, the original engine (J559) was replaced and the car received larger Model J wheels. The car was restored to its original configuration in 1970 and has since been carefully maintained. The present owner returned the original engine to the car.
This Duesenberg (J345) is one of 27 to be fitted with a sporty “Disappearing Top” Convertible Coupe body from famed coachbuilder Walter M. Murphy & Co. It was purchased by an underworld figure who met an untimely end, then it passed to a prominent bootlegger, who gave it to his business partner, also known as “The English Godfather,” who owned Harlem’s famous Cotton Club. After a rather exciting year in the hands of these three colorful characters, it had several more owners. In 1954 Allan Eby purchased the Model J for $150, then passed it to his son, Eldon, who became the car’s longest caretaker, restoring it to its original condition and converting it to supercharged SJ specification. In the early 1980s, the car was sold to John Thorpe, who showed it at the 1984 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It was later owned by Gordon Apker, a noted Duesenberg collector and good friend of the Concours.
This Duesenberg (J345) is one of 27 to be fitted with a sporty “Disappearing Top” Convertible Coupe body from famed coachbuilder Walter M. Murphy & Co. It was purchased by an underworld figure who met an untimely end, then it passed to a prominent bootlegger, who gave it to his business partner, also known as “The English Godfather,” who owned Harlem’s famous Cotton Club. After a rather exciting year in the hands of these three colorful characters, it had several more owners. In 1954 Allan Eby purchased the Model J for $150, then passed it to his son, Eldon, who became the car’s longest caretaker, restoring it to its original condition and converting it to supercharged SJ specification. In the early 1980s, the car was sold to John Thorpe, who showed it at the 1984 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It was later owned by Gordon Apker, a noted Duesenberg collector and good friend of the Concours.
In 1933 Duesenberg introduced a more modern and refined version of the great Model J, and this was later called the JN although the company never used that designation. The new chassis was designed to take smaller 17-inch-diameter wheels, skirted fenders, bullet-shaped taillights, and bodies mounted lower on the chassis rails. The first such chassis was bought by actor Clark Gable. This Model JN Rollston Berline was originally sold to Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, the famous Hollywood tap dancer who appeared alongside Will Rogers and Shirley Temple in several films. Robinson later sent the car to Bohman & Schwartz for a few updates, and in the 1950s, after passing through several other owners, the original engine (J559) was replaced and the car received larger Model J wheels. The car was restored to its original configuration in 1970 and has since been carefully maintained. The present owner returned the original engine to the car.
In 1933 Duesenberg introduced a more modern and refined version of the great Model J, and this was later called the JN although the company never used that designation. The new chassis was designed to take smaller 17-inch-diameter wheels, skirted fenders, bullet-shaped taillights, and bodies mounted lower on the chassis rails. The first such chassis was bought by actor Clark Gable. This Model JN Rollston Berline was originally sold to Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, the famous Hollywood tap dancer who appeared alongside Will Rogers and Shirley Temple in several films. Robinson later sent the car to Bohman & Schwartz for a few updates, and in the 1950s, after passing through several other owners, the original engine (J559) was replaced and the car received larger Model J wheels. The car was restored to its original configuration in 1970 and has since been carefully maintained. The present owner returned the original engine to the car.
This Duesenberg (J345) is one of 27 to be fitted with a sporty “Disappearing Top” Convertible Coupe body from famed coachbuilder Walter M. Murphy & Co. It was purchased by an underworld figure who met an untimely end, then it passed to a prominent bootlegger, who gave it to his business partner, also known as “The English Godfather,” who owned Harlem’s famous Cotton Club. After a rather exciting year in the hands of these three colorful characters, it had several more owners. In 1954 Allan Eby purchased the Model J for $150, then passed it to his son, Eldon, who became the car’s longest caretaker, restoring it to its original condition and converting it to supercharged SJ specification. In the early 1980s, the car was sold to John Thorpe, who showed it at the 1984 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It was later owned by Gordon Apker, a noted Duesenberg collector and good friend of the Concours.
This Duesenberg (J345) is one of 27 to be fitted with a sporty “Disappearing Top” Convertible Coupe body from famed coachbuilder Walter M. Murphy & Co. It was purchased by an underworld figure who met an untimely end, then it passed to a prominent bootlegger, who gave it to his business partner, also known as “The English Godfather,” who owned Harlem’s famous Cotton Club. After a rather exciting year in the hands of these three colorful characters, it had several more owners. In 1954 Allan Eby purchased the Model J for $150, then passed it to his son, Eldon, who became the car’s longest caretaker, restoring it to its original condition and converting it to supercharged SJ specification. In the early 1980s, the car was sold to John Thorpe, who showed it at the 1984 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It was later owned by Gordon Apker, a noted Duesenberg collector and good friend of the Concours.
