Sold for $3,415,000 at 2022 RM Sothebys : Arizona.
Brothers Fred and August Duesenberg were born in Germany and settled in Des Moines, Iowa. They were self-taught engineers and began producing cars in 1913. Eddie Rickenbacker placed 10th in the 1914 Indianapolis 500 behind the wheel of a Duesenberg. In 1921, Jimmy Murphy was the first American to win the French Grand Prix, also driving a Duesenberg. The company moved to Indianapolis, Indian in 1919 and eventually settled in Auburn, Indiana after being purchased by E.L. Cord. The Model J was the result of over two years of work by Fred. The company had expected to sell 500 per year but, due to the Great Depression, only 481 were sold by the time the company closed in 1937.
The Duesenberg Model J’s debut at the New York Auto Show in 1928 was front-page news. The combination of the Duesenberg reputation and the Model J’s grand concept made it the star of the show. Even during the Great Depression, the Duesenberg’s power and luxury were a metaphor for prosperity and success. Known for their formal limousines, Derham built relatively few open cars, and this Tourster design is considered to be the firm’s masterpiece.
This Model J – chassis number 2646 with engine J-448 – is one of the few retaining the original body, chassis, engine, and other major components. The 420 cubic-inch ‘Straight Eight’ engine delivered 265 horsepower in naturally aspirated form with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. When new, this was the only Model J equipped with vertical hood louvers. The SC-specification external exhaust pipes provided period flair and performance is enhanced by an exhaust system dump at the flip of a lever on the floor. The exhaust-dump system was a rare option; it bypasses the exhaust system and redirects the airflow through a three-inch open pipe.
The Tourster features a wind-up rear windshield that could be cranked from inside the front seat back. The deletion of the rear side vents and the rear cowl made it easier for passengers to enter and exit.This car was one of eight Derham Toursters designed by Gordon Buehrig.The current owners of this example have driven J448 on several thousand miles cross-country touring events. It has a continuously documented history. This Tourster received a nut and bolt restoration resulting in a Best of Show award at the Concours d’Elegance of America in 2013, best in class honors at Amelia Island and Pebble Beach Concours in 2012, where it was nominated for best of show.
