DUESENBERG

What follows is a humble attempt to create an accurate visual record of all Duesenberg J, JN, and SJ motorcars. About two thirds of these Duesenbergs have been well documented, so that the chassis and engine numbers of these cars are not in dispute. The other third have fallen into the realm of mystery. Photographs exist of cars that are no more, or may be out there somewhere, but their chassis and engine numbers remain illusive. I’ve made educated guesses, whenever possible, to match numbers with images. If any of my speculations are wrong, I’m eager to be corrected. I’ve also strived to include as many interior shots as possible. Endless photos of the famous Duesenberg dash are easy to come by, suggesting, absurdly, that most viewers have never seen what may be the most famous dashboard in the world. It frustrates me that it’s hard to find images of rear compartments, which were “where the action was,” back in the thirties. Luxury cars in those days were primarily intended to be chauffeur driven, and the expensive fabrics, exotic woods, built-in bars, humidors, storage compartments and vanities were provided for those who rode in back.

Many Duesenbergs were rebodied, either by the factory, or by restorers. In listing these cars, I show images, if possible, of the first body placed on the chassis, followed by those that replaced it. Earlier restorations give way to increasing recent restorations finally revealing how the car appears today. Complicating matters is the seemingly endless game of “Musical Dueseys” where bodies, engines, and occasionally chassis were swapped by coachbuilders and owners, sometimes with the assistance of the factory. When this happens, an image of the same car will appear in different locations. The following color code may clarify matters, (or just add to the confusion.)

TRUE BLUE: Original Chassis – Original Body – Original Engine – factory colors may be altered

TRUEST BLUE: Original Chassis – Original Body – Original Engine – fine unrestored cars, or cars where one or all components are brought back to match the way they left the factory, often after decades of woeful modifications

TRAGIC BLACK: Lost or destroyed Chassis – Lost or destroyed Body – Lost or destroyed Engine

FACTORY GREEN: Factory Replaced Chassis – Factory/Coachbuilder Replaced Body – Factory Replaced Engine

ARROGANT RED: Moved Original Body – Moved Original Engine

TOO MUCH MONEY MAGENTA: Coachbuilder Modified Original Body – Factory/Dealer Modified Original Chassis – Factory/Dealer Modified Original Engine

WHY NOT YELLOW: Owner Modified Body – Owner Modified Chassis – Owner Modified Engine (the majority of these involve adding superchargers or outside exhaust pipes to cars that weren’t sold with them)

DEMENTED ORANGE: Reproduction Body/Flight Of Fancy Body – Owner Generated

INDEX OF J NUMBERS

Click on each page to enlarge. Unclick, or simply continue scrolling to the photo section to locate images of cars, which are listed by chassis number.

J-100 The Prototype

2125 J-101

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

1929

2126 J-104

Holbrook 5 Passenger Sedan

Short

According to Fred Roe, this Holbrook Sedan was eventually moved to chassis 2152.

This Rollston Convertible Victoria resides on chassis 2126 today.

2127 J-103

Holbrook Limousine

Long

Now a LeBaron Convertible Berline

What is a Berline? In simplest terms, it’s a sedan with a division window between the front and rear compartments. Take a convertible sedan, add the dividing window, and you’ve got a Convertible Berline. Many coachbuilders muddied the waters by adding opera seats, or occasional seats, as seen here. These seats, as opposed to auxiliary seats found in limousines, have skimpy, fold out backs or no backs at all. They also face sideways or backwards, where auxiliary seats face forward.

2128 J-102

Holbrook All-Weather Cabriolet – Long

1929

A show car that saw its final curtain – only to be reincarnated into another show car.

Beginning life on chassis 2276, this famous Judkins Limousine, seen in many films, was removed to make room for a Fran Roxas Torpedo Phaeton. Time passed and it was moved to 2128 where it now resides. A commendable restoration.

This is a textbook example of a limousine, which is not just any big, black car. A limousine has five distinguishing characteristics: a divider window between the front and rear compartments, a leather trimmed chauffeur’s compartment, (ninety-dive percent of the time, anyway,) auxiliary seats, a window behind the rear door, and a long wheelbase. Auxiliary seats differ from opera seats, or occasional seats, by being large and commodious with fold out backrests, and by facing forward. An exception would be the Lehman-Peterson Lincoln limousines from the sixties, which juggled the rear door and rear window layout, and had the auxiliary seats facing backwards. In proper form, however, these seats were commodious and relatively comfortable.

2129 J-109

Derham Sedan (possibly)

Short

1929

2130 J-106

Murphy Convertible Coupe (possibly)

Short

2131 J-107

LaGrande Dual Cowl Phaeton

Long

1934

2132 J-151

Murphy V-Windshield Sedan

Short

1929

2133 J-111

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton sweep panel

Short

1929

Originally equipped, it would seem, with the first style bumper.

2134 J-108

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

1929

This Duesenberg appeared in “The Gay Divorcee,” from 1934. It’s rumored to have been owned by Ginger Rogers, though she was not the original purchaser. 2134 was delivered with reptile grained leather, a choice that was rejected when the car was recently restored.