This distinctive Duesenberg J Town Limousine (J218) was ordered by Captain George Whittell and bodied by Murphy. The car’s aluminum body, along with its rakishly angled windshield surrounded by Murphy’s iconic “Clear-Vision” window pillars, was designed by Franklin Q. Hershey. Among its many features are a broad beltline of polished aluminum, seen on many of the Duesenbergs ordered by Whittell, but it has door vents in the hood rather than the usual louvers that are also a Whittell feature. The Captain retained the car until 1939, when he sold it to his friend George Newhall Jr., whose son restored it before showing the car at Pebble Beach in 1971. A year later, the car was purchased by William Harrah, and two more California collectors followed. Its current owner became its seventh keeper in late 2015. The car has been freshly restored for its second appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
This distinctive Duesenberg J Town Limousine (J218) was ordered by Captain George Whittell and bodied by Murphy. The car’s aluminum body, along with its rakishly angled windshield surrounded by Murphy’s iconic “Clear-Vision” window pillars, was designed by Franklin Q. Hershey. Among its many features are a broad beltline of polished aluminum, seen on many of the Duesenbergs ordered by Whittell, but it has door vents in the hood rather than the usual louvers that are also a Whittell feature. The Captain retained the car until 1939, when he sold it to his friend George Newhall Jr., whose son restored it before showing the car at Pebble Beach in 1971. A year later, the car was purchased by William Harrah, and two more California collectors followed. Its current owner became its seventh keeper in late 2015. The car has been freshly restored for its second appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
This distinctive Duesenberg J Town Limousine (J218) was ordered by Captain George Whittell and bodied by Murphy. The car’s aluminum body, along with its rakishly angled windshield surrounded by Murphy’s iconic “Clear-Vision” window pillars, was designed by Franklin Q. Hershey. Among its many features are a broad beltline of polished aluminum, seen on many of the Duesenbergs ordered by Whittell, but it has door vents in the hood rather than the usual louvers that are also a Whittell feature. The Captain retained the car until 1939, when he sold it to his friend George Newhall Jr., whose son restored it before showing the car at Pebble Beach in 1971. A year later, the car was purchased by William Harrah, and two more California collectors followed. Its current owner became its seventh keeper in late 2015. The car has been freshly restored for its second appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
This distinctive Duesenberg J Town Limousine (J218) was ordered by Captain George Whittell and bodied by Murphy. The car’s aluminum body, along with its rakishly angled windshield surrounded by Murphy’s iconic “Clear-Vision” window pillars, was designed by Franklin Q. Hershey. Among its many features are a broad beltline of polished aluminum, seen on many of the Duesenbergs ordered by Whittell, but it has door vents in the hood rather than the usual louvers that are also a Whittell feature. The Captain retained the car until 1939, when he sold it to his friend George Newhall Jr., whose son restored it before showing the car at Pebble Beach in 1971. A year later, the car was purchased by William Harrah, and two more California collectors followed. Its current owner became its seventh keeper in late 2015. The car has been freshly restored for its second appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
This Duesenberg Model J (J338) was originally fitted with an Arlington sedan body by Derham and used as a factory demonstrator. After several owners, the car was sold in 1944 to Mr. Marion Roberts of Grand Island, New York, where it joined another Duesenberg, (J127 on chassis 2152), which had originally been fitted with this LeBaron Convertible Sedan body. Both Duesenbergs were then sold to noted Duesenberg collector Homer Fitterling, who undertook a restoration on this Model J but sadly determined its original Derham body was beyond repair. A body swap was carried out, and the LeBaron Convertible Sedan was installed on the restored chassis of this car. Upon completion, the car was granted ACD Category One status by Duesenberg historian Fred Roe. More recently, the car spent a few years in the Petersen Collection. The current owner acquired it in 2013 and a new restoration has just been completed.
This Duesenberg Model J (J338) was originally fitted with an Arlington sedan body by Derham and used as a factory demonstrator. After several owners, the car was sold in 1944 to Mr. Marion Roberts of Grand Island, New York, where it joined another Duesenberg, (J127 on chassis 2152), which had originally been fitted with this LeBaron Convertible Sedan body. Both Duesenbergs were then sold to noted Duesenberg collector Homer Fitterling, who undertook a restoration on this Model J but sadly determined its original Derham body was beyond repair. A body swap was carried out, and the LeBaron Convertible Sedan was installed on the restored chassis of this car. Upon completion, the car was granted ACD Category One status by Duesenberg historian Fred Roe. More recently, the car spent a few years in the Petersen Collection. The current owner acquired it in 2013 and a new restoration has just been completed.
This Duesenberg Model J (J338) was originally fitted with an Arlington sedan body by Derham and used as a factory demonstrator. After several owners, the car was sold in 1944 to Mr. Marion Roberts of Grand Island, New York, where it joined another Duesenberg, (J127 on chassis 2152), which had originally been fitted with this LeBaron Convertible Sedan body. Both Duesenbergs were then sold to noted Duesenberg collector Homer Fitterling, who undertook a restoration on this Model J but sadly determined its original Derham body was beyond repair. A body swap was carried out, and the LeBaron Convertible Sedan was installed on the restored chassis of this car. Upon completion, the car was granted ACD Category One status by Duesenberg historian Fred Roe. More recently, the car spent a few years in the Petersen Collection. The current owner acquired it in 2013 and a new restoration has just been completed.
This Duesenberg Model J (J338) was originally fitted with an Arlington sedan body by Derham and used as a factory demonstrator. After several owners, the car was sold in 1944 to Mr. Marion Roberts of Grand Island, New York, where it joined another Duesenberg, (J127 on chassis 2152), which had originally been fitted with this LeBaron Convertible Sedan body. Both Duesenbergs were then sold to noted Duesenberg collector Homer Fitterling, who undertook a restoration on this Model J but sadly determined its original Derham body was beyond repair. A body swap was carried out, and the LeBaron Convertible Sedan was installed on the restored chassis of this car. Upon completion, the car was granted ACD Category One status by Duesenberg historian Fred Roe. More recently, the car spent a few years in the Petersen Collection. The current owner acquired it in 2013 and a new restoration has just been completed.
