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/auctions/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://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
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
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
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
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
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
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.”
2386 J-298
Murphy Convertible Coupe
Short
The car that Fred Duesenberg was killed in – repaired but unsaleable – moved to 2530, modified and sold as a new car.
2387 J-370
Murphy Convertible Coupe
Short
Rebodied by Bowman and Schwartz.
Owned by Mae West
The first shot shows Mae West’s driver, and Film Director Raoul Walsh.
It’s speculated that this car was owned by controversial spiritual leader Frank B. Robinson before it was remodeled by Bohman&Schwartz
2388 J-357
Murphy Convertible Coupe
Short
Disappearing-Top
1930
2389
No Data
2390 J-272
Judkins Berline
Long
1929
2391
No Data
2392
No Data
2393 J-373
LeBaron Phaeton
Short
Becoming a Fernandez&Darrin Boattail Speedster
1932
2394 J-375
LeBaron Convertible Berline
Long
Becoming a Faux Derham Tourster
2395 J-377
Murphy Convertible Coupe
Long
Now on 2471 – 1 of only 8 built on the long wheelbase
1931
2395 J-377 had a second incarnation as Fleetwood Limousine
Finally becoming a Walker-LaGrande Dual Cowl Phaeton Sweep Panel
Long
1934
2396

Unknown
2397 J-387
Murphy Beverly
Long
2398
No Record
2399 J-374
Rollston Town Car
Long
Originally a LeBaron Convertible Sedan
1934
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
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
2400 J-382
Judkins Berline (possibly)
Long
2401 J-381
Murphy Town Car
Long
Doris Duke
1930
2402 J–306
Willoughby Limousine
Long
0riginally J-383, replaced by the factory for being defective
1930
It appears that the interior of this car was close to gutted, the most recent restoration is a valiant attempt to revive the spirit of the original.
2403 J-371
Willoughby Limousine (possibly)
Long
2404 J-398
Brunn Town Car
Long
2405 J-397
Rollson Cabriolet
Long
Bauer
Last delivered Duesenberg
1938/1940
2406 J-527
Murphy Convertible Coupe
Short
Disappearing Top SJ
1935
2407 J-402