1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Sedan
- Colour
- Very dark blue
Chassis J-269 is a 1930 Duesenberg Model J fitted with a Murphy convertible sedan body, one of approximately 45 such examples built before the Pasadena coachbuilder closed in 1932. Delivered new to a New York owner, the car passed through several hands before spending decades in limited use and careful storage. A meticulous ground-up restoration was completed in the early 2000s under the direction of collector David Kane, culminating in a Best of Class award at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The car is distinguished by its dark blue coachwork, plum leather interior, and period-correct side exhaust.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$3,525,000
- 1930-02-28 → 1939Factory deliveryRobert Grant Jr.partial documentation
Original recipient of the car, based in New York City. Retained it until 1939 per ACD Club historian records.
- 1939 → 1940Short-term owners in New York City areanone documentation
A small number of brief custodians held the car between the original owner and the next documented buyer.
- 1940 → 1966Private saleKalman Dirhanpartial documentation
Pennsylvania-based owner who drove the car for roughly five years then placed it in storage; a mechanical rebuild was carried out in 1957 but the car remained largely inactive.
- 1966 →Private saleM.H. 'Tiny' Gouldpartial documentation
Pioneer collector-dealer based in Milford who sold the car shortly after acquiring it.
- → 1972Private saleRalph Lehtolapartial documentation
Early Massachusetts-based collector who held the car for close to six years.
- 1972 → 2004Private saleDr. Richard K. Clementspartial documentation
Discerning New York and Massachusetts collector who kept a small, quietly maintained group of automobiles seldom exhibited publicly; initiated a slow restoration through restorer Ted Billing starting in late 1985 on a limited monthly budget.
- 2004 →Private saleDavid Kanefull documentation
New Jersey-based enthusiast who purchased the car from Clements' estate and oversaw completion of paint, bodywork, mechanical work, and final assembly, resulting in a highly awarded restoration.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Acquired the car from Kane after its concours success and has since kept it in meticulous cosmetic and mechanical condition.
Competition
- 20112011 Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceBest of Class — Duesenberg Class
Regarded at the time as the finest restored example of this coachbuilder's convertible sedan style; the award reflected the exceptional quality of the completed restoration.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1957Engine rebuild
Mechanical rebuild carried out during Dirhan's ownership, though the car continued to see minimal road use afterward.
- 1985RestorationTed Billing
Comprehensive return-to-original restoration was initiated by Ted Billing, a highly regarded Model J specialist, under a constrained budget of $500 per month set by the owner. Work progressed slowly across nearly two decades.
The unusual financial constraint meant work stretched from late 1985 through the early 2000s.
- —BodyworkByard Libbey
Paint and bodywork finishes were completed by Byard Libbey, who continued operating from Billing's former premises, to a very high standard.
Carried out after the car passed to David Kane following Clements's death in 2004.
- —RestorationStone Barn
Final assembly including upholstery, convertible top, and extensive authenticity detailing — correct fasteners, proper hood drip channels — was completed by Stone Barn. Side exhaust pipes of the type used on supercharged examples were also fitted.
Workshop located in Vienna, New Jersey; exhaust components sourced from Frank Kleptz.
- —Engine rebuild
Engine overhauled with Carrillo connecting rods and new pistons as part of the restoration completion.
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