The Duesenberg SJ, introduced in 1932, had a supercharged, dual overhead cam, 8-cylinder, 320 hp Lycoming engine and was one of the most powerful motorcars in the world, capable of a top speed approaching 140 mph. That engine, combined with this Rollston Torpedo Convertible Victoria coachwork, makes this Model SJ (J-517), finished in November 1933, one of the most stunning Duesenbergs ever created. It was purchased new by Miss Margaret Flick, later to become Mrs. Margaret Hoffman of New York City. It was later acquired by Vernon Jarvis in 1955, who lent his entire car collection to the Early American Museum in Silver Springs, Florida. The Bahre Collection purchased it in 1986 and restored to its original Roosevelt Maroon paint scheme with black top, which it still wears today.
The Duesenberg SJ, introduced in 1932, had a supercharged, dual overhead cam, 8-cylinder, 320 hp Lycoming engine and was one of the most powerful motorcars in the world, capable of a top speed approaching 140 mph. That engine, combined with this Rollston Torpedo Convertible Victoria coachwork, makes this Model SJ (J-517), finished in November 1933, one of the most stunning Duesenbergs ever created. It was purchased new by Miss Margaret Flick, later to become Mrs. Margaret Hoffman of New York City. It was later acquired by Vernon Jarvis in 1955, who lent his entire car collection to the Early American Museum in Silver Springs, Florida. The Bahre Collection purchased it in 1986 and restored to its original Roosevelt Maroon paint scheme with black top, which it still wears today.
The Duesenberg SJ, introduced in 1932, had a supercharged, dual overhead cam, 8-cylinder, 320 hp Lycoming engine and was one of the most powerful motorcars in the world, capable of a top speed approaching 140 mph. That engine, combined with this Rollston Torpedo Convertible Victoria coachwork, makes this Model SJ (J-517), finished in November 1933, one of the most stunning Duesenbergs ever created. It was purchased new by Miss Margaret Flick, later to become Mrs. Margaret Hoffman of New York City. It was later acquired by Vernon Jarvis in 1955, who lent his entire car collection to the Early American Museum in Silver Springs, Florida. The Bahre Collection purchased it in 1986 and restored to its original Roosevelt Maroon paint scheme with black top, which it still wears today.
The Duesenberg SJ, introduced in 1932, had a supercharged, dual overhead cam, 8-cylinder, 320 hp Lycoming engine and was one of the most powerful motorcars in the world, capable of a top speed approaching 140 mph. That engine, combined with this Rollston Torpedo Convertible Victoria coachwork, makes this Model SJ (J-517), finished in November 1933, one of the most stunning Duesenbergs ever created. It was purchased new by Miss Margaret Flick, later to become Mrs. Margaret Hoffman of New York City. It was later acquired by Vernon Jarvis in 1955, who lent his entire car collection to the Early American Museum in Silver Springs, Florida. The Bahre Collection purchased it in 1986 and restored to its original Roosevelt Maroon paint scheme with black top, which it still wears today.
This Duesenberg Model J Berline (J374) has Rollston’s open-front, town car coachwork. Rollston bodied some of the finest American marques during the 1930s, including 57 bodies created for the Duesenberg Model J and JN chassis. This Duesenberg has the skirted fenders and 17-inch wheels typical of the mid-1930s trend toward a more streamlined look. Rollston’s design used the length of the chassis to make a perfectly proportioned automobile on both the outside and inside, which features beautiful inlaid wood panels. Purchased new by a Chicago banker, this car was sold in 1942 to its next owner, and in 1959 to the Snyder family, with whom it still resides today. This is a very original, low-mileage example of a formal-bodied Model J Duesenberg and it has won the Snyder family many awards over the last 60 years.
This Duesenberg Model J Berline (J374) has Rollston’s open-front, town car coachwork. Rollston bodied some of the finest American marques during the 1930s, including 57 bodies created for the Duesenberg Model J and JN chassis. This Duesenberg has the skirted fenders and 17-inch wheels typical of the mid-1930s trend toward a more streamlined look. Rollston’s design used the length of the chassis to make a perfectly proportioned automobile on both the outside and inside, which features beautiful inlaid wood panels. Purchased new by a Chicago banker, this car was sold in 1942 to its next owner, and in 1959 to the Snyder family, with whom it still resides today. This is a very original, low-mileage example of a formal-bodied Model J Duesenberg and it has won the Snyder family many awards over the last 60 years.
This Duesenberg Model J Berline (J374) has Rollston’s open-front, town car coachwork. Rollston bodied some of the finest American marques during the 1930s, including 57 bodies created for the Duesenberg Model J and JN chassis. This Duesenberg has the skirted fenders and 17-inch wheels typical of the mid-1930s trend toward a more streamlined look. Rollston’s design used the length of the chassis to make a perfectly proportioned automobile on both the outside and inside, which features beautiful inlaid wood panels. Purchased new by a Chicago banker, this car was sold in 1942 to its next owner, and in 1959 to the Snyder family, with whom it still resides today. This is a very original, low-mileage example of a formal-bodied Model J Duesenberg and it has won the Snyder family many awards over the last 60 years.
