1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy 'Disappearing Top' Convertible Coupe

Original owner who had the car returned to the Chicago factory branch to have its Derham Sedan body restyled and moved to a new supercharged chassis, relinquishing the original chassis and engine.

Chicago advertising executive whose agency held the Auburn Automobile Company account; purchased the car after the Murphy disappearing-top body was fitted. His prominent family was noted for acquiring quality vehicles of the era.

Well-known West Virginia Duesenberg enthusiast who purchased the car from Hanger in the late 1940s. He owned several Model Js and drove them extensively. During his tenure the car was rebuilt with a replacement frame and firewall.

Ohio-based owner who acquired the car in 1963.

The car passed through several Chicago-region hands, at some point being handled by used-Duesenberg dealer John Troka.

Owner based in Leonardtown, Maryland, from whom the car was subsequently acquired in the late 1940s.

Pennsylvania-based owner in the chain of custody following DiPiero.

Pennsylvania-based owner, part of the sequence following Bittner.

New Jersey collector renowned for preserving outstanding American Classic automobiles; the car was part of his celebrated collection for a period.

Florida-based Duesenberg devotee and long-standing ACD Club member who owned the car for roughly 25 years, drove it regularly, and commissioned a full restoration including new paintwork and interior. Offered the car to benefit Hillsdale College.

Bardeen drove the car from Florida to Indiana over several days to attend the Year of the Duesenberg celebration; the multi-day highway drive was recognised at the awards ceremony and documented in the ACD Club Newsletter.

Following acquisition by Melvin Clemans, the car was rebuilt and fitted with a replacement frame (no. 2551) and firewall (no. 2577) in place of the original components.

Car was described as needing restoration at the time of Clemans' purchase, likely in the late 1940s.

Comprehensive cosmetic refurbishment including new maroon paintwork and a fresh leather interior, carried out after the 2010 drive to Auburn; mechanical integrity was maintained and the car continued to be used actively afterwards.

Commissioned by Eric Bardeen following the car's return trip to Florida.

Full mechanical inspection and servicing by a recognised Duesenberg specialist; confirmed all components as genuine Duesenberg parts, verified the body retains most of its original wood (stamped '922' on floorboards), established good compression across all cylinders (100–110 psi), and noted the engine's updated steel Carillo connecting rods in place of the failure-prone original aluminium units.

Workshop operated by Duesenberg authority Brian Joseph, located in Troy, Michigan.