1935 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton by Walker-LaGrande
Duesenberg chassis 2583, engine J-548, is one of two Walker-LaGrande Torpedo Phaetons — a body style originally conceived by Gordon Buehrig for a specific patron and later reproduced in small numbers. Delivered in November 1935 to a Beverly Hills owner, it briefly appeared in a 1935 Republic comedy film and was exhibited at the 1936 Los Angeles Auto Show before passing through a succession of dedicated St. Louis collectors. Restored in the mid-1980s by Fran Roxas, it won its class at Pebble Beach and Meadowbrook, achieved a Primary First at the ACD Club National Reunion, and earned two perfect CCCA Grand Classic scores. The car retains its original chassis, firewall, engine, and body from 1935.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$4,405,000
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Modification
Supercharger-style side exhaust pipes were fitted to the car; the prose suggests this occurred around the time of its transfer to Dr. Dallas, as the car was originally delivered without side exhaust.
This was the only Torpedo Phaeton originally supplied without side exhaust; the modification brought it closer in appearance to the other examples.
- —RestorationFran Roxas
A full restoration was carried out in the livery the car currently wears, following Fred Weber's acquisition in 1984.
Restoration preceded an extensive national show campaign; the car subsequently achieved perfect scores and class wins at major concours events.
- —Maintenance
Correct period wheel covers, matching those fitted when the car was new, were sourced and installed during the current owners' stewardship.
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