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Chassis:
Of the 25 Convertible Coupes built by Murphy for the Duesenberg J chassis, this is one of six with a disappearing top. It is believed to be one of the first two produced and can be considered the prototype. It did not feature the chrome 'rub strips' fitted on similar cars and it was finished in bare aluminium. The first owner of chassis 2199 was David Gray of Santa Barbara in California. It was sold on in 1933 and later in the decade was modernised with JN-style fenders and 17-inch wheels. In 1951, it joined the collection of longtime Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club member William Cloverdale. By that time, it was missing its original engine (J-178) but Cloverdale found a suitable replacement (J-414), which remains in the car to this day. During his 34-year ownership, Cloverdale enjoyed driving the car and only made only a few cosmetic improvements. Shortly after being sold by Cloverdale, it joined the Blackhawk Collecttion and was subsequently fully restored. Its most recent custodian acquired the Disappearing Top Duesenberg in 2015. He had the car restored once more by RM Auto Restorations. Particularly attention was paid to the panels and using period photos, it was determined that some panels featured a brushed aluminium finish. One of four known surviving of the six, it was subsequently shown with considerable success at Pebble Beach and Amelia Island. In 2021, it was consigned to headline the RM Sotheby's Amelia Island sale.
Chassis details |
Manufactured in |
1929 |
First owner |
David Gray |
Most recent auction(s) |
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