1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Convertible Coupe by Murphy

Ordered the chassis in late 1929 and had Walter M. Murphy Company body it as a sporting convertible coupe; used the car regularly between her Montecito estate and Pasadena residence.

Neighboring heiress to a paper company fortune who purchased the car from its first owner; sold it after roughly one year.

Son of Mrs. Butler's chauffeur; received the car at a nominal price of $500 as a gesture of gratitude toward his father's loyal employment.

Chicago-based dealer who traded extensively in this marque; this acquisition is thought to have been his first example of the model.

Chicago-area enthusiast of the marque who purchased the car from the preceding dealer.

Prominent local radio personality in the Chicago area; during his tenure the original engine was removed and replaced with a different unit, where it remains today.

Retained the car for roughly two decades before it entered a period of rapid turnover through vintage dealers.

Pioneer vintage-car dealers who handled the car through multiple transactions during this period; Gephart ultimately oversaw a full ground-up restoration advertised for sale in 1978.

Texas entrepreneur and philanthropist who acquired the car as a centerpiece for his automotive museum in Rosanky; the car was certified by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club during his ownership and displayed for nearly four decades.

Sacramento-based ACD enthusiast who commissioned a definitive nut-and-bolt restoration by Randy Ema, completed in August 2019; subsequently passed the car to another collector in the American West while retaining its freshly restored condition.

Prominent collection in the western United States where the car has resided for several years, maintained in concours-ready condition.

Debut showing following completion of the Ema restoration; received two awards at this single event.

Second outing after Pebble Beach; achieved the top overall award at this event.

Original engine J-351 was taken out and replaced with engine J-235, which retained its original numbered bell housing and crankshaft. The original powerplant was subsequently lost.

Work carried out during Charles Allen's ownership.

Comprehensive ground-up restoration described as returning a sound original car to driving condition; work overseen by Leo Gephart.

Car was advertised for sale in 1978 following completion of the work.

Complete nut-and-bolt, body-off restoration with every mechanical assembly professionally rebuilt to the highest standard, using numerous new-old-stock components and parts fabricated from original factory drawings. The front-fender wheel wells added during the previous restoration were removed and the correct dual rear-mounted spare configuration was reinstated using the original rear spare hub.

Final Duesenberg restoration completed by Randy Ema, Inc. before the founder's retirement. The matching spare-wheel hub had been purchased by Ema at a swap meet approximately 30 years earlier. Work commenced in August 2017 and concluded in August 2019.