1930 Duesenberg Model J LeBaron Convertible Berline
- Colour
- Black and maroon
This Duesenberg Model J (chassis 2380, engine J-362) carries coachwork by LeBaron in the Convertible Berline style — the first of only four built to that design, featuring folding jump seats and a division window. Originally acquired by a member of the prominent Lehmann mercantile family of Chicago, the car passed through several Illinois-area owners before undergoing a thorough restoration in the late 1990s. Displayed successfully in CCCA and ACD Club competition during the early 2000s, earning Senior Emeritus status and Category 1 Certification, it has since been quietly preserved in a private Texas-rooted collection.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,061,000
- 1930 →Factory deliveryOtto Lehmannpartial documentation
Identified as the probable first owner, a member of the Lehmann department store family of Chicago. Sold the car through Chicago Duesenberg dealer John Troka to the next owner.
- 1942 → 1967Acquisition unknownWilliam Tollagsenpartial documentation
Kept the car for 25 years in a heavily secured, tarpapered garage. Led a reclusive lifestyle in Chicago.
- 1967 → 1981Private saleJim DiBickeropartial documentation
Prominent Chicago automotive figure who purchased the car and carried out a thorough, careful restoration over his 13-year ownership.
- 1981 → 1997Private saleJerry J. Moorepartial documentation
Texas-based shopping center developer who assembled a large collection of nearly 40 Duesenberg Model Js; this car was a fixture of that collection for 16 years.
- 1997 → 2000Private saleRick Walterpartial documentation
Commissioned a fresh restoration by RM Auto Restoration in Blenheim, Ontario during his ownership.
- 2000 → 2007Private saleJ. Peter Ministrellifull documentation
Troy, Michigan collector whose cars were maintained by Duesenberg specialist Brian Joseph. The car earned Senior Emeritus status in CCCA competition and received ACD Club Category 1 Certification during this period.
- 2007 → 2010Private salePaul Andrewspartial documentation
Texas-based enthusiast and well-regarded figure in the collector car community; maintained the car in excellent condition as part of a group of notable Model Js.
- 2010 →Private saleCurrent collectionpartial documentation
The car has been kept largely out of public view since acquisition but remains well-preserved in its black and maroon presentation.
- Date unknownPrivate saleDr. Leo Frypartial documentation
Chicago-area owner; acquired the car via dealer John Troka following Otto Lehmann's sale.
Competition
- 2001Classic Car Club of AmericaCCCA Classic Car Club of America competitionEventually attained Senior Emeritus status
The car was shown in CCCA judged competition across multiple events between 2001 and 2004, ultimately achieving the club's highest recognition level.
- —Auburn Cord Duesenberg ClubACD Club National ReunionShown four times
Participated in the ACD Club National Reunion on four separate occasions while in the Ministrelli collection; also received Category 1 Certification from the club's historians.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1967Restoration
Complete restoration undertaken by owner Jim DiBickero after the car was extracted from long-term storage in a sealed garage; described as painstaking and thorough.
The car had been cocooned in a tarpaper-lined structure and required careful removal before restoration could begin.
- 1997RestorationRM Auto Restoration
A fresh comprehensive restoration was carried out while the car was owned by Rick Walter, resulting in the completed car being sold in 2000.
Workshop located in Blenheim, Ontario; restoration was completed prior to the 2000 sale to Ministrelli.
- 2000ServiceClassic & Exotic Service
Ongoing specialist maintenance and care provided throughout the Ministrelli ownership period by a noted Duesenberg expert.
Overseen by Duesenberg specialist Brian Joseph; the car's reliability in regular use earned it the nickname 'Old Trusty'.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.