2135 J-113

Holbrook Cabriolet

Long

1930

Seen in the 1933 American movie “Topaze”

2135 Rebodied as a Northport Skiff

2136 J-116

Derham Phaeton

Short

2136 is a famous car, appearing in the Elvis Presley movie “Spinout,” as well as Blake Edward’s “Sunset.” Beginning life as a dual cowl phaeton, 2146′s rear section was modified in the 1930’s with the second cowl removed, (a strange choice,) and a new windscreen placed close to the back of the front seat. It’s speculated that an early owner wished to duplicate the look of the celebrated Derham Tourster.

2137 J-114

Derham Town Car

Short

1930

2138 J-115

Holbrook All Weather Cabriolet

Long

1929

2139 J-146

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

1929

2140 J-112

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

1929

A car with unique bumpers.

2141 J-417

Locke Berline

Long

1929

Adler says Judkins Limousine, but Randy Ema says Locke, which gets my vote.

2142 J-Unknown

Holbrook Limousine (Likely.)

Long

2143 J-118

This Derham Sedan Short fell into San Pedro Channel. It was rebodied by Bohman and Schwartz.

2144 J-119

Derham Sedan

Short

1929.

The first artist’s sketch roughly depicts what the car looked like when it was delivered in 1929. In 1934, the owner requested that his five year old sedan be modernized and an SJ engine installed – the result was the black and white photo from 1935, with the Derham body now on a new chassis. along with a new engine. 2144 wasn’t vacant for long, accepting a Murphy Convertible Coupe body. Many years later, the Convertible Coupe, and engine J-119 were moved to chassis 2551. Simultaneously, the Derham Sedan was moved back to its original Chassis 2144, and is now powered by J-310, (unsupercharged.).

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auct ions/af12/auburn-fall/lots/r312-1935-duesenberg-model-j/595891 https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/sj16/motor-city/lots/r124-1929-duesenberg-model-j-disappearing-top-convertible-coupe-by-murphy/238712

2145 J-125

Judkins Coupe (likely)

Short

Now a Derham Convertible Sedan

1930

The Derham Convertible Sedan body from 2536, (first photo,) was removed and modified to become the basis for this reimagined Convertible Sedan.

2146 J-123

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

1929

2147 J-170

Floyd Derham Phaeton

Long

2148 J-124

Derham Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

1929

2149 J-126

LeBaron Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton

Short

1929

2150

No Data

2151 J-129

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton Sweep Panel

Short

1929

The first shots can be found on Straight Eight LLC, which is a great source of accurate information. https://www.instagram.com/straight_eight_llc/

2152 J-127

Holbrook Sedan

Short

This is an educated guess regarding chassis and engine numbers. Holbrook only made three sedans for Duesenberg. The first Holbrook Sedan in this series of photos very likely sat on 2152 for a short while. It has a severely vertical windshield, and features Fred Duesenberg. It has very old-fashioned styling, and no “Duesenbird” ornament, not to mention a 1930 license plate; it’s ironic that it has a later chassis number, yet looks more antiquated than the Holbrook sedan that may have started life on 2126, and which now occupies 2152.

A LeBaron Convertible Sedan was the second car to take over this chassis before being moved to 2350, J-338. Several sources suggest that this Holbrook Sedan still occupies chassis 2350, but I think it’s more likely that the LeBaron Convertible Sedan has laid claim to it. Like Roe, the immensely useful Duesenberg datasheet also states that the second Holbrook Sedan, shown here, came from chassis 2126.

https://duesey186.com/Datasheets/Model_J_Index/frm2152.htm

2153 J-131

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

1931

2154 J-132

Derham Sedan (possibly)

Short

The Sedan had a Beverly style windshield according to Adler. Now a Murphy Convertible Coupe

It’s possible that this Murphy Body was taken from 2175.

2155 J-128

LeBaron Phaeton (possibly)

Short

Then a Town Car

2156 J-130

Derham Seven Passenger Limousine

Long

2157 J-133 then J-417

Fleetwood Roadster

Short

1929

This Duesenberg began life as a Fleetwood Roadster. The original owner modified it relentlessly, in an attempt to give it a modern look. Finally, a more recent owner took great strides to approximate the car’s original appearance, essentially retro-modifying the old body.

2158 SJ-292

LeBaron Dual-Cowl Phaeton

Short

Supercharged

1929

2159 J-134

LeBaron Convertible Sedan

Short

1930

Now a Walton Speedster

More speculation on my part. 2159 is listed as a Lebaron Convertible Sedan on the short wheelbase – there were only two of these and the other body apparently came from a Chrysler Imperial. 2159 was transferred to 2152, as if by immaculate conception, according to some accounts – I’m guessing that the body resided briefly on 2159 before the transfer.

2160 J-136

Unknown

2161 J-138

Holbrook Sedan

Short

A guess, but this is a likely shot of 2161. Hollbrook produced two limousines and three sedans. The limousines and one of the sedans had slanted windshields. 2152, in its first incarnation, had a severely vertical windshield and trim similar to this car – it also had Fred Duesenberg standing beside it. 2152 was not black, so this stands a decent chance of being 2161. There is the possibility that I have it backwards and this photo is actually of the first incarnation of 2152.