This Duesenberg Model J Berline (J374) has Rollston’s open-front, town car coachwork. Rollston bodied some of the finest American marques during the 1930s, including 57 bodies created for the Duesenberg Model J and JN chassis. This Duesenberg has the skirted fenders and 17-inch wheels typical of the mid-1930s trend toward a more streamlined look. Rollston’s design used the length of the chassis to make a perfectly proportioned automobile on both the outside and inside, which features beautiful inlaid wood panels. Purchased new by a Chicago banker, this car was sold in 1942 to its next owner, and in 1959 to the Snyder family, with whom it still resides today. This is a very original, low-mileage example of a formal-bodied Model J Duesenberg and it has won the Snyder family many awards over the last 60 years.
This Duesenberg Model J Berline (J374) has Rollston’s open-front, town car coachwork. Rollston bodied some of the finest American marques during the 1930s, including 57 bodies created for the Duesenberg Model J and JN chassis. This Duesenberg has the skirted fenders and 17-inch wheels typical of the mid-1930s trend toward a more streamlined look. Rollston’s design used the length of the chassis to make a perfectly proportioned automobile on both the outside and inside, which features beautiful inlaid wood panels. Purchased new by a Chicago banker, this car was sold in 1942 to its next owner, and in 1959 to the Snyder family, with whom it still resides today. This is a very original, low-mileage example of a formal-bodied Model J Duesenberg and it has won the Snyder family many awards over the last 60 years.
This Duesenberg Model J Berline (J374) has Rollston’s open-front, town car coachwork. Rollston bodied some of the finest American marques during the 1930s, including 57 bodies created for the Duesenberg Model J and JN chassis. This Duesenberg has the skirted fenders and 17-inch wheels typical of the mid-1930s trend toward a more streamlined look. Rollston’s design used the length of the chassis to make a perfectly proportioned automobile on both the outside and inside, which features beautiful inlaid wood panels. Purchased new by a Chicago banker, this car was sold in 1942 to its next owner, and in 1959 to the Snyder family, with whom it still resides today. This is a very original, low-mileage example of a formal-bodied Model J Duesenberg and it has won the Snyder family many awards over the last 60 years.
The new Duesenberg Model J debuted at the New York Motor Show on December 1, 1928. In Europe, it launched almost a year later, at the Salon de l’Automobile in Paris in October 1929. The first Model J (J101), now in the collection of General William Lyon, was fitted with Dual Cowl Phaeton coachwork by LeBaron, and it set the tone for many later examples. This Model J (J124) is one of two Dual Cowl Phaetons that Derham built on the standard-wheelbase chassis. Among its distinguishing features is the polished metal accent that is actually a contour of the body, which was left polished rather than painted. In total, Derham bodied 16 chassis for Duesenberg during the 1929 to 1935 production run of the Model J. The original owner of this car was a member of the Vanderbilt family, Mr. W. A. M. Burden of New York. The current owner first saw this Duesenberg when he was a boy. Then, when he saw it years later at auction, he bought it.
The new Duesenberg Model J debuted at the New York Motor Show on December 1, 1928. In Europe, it launched almost a year later, at the Salon de l’Automobile in Paris in October 1929. The first Model J (J101), now in the collection of General William Lyon, was fitted with Dual Cowl Phaeton coachwork by LeBaron, and it set the tone for many later examples. This Model J (J124) is one of two Dual Cowl Phaetons that Derham built on the standard-wheelbase chassis. Among its distinguishing features is the polished metal accent that is actually a contour of the body, which was left polished rather than painted. In total, Derham bodied 16 chassis for Duesenberg during the 1929 to 1935 production run of the Model J. The original owner of this car was a member of the Vanderbilt family, Mr. W. A. M. Burden of New York. The current owner first saw this Duesenberg when he was a boy. Then, when he saw it years later at auction, he bought it.
This distinctive Duesenberg J Town Limousine (J218) was ordered by Captain George Whittell and bodied by Murphy. The car’s aluminum body, along with its rakishly angled windshield surrounded by Murphy’s iconic “Clear-Vision” window pillars, was designed by Franklin Q. Hershey. Among its many features are a broad beltline of polished aluminum, seen on many of the Duesenbergs ordered by Whittell, but it has door vents in the hood rather than the usual louvers that are also a Whittell feature. The Captain retained the car until 1939, when he sold it to his friend George Newhall Jr., whose son restored it before showing the car at Pebble Beach in 1971. A year later, the car was purchased by William Harrah, and two more California collectors followed. Its current owner became its seventh keeper in late 2015. The car has been freshly restored for its second appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
This distinctive Duesenberg J Town Limousine (J218) was ordered by Captain George Whittell and bodied by Murphy. The car’s aluminum body, along with its rakishly angled windshield surrounded by Murphy’s iconic “Clear-Vision” window pillars, was designed by Franklin Q. Hershey. Among its many features are a broad beltline of polished aluminum, seen on many of the Duesenbergs ordered by Whittell, but it has door vents in the hood rather than the usual louvers that are also a Whittell feature. The Captain retained the car until 1939, when he sold it to his friend George Newhall Jr., whose son restored it before showing the car at Pebble Beach in 1971. A year later, the car was purchased by William Harrah, and two more California collectors followed. Its current owner became its seventh keeper in late 2015. The car has been freshly restored for its second appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
By 1928, when the Duesenberg Model J was introduced, enclosed coachwork was the predominant body style in America—although today, as with many exclusive marques, original closed cars are very rare indeed. The Rollston Company of New York was founded in 1921, and in 1927 Rudy Creteur was hired as chief stylist and was then responsible for most of Rollston’s designs. In all, Rollston bodied 57 Duesenberg Model Js, including this car (J-490), which is the only Duesenberg with this Rollston quarter-window closed Victoria Coupe body style. The car was cosmetically restored more than 50 years ago. Its has had a total of 13 owners although the previous owner had it for 52 years. This unique Model J was first presented at Pebble Beach in 1978 and has not been shown anywhere since then.
