1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy 'Disappearing Top' Torpedo Convertible Coupe

Son of early Ford Motor Company investor John Gray; acquired the car new in Santa Barbara, California. Family wealth derived from the 1919 sale of Ford stock for $26 million.

Los Angeles-based owner who had the car updated with JN-style skirted fenders and smaller wheels during his tenure. The car appeared in a Hollywood film during this period.

Enthusiastic Duesenberg collector from Waynesville, Ohio, from a railroad family background; considered this his most cherished Model J. He sourced a replacement engine (J-414) after the original was stripped for parts, and drove the car regularly. After 34 years he was persuaded to sell.

One of two brokers through whose hands the car briefly passed following Coverdale's sale.

Commissioned a full concours-quality restoration by RM Auto Restoration, during which the original bare brushed-aluminum finish was painstakingly revived and period-correct trim was reproduced from factory and archival photographs.

Beverly Hills attorney and longtime automotive journalist who was among several Southern California custodians caring for the car in the late 1940s.

Co-broker in the transaction following Coverdale; period photographs held in his possession accompanied the car.

Brief owner following the Adams and Barrett brokerage period before the car passed to the Blackhawk Collection.

Undertook a restoration and subsequently submitted the car for ACD Club certification; it was awarded Category One status confirming the retention of all correct Duesenberg components.

First public showing under the current restoration; judged second in class against highly competitive field.

Second and most recent concours appearance in its present restored condition.

Early club gathering, mid-1950s, at which Coverdale brought the car; it made occasional subsequent appearances at Auburn events over the following years.

Original engine J-178 was absent at the time of Coverdale's purchase, reportedly having been used for parts by a Los Angeles dealer. Coverdale sourced and installed an alternative period Duesenberg engine, J-414, which remains in the car.

The replacement engine was fitted as part of returning the car to running order.

During the 1930s the car was updated in period fashion with skirted JN-style rear fenders and smaller 17-inch wheels, altering its original appearance.

This work occurred while the car was in Southern California ownership, likely during William McDuffie's tenure.

A light cosmetic refurbishment was carried out to bring the car to presentable running condition for occasional driving and club appearances.

Work undertaken during William Coverdale's ownership period, prior to the mid-1950s club appearances.

A restoration was performed by the Blackhawk Collection, after which the car was submitted to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club and awarded Category One certification confirming original chassis, firewall, and coachwork integrity.

Exact date not recorded; occurred between the mid-1980s and 2015.

A comprehensive concours-quality restoration was carried out, recovering the original bare brushed-and-polished aluminum exterior finish using factory records and surviving period photographs. The great majority of original aluminum sheetmetal was conserved rather than replaced. Original trim details altered by prior owners were faithfully recreated, and the dark blue interior and fenders were returned to their as-delivered specification.

Commissioned by the current owner following acquisition in 2015; the restored car debuted publicly at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.