2162 J-137

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

Now a Judkins-Fixed-Top-Coupe

1932

2163 J-139

Murphy Sport Sedan

Short

1929

2164 J-141

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

Robert Scripps

2165 J-142

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

1929

2166 J-140

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

1929

2167 J-143

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

Owned by gangster Jake The Barber

1930

https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1319951/1932-duesenberg-model-j-for-sale-in-amelia-island-florida-32034

https://www.conceptcarz.com/profile/8482,8968/1930-duesenberg-model-j-murphy.aspx

2168 J-147

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

Before the body swap with Wrigley

This Murphy-Convertible-Coupe was the result of a swap with Wrigley

1929

2169 J-145

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

Now a Murphy ‘Butterfly’ Dual Cowl Phaeton

with J-403

2170 J-152

LeBaron Convertible Sedan

Long

Body taken from a Packard

2171 J-154

Murphy Convertible Victoria

Long

2172 J-155

Judkins Limousine (possibly)

Long

2173 J-148

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton Sweep Panel

Short

Shown with German actress Annemarie Korff. There’s a strong likelihood that the first two shots are of 2173. Note the white circle on the right rear fender, which appears to have a “D” in the center for “Deutschland.” Notice, also, the European-style turn indicators just below the front windscreen. 2173 was shortened and rebodied in 1935 with a Convertible Coupe body by Graber, a Swiss Coachbuilder. A few years later it got the Kellner, (French,) Scaphandrier body, which still adorns it. A Continental Car for much if its life.

2174 J-149

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton Sweep Panel

Short

1929

2175 J-144

Murphy Convertible Coupe (possibly)

Short

1929

2176 J-150

Unknown Limousine

(more likely Berline)

Short

Becoming a Murphy Convertible Sedan. The chassis length is not recorded, but a short wheelbase seems more likely because the final incarnation of this Duesenberg is a Derham Convertible Coupe.

2177 J-121

Murphy-Convertible-Coupe

Short

Before the swap with Wrigley

1929

2177 was graced with a LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton after the body swap with Wrigley

1929

Duesenberg Motors on Instagram has fine pictures and plenty of interesting information on this and other Duesenbergs.

https://www.instagram.com/duesenberg_motors/

2178 J-153

Murphy Convertible Sedan (possibly)

Short

A desirable car that came to a bad end.

2179

A Mystery Car

2180 J-158

Rollston Town Car

Long

Now a Strother MacMinn fantasy

2181 J-160

Rollston Town Car

Long

Three Window

1931

2182

Mystery Car

2183 J-162

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

Ordered by George Whittell

1929

George WhitelI, honary fire marshall and World War I veteran, bought more new Duesenbergs than anyone else, six in total. have some tales to tell about George Whittell, which should be taken with a grain of salt. I grew up in Whittell’s neighborhood, and there, as a teenager, I delivered groceries so that I could earn enough to buy a 1936 Lincoln. At one home, a few mansions down from Whittell’s, I encountered a gentleman who used to work as a handyman for Whittell. He told me that Whittell clocked the Fishtail Speedster at 133 m.p.h. on the old Bayshore Highway. Apparently, this was the lion’s favorite car, but Whittell stopped driving it because it became too much of a nuisance to pay off gawkers who occasionally got swatted by the temperamental beast. Several lions served as Whittell’s security force, allowed to roam free on his property at night – note the photo taken of the lion house. Currently it looks like a garage, but up until twenty years ago, or so, I recall that instead of wooden doors iron bars stood in place so that the lions could be seen from the road during the day – assumingly to discourage burglars. The ornamental crosses, I assume, are a macabre tip of the hat to Christians who were fed to the lions back in the times of ancient Rome. An elephant was kept in the swimming pool because, well, why not? Eventually, the handyman’s tales turned dark. He told me that there was an occasion when Whittell directed him to clean out the lion cage. Once inside, Whittell released one of the lions, and became enraged when it declined to attack. More disturbing was a tale regarding his Filipino servants. Whittell had a big captain’s chair set up on a veranda overlooking a vast, manicured lawn. He’d ring a bell, and the servants were required to come running in order to serve him. One day he armed himself with a shotgun, rang the bell, and shot at them all as they hurried across his lawn. Whittell was a crack shot and he didn’t kill anyone, just wounded a few, then paid them all ten thousand dollars not to talk about it. True? Who knows, maybe the handyman had a grudge and made it all up. On the other hand, a friend whose family, (also original Duesenberg owners,) had a house on Lake Tahoe near Whittell’s told a story that adds some credence to what the handyman had to say. When he was young this friend said that it was fun for him and his buddies to take a speedboat out to Whittell’s, roar around, and wait for his security force to come out and shoot at them. It was definitely a different time back then.

2184

Mystery Car

2185 J-156

Faux LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton replacing what was originally a LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

Sweep Panel 1929

2186 J-165

Murphy-Convertible Coupe

Short

1932

2187 J-164

Derham Arlington Sedan

Short

1929

2188 J-166

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

Another Murphy Convertible Coupe, which may or may not be 2188, but which is too enjoyable not to include.

2189 J-168

Derham Sedan

Short

Now a LeBaron Special Phaeton.

Once owned by Jack Passey

1931

The ad shows this car’s original colors: Tan and Auburn Brown with Nile Green striping, brake drums and leather trim.

2190 J-159

Barker Sedanca DeVille

Long

1929

Here we go again, a Sedanca DeVille translates as a Town Sedan. A Coupe DeVille translates as a Town Coupe. As with Limousines, the difference has to do with jump seats – a Sedanca DeVille has them, a Coupe DeVille does not. The Europeans were purer in this sense; most Coupe DeVilles from across the pond had no jump seats in any form whatsoever.