By 1928, when the Duesenberg Model J was introduced, enclosed coachwork was the predominant body style in America—although today, as with many exclusive marques, original closed cars are very rare indeed. The Rollston Company of New York was founded in 1921, and in 1927 Rudy Creteur was hired as chief stylist and was then responsible for most of Rollston’s designs. In all, Rollston bodied 57 Duesenberg Model Js, including this car (J-490), which is the only Duesenberg with this Rollston quarter-window closed Victoria Coupe body style. The car was cosmetically restored more than 50 years ago. Its has had a total of 13 owners although the previous owner had it for 52 years. This unique Model J was first presented at Pebble Beach in 1978 and has not been shown anywhere since then.
By 1928, when the Duesenberg Model J was introduced, enclosed coachwork was the predominant body style in America—although today, as with many exclusive marques, original closed cars are very rare indeed. The Rollston Company of New York was founded in 1921, and in 1927 Rudy Creteur was hired as chief stylist and was then responsible for most of Rollston’s designs. In all, Rollston bodied 57 Duesenberg Model Js, including this car (J-490), which is the only Duesenberg with this Rollston quarter-window closed Victoria Coupe body style. The car was cosmetically restored more than 50 years ago. Its has had a total of 13 owners although the previous owner had it for 52 years. This unique Model J was first presented at Pebble Beach in 1978 and has not been shown anywhere since then.
By 1928, when the Duesenberg Model J was introduced, enclosed coachwork was the predominant body style in America—although today, as with many exclusive marques, original closed cars are very rare indeed. The Rollston Company of New York was founded in 1921, and in 1927 Rudy Creteur was hired as chief stylist and was then responsible for most of Rollston’s designs. In all, Rollston bodied 57 Duesenberg Model Js, including this car (J-490), which is the only Duesenberg with this Rollston quarter-window closed Victoria Coupe body style. The car was cosmetically restored more than 50 years ago. Its has had a total of 13 owners although the previous owner had it for 52 years. This unique Model J was first presented at Pebble Beach in 1978 and has not been shown anywhere since then.
By 1928, when the Duesenberg Model J was introduced, enclosed coachwork was the predominant body style in America—although today, as with many exclusive marques, original closed cars are very rare indeed. The Rollston Company of New York was founded in 1921, and in 1927 Rudy Creteur was hired as chief stylist and was then responsible for most of Rollston’s designs. In all, Rollston bodied 57 Duesenberg Model Js, including this car (J-490), which is the only Duesenberg with this Rollston quarter-window closed Victoria Coupe body style. The car was cosmetically restored more than 50 years ago. Its has had a total of 13 owners although the previous owner had it for 52 years. This unique Model J was first presented at Pebble Beach in 1978 and has not been shown anywhere since then.
By 1928, when the Duesenberg Model J was introduced, enclosed coachwork was the predominant body style in America—although today, as with many exclusive marques, original closed cars are very rare indeed. The Rollston Company of New York was founded in 1921, and in 1927 Rudy Creteur was hired as chief stylist and was then responsible for most of Rollston’s designs. In all, Rollston bodied 57 Duesenberg Model Js, including this car (J-490), which is the only Duesenberg with this Rollston quarter-window closed Victoria Coupe body style. The car was cosmetically restored more than 50 years ago. Its has had a total of 13 owners although the previous owner had it for 52 years. This unique Model J was first presented at Pebble Beach in 1978 and has not been shown anywhere since then.
The rarest and perhaps the most desirable Duesenberg model is the SJN, which combines a supercharged SJ engine with the lower and wider bodywork from the JN, first seen in 1933. Only five Model JN convertibles were built by Rollston, and this car (J-564) is the only one with a factory-equipped supercharger. All of the Rollston convertibles were designed by Herb Newport, and the first one was bought by Hollywood legend Clark Gable. Aluminum alloy was used extensively in the engine as well as many other mechanical components, which kept the weight of this massive car down to just under 5,200 pounds and allowed even an un-supercharged Model JN to achieve a staggering 89 mph in second gear and over 120 in top. This car was owned for nearly 60 years by the same family before being acquired by its current owner in 2000. Since then it has been sympathetically refurbished, keeping almost all of its original features intact.
The rarest and perhaps the most desirable Duesenberg model is the SJN, which combines a supercharged SJ engine with the lower and wider bodywork from the JN, first seen in 1933. Only five Model JN convertibles were built by Rollston, and this car (J-564) is the only one with a factory-equipped supercharger. All of the Rollston convertibles were designed by Herb Newport, and the first one was bought by Hollywood legend Clark Gable. Aluminum alloy was used extensively in the engine as well as many other mechanical components, which kept the weight of this massive car down to just under 5,200 pounds and allowed even an un-supercharged Model JN to achieve a staggering 89 mph in second gear and over 120 in top. This car was owned for nearly 60 years by the same family before being acquired by its current owner in 2000. Since then it has been sympathetically refurbished, keeping almost all of its original features intact.
The rarest and perhaps the most desirable Duesenberg model is the SJN, which combines a supercharged SJ engine with the lower and wider bodywork from the JN, first seen in 1933. Only five Model JN convertibles were built by Rollston, and this car (J-564) is the only one with a factory-equipped supercharger. All of the Rollston convertibles were designed by Herb Newport, and the first one was bought by Hollywood legend Clark Gable. Aluminum alloy was used extensively in the engine as well as many other mechanical components, which kept the weight of this massive car down to just under 5,200 pounds and allowed even an un-supercharged Model JN to achieve a staggering 89 mph in second gear and over 120 in top. This car was owned for nearly 60 years by the same family before being acquired by its current owner in 2000. Since then it has been sympathetically refurbished, keeping almost all of its original features intact.
The rarest and perhaps the most desirable Duesenberg model is the SJN, which combines a supercharged SJ engine with the lower and wider bodywork from the JN, first seen in 1933. Only five Model JN convertibles were built by Rollston, and this car (J-564) is the only one with a factory-equipped supercharger. All of the Rollston convertibles were designed by Herb Newport, and the first one was bought by Hollywood legend Clark Gable. Aluminum alloy was used extensively in the engine as well as many other mechanical components, which kept the weight of this massive car down to just under 5,200 pounds and allowed even an un-supercharged Model JN to achieve a staggering 89 mph in second gear and over 120 in top. This car was owned for nearly 60 years by the same family before being acquired by its current owner in 2000. Since then it has been sympathetically refurbished, keeping almost all of its original features intact.
The rarest and perhaps the most desirable Duesenberg model is the SJN, which combines a supercharged SJ engine with the lower and wider bodywork from the JN, first seen in 1933. Only five Model JN convertibles were built by Rollston, and this car (J-564) is the only one with a factory-equipped supercharger. All of the Rollston convertibles were designed by Herb Newport, and the first one was bought by Hollywood legend Clark Gable. Aluminum alloy was used extensively in the engine as well as many other mechanical components, which kept the weight of this massive car down to just under 5,200 pounds and allowed even an un-supercharged Model JN to achieve a staggering 89 mph in second gear and over 120 in top. This car was owned for nearly 60 years by the same family before being acquired by its current owner in 2000. Since then it has been sympathetically refurbished, keeping almost all of its original features intact.
The rarest and perhaps the most desirable Duesenberg model is the SJN, which combines a supercharged SJ engine with the lower and wider bodywork from the JN, first seen in 1933. Only five Model JN convertibles were built by Rollston, and this car (J-564) is the only one with a factory-equipped supercharger. All of the Rollston convertibles were designed by Herb Newport, and the first one was bought by Hollywood legend Clark Gable. Aluminum alloy was used extensively in the engine as well as many other mechanical components, which kept the weight of this massive car down to just under 5,200 pounds and allowed even an un-supercharged Model JN to achieve a staggering 89 mph in second gear and over 120 in top. This car was owned for nearly 60 years by the same family before being acquired by its current owner in 2000. Since then it has been sympathetically refurbished, keeping almost all of its original features intact.
The Duesenberg Model J was available on either a long wheelbase of 153.5 inches for 7-passenger coachwork or a standard chassis of 142.5 inches. This Duesenberg J with Tourster coachwork by Derham is built on the longer chassis. The Tourster style was designed by Gordon Buehrig and, unlike other Dual Cowl Phaetons, it features a second windshield that slides up and down behind the front seat by means of a crank handle. The Tourster was Buehrig’s favorite design and he chose the Derham Body Company of Rosemont, Pennsylvania, to be the exclusive builder of this coachwork. This Duesenberg (J451) is one of eight original Tourster models. It was sold new to David G. Joyce of Chicago. Today it is one of very few remaining original examples of what many consider to be Derham’s most beautiful coachwork.
The Duesenberg Model J was available on either a long wheelbase of 153.5 inches for 7-passenger coachwork or a standard chassis of 142.5 inches. This Duesenberg J with Tourster coachwork by Derham is built on the longer chassis. The Tourster style was designed by Gordon Buehrig and, unlike other Dual Cowl Phaetons, it features a second windshield that slides up and down behind the front seat by means of a crank handle. The Tourster was Buehrig’s favorite design and he chose the Derham Body Company of Rosemont, Pennsylvania, to be the exclusive builder of this coachwork. This Duesenberg (J451) is one of eight original Tourster models. It was sold new to David G. Joyce of Chicago. Today it is one of very few remaining original examples of what many consider to be Derham’s most beautiful coachwork.
The Duesenberg Model J was available on either a long wheelbase of 153.5 inches for 7-passenger coachwork or a standard chassis of 142.5 inches. This Duesenberg J with Tourster coachwork by Derham is built on the longer chassis. The Tourster style was designed by Gordon Buehrig and, unlike other Dual Cowl Phaetons, it features a second windshield that slides up and down behind the front seat by means of a crank handle. The Tourster was Buehrig’s favorite design and he chose the Derham Body Company of Rosemont, Pennsylvania, to be the exclusive builder of this coachwork. This Duesenberg (J451) is one of eight original Tourster models. It was sold new to David G. Joyce of Chicago. Today it is one of very few remaining original examples of what many consider to be Derham’s most beautiful coachwork.