2191 J-167

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

2192 J-169

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

1929

2193 J-171

Derham Sedan (Likely)

Short

1930

2194 J-173

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

1929

2195 J-174

Weymann St Cloud Sedan (possibly)

Short

2196 J-175

Murphy Dual Cowl phaeton

Short

2197 J-177

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

Wrecked. J-177, minus bell housing, winds up in 2211.

2198 J-179

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

1929

2199 J-178

Murphy Torpedo Convertible Coupe

Short

1929

A fine example of a single car undergoing multiple high quality restorations. Happily, the most recent restoration returns this motorcar to its factory new appearance with correct colors and trims.

TRUE BLUE: Original Chassis – Original Body – Original Engine – factory colors may be altered

TRUEST BLUE: Original Chassis – Original Body – Original Engine – fine unrestored cars, or one or all components brought back to match the way they left the factory, often after decades of woeful modifications

TRAGIC BLACK: Lost or destroyed Chassis – Lost or destroyed Body – Lost or destroyed Engine

FACTORY GREEN: Factory Replaced Chassis – Factory/Coachbuilder Replaced Body – Factory Replaced Engine

ARROGANT RED: Moved Original Body – Moved Original Engine

TOO MUCH MONEY MAGENTA: Coachbuilder Modified Original Body – Factory/Dealer Modified Original Chassis – Factory/Dealer Modified Original Engine

DEMENTED ORANGE: Reproduction Body/Flight Of Fancy Body – Owner Generated

2200 J-181

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

J-483 later

2201 J-183

Derham Town Car

Long

Eventually becoming a Faux Murphy Dual Cowl Phaeton

A fabulous motorcar, which met a sad fate.

2202 J-180

Willoughby Sedan (possibly)

Long

2203 J-105

Derham 6 Passenger Sedan (possibly)

Short

J-105 eventually put into Stutz chassis

2204 J-184

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

2205 J-185

Willoughby Berline

Long

Now a LaGrande Dual Cowl Phaeton

2206 J-182

LeBaron-Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

Sweep Panel

Owned by boxing-Champ Max Baer

1932

2207 J-188

Murphy Convertible Sedan (speculative image)

Short

Now a LaGrande Dual Cowl Phaeton

Sweep Panel

2208 J-186

Kirchhoff Convertible Sedan

Short

Originally with Weyman Leatherette Stutz body

1930

2209 J-187

Murphy Clear Vision Sedan

Short

2210 J-189

Weymann Sedan

Short

Replaced in 1933 with a LaGrande Sedan

2211 J-190 now J-177

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

Demo car. J-190 bell housing kept and J-177 installed.

1930

2212 J-192

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

1929

2213 J-194

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

1929

https://www.sportscarmarket.com/profile/1929-duesenberg-model-j-convertible-coupe

2214 J-193

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

1930

2215 J-191

Hibbard&Darrin Convertible Cabriolet (possibly)

Long

1930

Hibbard&Darrin Duesenbergs are difficult to track down; not all of them have recorded chassis or J numbers, and there’s confusion as to how many were made, though 12 cars is the consensus amongst experts. Complicating matters, the same car often received a repaint or two when new, along with minor detail changes. For a long time, I thought that this was yet another shot of 2216, but something didn’t seem right. To begin with, this car was recorded as being blue with gray trim, whereas 2216 was repainted in almond green with light gray trim. This car has a different trunk than 2216, and though trunks can be switched, windshield wipers were not tampered with until later in life. A photo of this car, which appears to be from the late twenties, shows two windshield wipers, a novelty for Hibbard&Darrin Duesenbergs. 2216 didn’t receive two wipers until around 1934, when it was also accessorized with new style running boards, European style headlights, and a “Duesenbird” ornament. It also received yet another repaint and shipped to New York, making it that more difficult to properly identify. There is no record of chassis 2015, or of J-191, but since they seem to have been manufactured around the same time, it seems quite possible that they belong together.

2216 J-195

Hibbard&Darrin Convertible Sedan

Long

1930

Originally painted black. When the color failed to achieve the desired results 2216 was repainted in lighter tones. Notice that the color may change but the license number remains the same. Around 1934 it was painted in black again and shipped to New York with new style running boards, European style headlights, dual windshield wipers and a “Duesenbird” radiator ornament.

2217 J-197

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

1929

Wrecked after two weeks – body salvaged and moved to 2292 J-270 Short

J-197 went on to power a Faux Derham Tourster by Billings. The fate of chassis 2217 is unknown.

2218 J-199

Derham Convertible Coupe

Short

2219 J-201

LeTourneur et Marchand Faux-Cabriolet

Short

1930

https://www.coachbuild.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=706&sid=e5785117febcaedd7f9eaed2323a01d2

2220 J-196

Weymann Sedan

Short

Metal body, right hand drive.

2221 J-198

Murphy Torpedo Convertible Coupe

Short

1929

The first photos appear to be of a Convertible Coupe – but look again. The section behind the front seat extends horizontally in a straight line, then abruptly curves; and the windshield is dramatically raked. Clearly an early modification.