The Duesenberg Model J was available on either a long wheelbase of 153.5 inches for 7-passenger coachwork or a standard chassis of 142.5 inches. This Duesenberg J with Tourster coachwork by Derham is built on the longer chassis. The Tourster style was designed by Gordon Buehrig and, unlike other Dual Cowl Phaetons, it features a second windshield that slides up and down behind the front seat by means of a crank handle. The Tourster was Buehrig’s favorite design and he chose the Derham Body Company of Rosemont, Pennsylvania, to be the exclusive builder of this coachwork. This Duesenberg (J451) is one of eight original Tourster models. It was sold new to David G. Joyce of Chicago. Today it is one of very few remaining original examples of what many consider to be Derham’s most beautiful coachwork.
The Duesenberg Model J was available on either a long wheelbase of 153.5 inches for 7-passenger coachwork or a standard chassis of 142.5 inches. This Duesenberg J with Tourster coachwork by Derham is built on the longer chassis. The Tourster style was designed by Gordon Buehrig and, unlike other Dual Cowl Phaetons, it features a second windshield that slides up and down behind the front seat by means of a crank handle. The Tourster was Buehrig’s favorite design and he chose the Derham Body Company of Rosemont, Pennsylvania, to be the exclusive builder of this coachwork. This Duesenberg (J451) is one of eight original Tourster models. It was sold new to David G. Joyce of Chicago. Today it is one of very few remaining original examples of what many consider to be Derham’s most beautiful coachwork.
The Duesenberg Model J was available on either a long wheelbase of 153.5 inches for 7-passenger coachwork or a standard chassis of 142.5 inches. This Duesenberg J with Tourster coachwork by Derham is built on the longer chassis. The Tourster style was designed by Gordon Buehrig and, unlike other Dual Cowl Phaetons, it features a second windshield that slides up and down behind the front seat by means of a crank handle. The Tourster was Buehrig’s favorite design and he chose the Derham Body Company of Rosemont, Pennsylvania, to be the exclusive builder of this coachwork. This Duesenberg (J451) is one of eight original Tourster models. It was sold new to David G. Joyce of Chicago. Today it is one of very few remaining original examples of what many consider to be Derham’s most beautiful coachwork.
This Duesenberg Model J (J338) was originally fitted with an Arlington sedan body by Derham and used as a factory demonstrator. After several owners, the car was sold in 1944 to Mr. Marion Roberts of Grand Island, New York, where it joined another Duesenberg, (J127 on chassis 2152), which had originally been fitted with this LeBaron Convertible Sedan body. Both Duesenbergs were then sold to noted Duesenberg collector Homer Fitterling, who undertook a restoration on this Model J but sadly determined its original Derham body was beyond repair. A body swap was carried out, and the LeBaron Convertible Sedan was installed on the restored chassis of this car. Upon completion, the car was granted ACD Category One status by Duesenberg historian Fred Roe. More recently, the car spent a few years in the Petersen Collection. The current owner acquired it in 2013 and a new restoration has just been completed.
This Duesenberg Model J (J338) was originally fitted with an Arlington sedan body by Derham and used as a factory demonstrator. After several owners, the car was sold in 1944 to Mr. Marion Roberts of Grand Island, New York, where it joined another Duesenberg, (J127 on chassis 2152), which had originally been fitted with this LeBaron Convertible Sedan body. Both Duesenbergs were then sold to noted Duesenberg collector Homer Fitterling, who undertook a restoration on this Model J but sadly determined its original Derham body was beyond repair. A body swap was carried out, and the LeBaron Convertible Sedan was installed on the restored chassis of this car. Upon completion, the car was granted ACD Category One status by Duesenberg historian Fred Roe. More recently, the car spent a few years in the Petersen Collection. The current owner acquired it in 2013 and a new restoration has just been completed.
This Duesenberg Model J Berline (J374) has Rollston’s open-front, town car coachwork. Rollston bodied some of the finest American marques during the 1930s, including 57 bodies created for the Duesenberg Model J and JN chassis. This Duesenberg has the skirted fenders and 17-inch wheels typical of the mid-1930s trend toward a more streamlined look. Rollston’s design used the length of the chassis to make a perfectly proportioned automobile on both the outside and inside, which features beautiful inlaid wood panels. Purchased new by a Chicago banker, this car was sold in 1942 to its next owner, and in 1959 to the Snyder family, with whom it still resides today. This is a very original, low-mileage example of a formal-bodied Model J Duesenberg and it has won the Snyder family many awards over the last 60 years.
This Duesenberg Model J Berline (J374) has Rollston’s open-front, town car coachwork. Rollston bodied some of the finest American marques during the 1930s, including 57 bodies created for the Duesenberg Model J and JN chassis. This Duesenberg has the skirted fenders and 17-inch wheels typical of the mid-1930s trend toward a more streamlined look. Rollston’s design used the length of the chassis to make a perfectly proportioned automobile on both the outside and inside, which features beautiful inlaid wood panels. Purchased new by a Chicago banker, this car was sold in 1942 to its next owner, and in 1959 to the Snyder family, with whom it still resides today. This is a very original, low-mileage example of a formal-bodied Model J Duesenberg and it has won the Snyder family many awards over the last 60 years.
The Duesenberg SJ, introduced in 1932, had a supercharged, dual overhead cam, 8-cylinder, 320 hp Lycoming engine and was one of the most powerful motorcars in the world, capable of a top speed approaching 140 mph. That engine, combined with this Rollston Torpedo Convertible Victoria coachwork, makes this Model SJ (J-517), finished in November 1933, one of the most stunning Duesenbergs ever created. It was purchased new by Miss Margaret Flick, later to become Mrs. Margaret Hoffman of New York City. It was later acquired by Vernon Jarvis in 1955, who lent his entire car collection to the Early American Museum in Silver Springs, Florida. The Bahre Collection purchased it in 1986 and restored to its original Roosevelt Maroon paint scheme with black top, which it still wears today.