2222 J-202

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

1929

2223 J-200

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

2224 J-203

Murphy Convertible Coupe (possibly)

Short

2225 J-355

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

2226 J-206

Murphy Convertible Sedan Richard Arlen (possibly)

Short

Rebodied as a Faux Derham Tourster

Concept Cars has this Billings Tourster listed as J-206, which may be correct. However it’s unlikely to be on chassis 2226, which is short – Derham Toursters, even reproductions, are mounted on the long chassis. which means that the Tourster’s current chassis number is unknown.

2227 J-207

Derham Arlington Sedan

Short

1930

Now a Boattail-Speedster

2228 J-208

Murphy Convertible-Sedan

Short

2229 J-205

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

2230 J-210

Murphy Convertible Sedan (possibly)

Long

1929

2231 J-211

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

(The first shot has a reasonable possibility as being J-211, a factory supercharged engine)

2232 J-209

Murphy Convertible Berline (possibly)

Long

2233 J-213

Murphy Clear Vision Sedan with quarter windows and steerable headlights (likely)

Short

1930

No Steerable headlights, (yet) but this Clear Vision Sedan has a unique luggage rack, no chrome trim on the rear fenders, and no cowl lights, suggesting a very early car. Also, it seems odd that Murphy would take photos of an unfinished car, so this is probably the way it was delivered. Factory photos of the other Clear Vision Sedans, (all of which survive,) differ in these details, so I conclude that this is a lost car.

This shot, and many others come from the archives of The Auburn Cord and Duesenberg Museum. A treasure trove of photos, though not always accurately identified.

https://automobilemuseum.pastperfectonline.com/

2234 J-212

Derham Sedan Short

1931

Rebodied as a Mudd Bohman and Schwartz Torpedo Sedanette Coupe with a leatherette body and a supercharger. (Malks p.95)

2235 J-276

Willoughby Berline Long. Listed as no data in Adler – page 38 of Malks differs.

2236 J-217

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

The first shot is speculative but likely.

2237 J-220

Derham Town Car (possibly)

Short

1930

2238 J-215

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

Now a Willoughby Limousine

2239 J-219

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

2240 J-214

Wolfington Royale

2241 J-216

Unknown Town Car

2242 J-222

Willoughby Berline (possibly)

Long

2243 J-218

Murphy Berline

Long

Whittell

1929

This car perfectly illustrates a Berline in its purest form – simply a sedan with a division window between the front and back seats. The body of this car was made entirely of aluminum – revolutionary in 1929.

2244 J-221

Willoughby Berline (possibly)

Long

2245 J-225

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Long

1929

From The Chicago Tribune: “William Rosenwald is shown standing beside his convertible Duesenberg car which won the Grand Prix d’Honneur in the competition at Vichy.” Returned to the states the car underwent a number of modifications including a new windshield, which could be opened.

2246 J-224

Murphy Convertible Sedan (possibly)

Uncertain Wheelbase

2247 J-226

Willoughby Berline

Long

Receiving a Linclon Convertible Coupe Body

2248 J-227

Unknown (Possibly Willoughby Limousine)

Long

2249 J-228

Willoughby Berline

Long

To be Bohmanized

2250 J-229

Willoughby limousine (speculative interior shots)

Long

Owned by gangster Mickey Duffy https://www.facebook.com/oldimagesofphiladelphia/posts/mickey-duffy-1888-1931portrait-of-gangster-mickey-duffyborn-william-michael-cusi/1212284678834468/

This Willoughby limousine got the Seattle Auto Rebuilders Treatment, and was turned into a Convertible Berline – eventually moved to 2451 J-439

2251 J-263

Willoughby limousine

Long

(J-230 says Adler) (speculative image). In Sweden, the Limousine body was removed and set aside so that 2251 could be rebodied as a Figoni Convertible Victoria. The Convertible Victoria was eventually scrapped, and the limousine body will make a brief reappearance on chassis 2295.

2252 J-223

LeBaron Barrelside Phaeton

Short

Rebodied as a Dual Cowl Sweep Panel Phaeton

1929

2253 J-245

Willoughby Limousine

Long

Converted into a phaeton

1929

2254 J-246

Murphy Town Car

Long

Later rebodied as a Graber Cabriolet

1930

As dashing as the surviving Graber Cabriolet is, these photos show how much beauty and craftsmanship is lost when closed cars are scrapped to make way for open cars. This first Murphy Town Car made its way to Europe. The photo taken on an Austrian Boulevard is from 1935, right before J-246 was rebodied.

2255 J-248

Derham Sport Sedan (likely)

Long

2256 J-241

Willoughby Sedan

Long

2257 J-237

Willoughby Berline

Long

Replaced by a Derham Town Car

This Derham Town Car has the rear section of 2452, which was wrecked, cobbled together with other parts and pieces of cars to create a rough, and not entirely accurate approximation of one of Derham’s creations. The paint job was probably done in the ’70s and would have never have been applied to a formal car in the 1930s. It is nice, however, that so much work went into saving a closed car.

2258 J-250

Willoughby Berline

Long

Now a Faux LaGrande Dual Cowl Phaeton Sweep Panel with a 60’s style reinterpretation of a 30s interior. The Willoughby interior shot is speculative.

2259 J-251

Weymann Saint Cloud Sedan

Short

1929

2260 J-234

Willoughby Limousine

Long

(The interior shot is speculative)

Becoming a Faux Derham Tourster

2261 J-232

Derham Arlington Sedan

Long

1930

2262 J-351

Willoughby Limousine

Long

Now a Rollston Victoria

1932

2263 J-235

Rollston Formal Town Car (Speculative images)

Long

Replaced by a Murphy Convertible Coupe

Two Murphy Convertible Coupes claim to have received the engine, though not the chassis, (which was long.) In fact, these photos are of the same car, which has now been restored to its original appearance with rear mounted spares. The body currently resides on its factory ordered chassis – 2369

https://www.conceptcarz.com/profile/30686,8968/1930-duesenberg-model-j-murphy.aspx

https://trombinoscar.com/duesenberg/3303.html

2264 J-233

Rollston Town Car

Long

quarter windows

1931

Becoming a strange roadster and a Faux LaGrande Dual Cowl Phaeton.

2265 J-239

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

1929

2266 J-236

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

1930

2267 J-238

Murphy Clear Vision Sedan

Short

1929

2268 J-240 then J-572 SJ

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

Modified by Bowman and Schwartz

This Duesenberg began life as the “Hope Diamond Car.” Perhaps as a result of the descent into madness by its original owner it was acquired by Pacific Auto Rentals. It appeared in numerous films, shown here in order are: “Small Town Girl,” “Stowaway,” The Ex Mrs. Bradford,” “A Star Is Born,” “Breezing Home,” and ” Arsene Lupin Returns.” After the addition of skirted fenders it fell into the clutches of Bohman&Schwartz who modified it into its current appearance.

2269 J-242

Derham Sedan Arlington style (speculative image)

Short

Replaced by a Floyd Derham Roadster

2270 J-243

LeBaron Barrelside Phaeton

Short

(first photo speculative, the second shows 2270 way in the back, and the color photos are of 2270)

1930

2271 J-244

Weymann Fabric Covered Sedan (possibly)

Short

2272 J-247

Letouneur et Marchand Cabriolet Coupe

Short

2273 J-252

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

Sweep Panel

2274 J-253

Willoughby Berline

Long

With quarter windows

2275 J-254

Hibbard & Darrin Imperial Cabriolet

Long

Hearst

1929

2276 J-255

Judkins Limousine

Long

Original location before being swapped to 2128

1929

Here’s the famous Judkins Limousine, owned by Pacific Auto Rentals and used in so many movies. I remember sitting in this car back in the sixties, and was surprised to discover that the chauffeur had to be a contortionist. The gap between the leading edge of the front seat and the frame of the front door was so small that my teenage shoes couldn’t get through. The next obstacle was the steering wheel, which was so close to the back of the front seat that the driver felt like a pinned butterfly. The price one paid for style.

A Fran Roxas Faux Torpedo Phaeton has currently commandeered chassis 2276

2277 J-258

Derham Berline (possibly)

Short

1929

2278

No Data

2279 J-256

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

Sweep Panel

1930

2280 J-259

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Long

Later modified by Bohman and Schwartz

1929

The second photo, which has made the rounds, identifies the woman as Carole Lombard, and implies that she’s standing beside 2359, which is a LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton. No LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton has trim molding on the hood that matches this car. Additionally, 2280, the Bourne Duesenberg, has distinctive headlights that steer with the front wheels, and these can be seen in the second photo. Finally, the woman in question only resembles Carole Lombard in being young, blonde, Caucasian, and dressed in stylish clothes – I suspect that it’s someone else – a model, perhaps.

2281 J-257

Murphy Convertible Coupe (filler)

Short

Probably not 2281 – but a fine photo of something similar

2282 J-260

Unknown

Long

2283 J-261

LaGrande Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

Sweep Panel Supercharged

2284 J-262

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

1929

2285 J-264

Murphy Dual Cowl Phaeton

Long

1929

2286 J-Unknown

Unknown

2287 J-266 now with J-453

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

Begun as a right hand drive Long chassis. J-266 was disassembled with its engine going into 2413. Now 2287 has J-453, which came from 2453. Confused? Such is the history of many Duesenbergs.

1930

2288

No Data

2289

No Data

2290 J-268

Fukuzawa Phaeton

Short

Rebodied as a Roadster by Meisterschule fur Handwerke

2291 J-271

Willoughby Limousine

Long

2292 J-270

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

Sweep Panel Phaeton after body moved to new chassis

2293 J-272

LeBaron Barrelside-Phaeton

Short

Paul Whiteman in 1935 had this body replaced with a Rollston Convertible Victoria

2294 J-269

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

1930

2295 J-273

Judkins Limousine

Long

Replaced by a Willoughby Limousine, which was modified by Figoni

2296 J-276

Willoughby Berline

Long

Now a faux LaGrande Dual Cowl phaeton

2297 J-275

Weymann Fabric Sedan

Short

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton, possibly used to create 2359.