The Duesenberg SJ, introduced in 1932, had a supercharged, dual overhead cam, 8-cylinder, 320 hp Lycoming engine and was one of the most powerful motorcars in the world, capable of a top speed approaching 140 mph. That engine, combined with this Rollston Torpedo Convertible Victoria coachwork, makes this Model SJ (J-517), finished in November 1933, one of the most stunning Duesenbergs ever created. It was purchased new by Miss Margaret Flick, later to become Mrs. Margaret Hoffman of New York City. It was later acquired by Vernon Jarvis in 1955, who lent his entire car collection to the Early American Museum in Silver Springs, Florida. The Bahre Collection purchased it in 1986 and restored to its original Roosevelt Maroon paint scheme with black top, which it still wears today.
By 1928, when the Duesenberg Model J was introduced, enclosed coachwork was the predominant body style in America—although today, as with many exclusive marques, original closed cars are very rare indeed. The Rollston Company of New York was founded in 1921, and in 1927 Rudy Creteur was hired as chief stylist and was then responsible for most of Rollston’s designs. In all, Rollston bodied 57 Duesenberg Model Js, including this car (J-490), which is the only Duesenberg with this Rollston quarter-window closed Victoria Coupe body style. The car was cosmetically restored more than 50 years ago. Its has had a total of 13 owners although the previous owner had it for 52 years. This unique Model J was first presented at Pebble Beach in 1978 and has not been shown anywhere since then.
By 1928, when the Duesenberg Model J was introduced, enclosed coachwork was the predominant body style in America—although today, as with many exclusive marques, original closed cars are very rare indeed. The Rollston Company of New York was founded in 1921, and in 1927 Rudy Creteur was hired as chief stylist and was then responsible for most of Rollston’s designs. In all, Rollston bodied 57 Duesenberg Model Js, including this car (J-490), which is the only Duesenberg with this Rollston quarter-window closed Victoria Coupe body style. The car was cosmetically restored more than 50 years ago. Its has had a total of 13 owners although the previous owner had it for 52 years. This unique Model J was first presented at Pebble Beach in 1978 and has not been shown anywhere since then.
The rarest and perhaps the most desirable Duesenberg model is the SJN, which combines a supercharged SJ engine with the lower and wider bodywork from the JN, first seen in 1933. Only five Model JN convertibles were built by Rollston, and this car (J-564) is the only one with a factory-equipped supercharger. All of the Rollston convertibles were designed by Herb Newport, and the first one was bought by Hollywood legend Clark Gable. Aluminum alloy was used extensively in the engine as well as many other mechanical components, which kept the weight of this massive car down to just under 5,200 pounds and allowed even an un-supercharged Model JN to achieve a staggering 89 mph in second gear and over 120 in top. This car was owned for nearly 60 years by the same family before being acquired by its current owner in 2000. Since then it has been sympathetically refurbished, keeping almost all of its original features intact.
The rarest and perhaps the most desirable Duesenberg model is the SJN, which combines a supercharged SJ engine with the lower and wider bodywork from the JN, first seen in 1933. Only five Model JN convertibles were built by Rollston, and this car (J-564) is the only one with a factory-equipped supercharger. All of the Rollston convertibles were designed by Herb Newport, and the first one was bought by Hollywood legend Clark Gable. Aluminum alloy was used extensively in the engine as well as many other mechanical components, which kept the weight of this massive car down to just under 5,200 pounds and allowed even an un-supercharged Model JN to achieve a staggering 89 mph in second gear and over 120 in top. This car was owned for nearly 60 years by the same family before being acquired by its current owner in 2000. Since then it has been sympathetically refurbished, keeping almost all of its original features intact.
The Duesenberg Model J was available on either a long wheelbase of 153.5 inches for 7-passenger coachwork or a standard chassis of 142.5 inches. This Duesenberg J with Tourster coachwork by Derham is built on the longer chassis. The Tourster style was designed by Gordon Buehrig and, unlike other Dual Cowl Phaetons, it features a second windshield that slides up and down behind the front seat by means of a crank handle. The Tourster was Buehrig’s favorite design and he chose the Derham Body Company of Rosemont, Pennsylvania, to be the exclusive builder of this coachwork. This Duesenberg (J451) is one of eight original Tourster models. It was sold new to David G. Joyce of Chicago. Today it is one of very few remaining original examples of what many consider to be Derham’s most beautiful coachwork.
The Duesenberg Model J was available on either a long wheelbase of 153.5 inches for 7-passenger coachwork or a standard chassis of 142.5 inches. This Duesenberg J with Tourster coachwork by Derham is built on the longer chassis. The Tourster style was designed by Gordon Buehrig and, unlike other Dual Cowl Phaetons, it features a second windshield that slides up and down behind the front seat by means of a crank handle. The Tourster was Buehrig’s favorite design and he chose the Derham Body Company of Rosemont, Pennsylvania, to be the exclusive builder of this coachwork. This Duesenberg (J451) is one of eight original Tourster models. It was sold new to David G. Joyce of Chicago. Today it is one of very few remaining original examples of what many consider to be Derham’s most beautiful coachwork.

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