2298 J-278

Hibbard and Darrin Convertible Coupe

Long

An interesting article about European Duesenbergs can be found in Issue 30 of the Society Of Automotive History. https://autohistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/AHR030.pdf

2299 J-274

Hibbard&Darrin Convertible Victoria

1930

TRUE BLUE: Original Chassis – Original Body – Original Engine – factory colors may be altered

TRAGIC BLACK: Lost or destroyed Chassis – Lost or destroyed Body – Lost or destroyed Engine

FACTORY GREEN: Factory Replaced Chassis – Factory/Coachbuilder Replaced Body – Factory Replaced Engine

ARROGANT RED: Moved Original Body – Moved Original Engine

TOO MUCH MONEY MAGENTA: Coachbuilder Modified Original Body – Factory/Dealer Modified Original Chassis – Factory/Dealer Modified Original Engine

DEMENTED ORANGE: Reproduction Body/Flight Of Fancy Body – Owner Generated

2300 J-277

Hibbard and Darrin-Convertible Victoria

Long

1930

2301 J-279

Murphy Disappearing Top Convertible Coupe

Short

With a special high roof – owned by Howard Hughes

1931

2302 J-281

Rollston Town Car

Long

With quarter windows

2303 J-282

Hibbard&Darrin Convertible Town Car

Long

1930

The chassis and J number of this motorcar has been in question for a long time. Finally the matter has been settled, as the link shows. Interestingly, several sources have labeled shots of the car as being of a different car with a similar appearance. King Alfonso’s Town Car has a light top and dark trim, while its twin (2378) has light trim and a dark top.

https://speedreaders.info/18758-alfonso-xiii-el-automovil/ https://speedreaders.info/18758-alfonso-xiii-el-automovil/

2304

No Data

2305 J-287

Murphy Sport Berline

Long

1930

Another Whittell car, this one supposedly ordered for his mistress. Also a classic Berline – a sedan with a division window.

2306 J-290

Formal mystery

2307 J-288

Murphy Convertible Berline

Long

1929

This Duesenberg appears to be the recipient of an anachronistic interior reflecting the aesthetics of the 1970s.

2308

No Data

2309 J-291

Rollston Town Car

Long

Blind quarter panel

2310 J-284

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

2311

No Data

2312 J-294

Castagna Convertible Sedan

Long

2313 J-296

Rollston Town Car

Long

With quarter windows

2314 J-301

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Uncertain Wheelbase

Ordered in pink

2315 J-391

Murphy Convertible Torpedo Berline

Long

With a built-in trunk – owned by Tyrone Power

1930

2316

No Data

2317 J-302

Murphy Boattail-Torpedo Speedster

Short

1930

2318 J-299

LaGrande Barrel Side Phaeton

Short

1930

The first seven black and white shots are from “The Famous Ferguson Case” 1932.

2319 J-396

a Willoughby Berline

Long

Replaced by a Faux Torpedo Phaeton

2320 J-303

Fleetwood Berline

Long

now Rollston

2321 J-285

LeBaron Phaeton

Short

2322 J-310

Judkins Limousine (speculative image)

Long

This chassis hopping Derham Sedan

Short

Received Factory Supercharged engine J-310 from this Judkins Limousine

2323 J-318

LeBaron Dual Cowl Barrelside Phaeton

Long

2324 J-307

Saoutchik Coupe DeVille

Long

2325 J-312

Hibbard&Darrin Convertible Town Car (likely)

Long

1929

Becoming a Graber Convertible Victoria

1934

(Malks identifies this car as being 2298, but goes on to describe 2298 as possibly a “convertible Coupe with ‘walk-in’ rumble seat.”

2336 J-309

Hibbard&Darrin Imperial Cabriolet

Long

Becoming a LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton

2327 J-311

Judkins Limousine (possibly)

Long

2328 J-135

Willoughby Limousine

Long

Becoming a Torpedo Convertible Coupe?

2329 J-184

Hibbard&Darrin Transformable Cabriolet

Long

1930

2330 J-315

Rollston Limousine

Long

Rebodied with a Lincoln Dietrich Coupe body and finally a Faux Murphy Dual Cowl Phaeton.

2331 J-313

Rollston Town Car with quarter windows (possibly)

Long

2332 J-321

Willoughby

Long

2333 J-305

Murphy Clear Vision Sedan

Short

With Blind Rear Quarter

2334 J-317

Hibbard&Darrin Convertible Sedan (possibly)

Long

2335 J-316

LeBaron Limousine

Long

Now a Faux Derham Tourster

2336 J-487

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton

Long

Sweep Panel

1929

2337 J-308

Murphy Clear Vision Sedan

Short

Moved to 2607 J-574

1930

2338 J-314

Van den Plas Covertible Coupe (possibly)

Unknown Wheelbase

2339 J-326

Murphy Convertible Coupe (filler)

Short

Probably not J-326 – but it is a great period photo of a Murphy Convertible Coupe. (And a Derham Convertible Sedan thrown in for good measure.) The second shot is taken inside the Lake Shore Drive Hotel in 1933.

2340 J-327

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

Now with J-401

1930

2341 J-328

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

2342 J-323

LeBaron Convertible Coupe

Short

Adler lists this car as “Unknown,” and Malks, P.77, as a Convertible Coupe by LeBaron, and similar to a style built for Packard. It appears that a late thirties style windshield was added to the body, which clearly reflects an early thirties style. The design is closer to what LeBaron built for Chrysler Imperials, and I wonder if the body was constructed exclusively for this Duesenberg, and is not a switch from another car.

Because this car is on the short wheelbase, I’m skeptical that it’s been replaced by a Billings Tourster, unless the chassis was altered or switched.

Now a Billings Tourster (supposedly)

There’s a fascinating article about this car in Old Cars Weekly. https://www.oldcarsweekly.com/features/duesey-of-a-fairy-tale-the-classic-in-the-castle

2343 J-304

Willoughby Limousine

Long

2344 J-322

Derham Sedan (possibly)

Short

2345 J-329

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

1930

2346 J-330

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

Disappearing Top

1931

2347 J-331

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

1930

2348 J-336

Murphy Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

Now a Murphy Convertible Coupe

2349 J-325

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

Sweep Panel

1929

2350 J-338

Derham Arlington style Sedan

Short

Now a LeBaron Convertible Sedan 1934

A classic example of musical Duesenbergs. This LeBaron Convertible Sedan is one of two made for the short chassis. It was intended for 2546 with J-522, a supercharged engine, but was apparently never installed. Instead, in 1933, it ended up on 2152, J-127, which originally carried yet another Derham Sedan body. Finally, it ended up here on 2350.

https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6939-1931-duesenberg-j-lebaron-all-weather-phaeton/ https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az23/arizona/lots/r0051-1931-duesenberg-model-j-convertible-sedan-by-lebaron/1314372

2351 J-324

LaGrande Dual Cowl Phaeton

Long

Sweep Panel owned by Clara Bow

1930

After sampling a number of chassis this LaGrande Phaeton, used as a factory demonstrator, found a final home on 2351.

2352

No Data

2353 J-335

Murphy Torpedo Berline (possibly)

Long

This car may be a hardtop.

2354 J-120

Murphy Torpedo Speedster

Long

Whittell

2355 J-334

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

The first body was damaged prompting a factory body swap becoming a La Grande Dual Cowl Phaeton

The seats appear to be a 60s style redesign.

2356

No Data

2357

No Data

2358 J-333

Judkins Four Passenger Victoria Coupe Short now has J-160

Many parts were cannibalized, but the Judkins Coupe remains more or less intact, but with a new engine.

J-333 ended up in this LeGrande Roadster Mike Collins 1958 mounted on a 1950 Packard Super Convertible Frame.

2359 J-392

LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

1934

Reputedly built for Carole Lombard

The Duesenberg Data Base has this car listed as 2412, but that’s unlikely because 2412 is a long wheelbase chassis, and with the exception of 2323, 2336, and 2521 all LeBaron Phaetons were built on the short wheelbase. The confusion may be due to the fact that this car received J-457 taken from 2412. It’s also unlikely that Carole Lombard would have specified the adornments reflected in this car’s recreated interior.

2360 J-342

Dietrich Packard Phaeton

Unknown Wheelbase.

2361 J-343

Willoughby Berline

Long

2362 J-344

Murphy Town Car

Long

Used by New York Mayor Jimmy Walker

2363 J-337

Murphy-Convertible Sedan

Short

Now utilizing J-420

1931

2364 J-286

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

1931

2365 J-346

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

2366 J-347

Murphy Dual Cowl Phaeton

Short

1930

2367 J-345

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

1930

2368 J-349

LeBaron Barrelside Phaeton

Short

Jay Leno

1930

2369 J-351 J-235

Murphy Convertible Coupe

Short

Disappearing Top

1930

Ordered with J-351, now equipped with J-235

https://www.conceptcarz.com/profile/30686,8968/1930-duesenberg-model-j-murphy.aspx

2370 J-350

Judkins Three Window Berline (possibly.)

Long

Now a Willoughby Berline

1930

2371 J-348

Judkins Berline (First image is speculative.)

Long

1931

Hopefully, this now very rare motocar will get a proper restoration, complete with correct upholstery.

2372 J-353

Judkins Berline (possibly)

Long

J-353 is now now in 2501 which hosts a Murphy Convertible Coupe

2373 J-352

Willoughby Berline (possibly)

Long

2374 J-355

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Long

Now has J-204 swapped from 2225

Used in “Giant” – also in “Sunset”

1930

2375 J-354

Judkins Four Passenger Victoria Coupe

Short

2376 J-359

Unknown Murphy Convertible Berline (possibly)

2377 J-360

Murphy Convertible Berline

Long

1930

2378 J-361

Hibbard&Darrin Imperial Cabriolet (possibly)

Long

This is the twin of the Duesenberg belonging to King Alfonso – unlike that illusive car this one has light colored trim and a dark top.

2379 J-364

Rollston Convertible Victoria

Long

Rebodied as a Murphy Boattail Roadster

1932

2380 J-362

LeBaron Convertible Berline

Long

2381 J-366

LeBaron Convertible Sedan (possibly)

With a v windshield originally

Long

Now with a Cadillac Fisher Roadster body

2382 J-358

Weymann Sedan

Short

1933

2383 J-356

Murphy Convertible Sedan

Short

2384 J-369

Franay Feres Town Car Cabriolet

Long

Became a Franay Sport Sedan – junked

2385 J-365

Franay Town Car Landaulet

Long

Rebodied as a Berline

2385 was host to a Kellner Town Car, which was moved to 2541 when it didn’t sell. A similar fate befell the Franay Town Car Landaulet that took over chassis 2385. Originally two-toned, it also didn’t sell. Repainted in black, it still didn’t find a buyer but did manage to make a brief appearance in the French version of “Topaze.”