| 1932 Duesenberg Model J 'Sweep Panel' Dual Cowl Phaeton |
| Chassis No.J156 Built to outlast, outclass, and out run everything else on the road, the Duesenberg Model J was quite literally just what their marketing slogan said, The Worlds Finest Motorcar. A result from E.L. Cord's Automotive Empire, the Model J Duesenberg was no accident, but a fulfilled quest of becoming the worlds fastest and most elegant production car upon its arrival. Acquiring Duesenberg in 1926, the Model J made its grand arrival just two short years later in December at the New York Auto Show. With a starting cost of around $8,500 for just the chassis and the legendary 420-cubic-inch straight eight engine, the average final cost with coachwork factored in, could range from $13,000 to $20,000 plus. With such a mighty price tag and considering its arrival was in the midst of the Great Depression, the Duesenberg Model J wasnt just built for the 1 percent, but the 0.1 percent. While a large range of coachbuilders could be called upon, both in the United States as well as Europe, no two Model Js were alike, each with their own personal touch or dramatic flair of color. Many different body styles were offered, but perhaps one of the most iconic and recognizable was the dual cowl Sweep Panel by LeBaron. As documented by Duesenberg historians J.L. Elbert and Fred R in their marque books, 2185 / J-156 left the factory as a long-wheelbase chassis fitted from new with LeBarons handsome and sporting dual cowl sweep panel body. While much of the early history of J-156 has been lost to time, it is understood that this car suffered a road accident in Pennsylvania in the early 1930s. Following the crash, it was deemed too costly to repair, and while some notes suggest the car was scrapped, the reality is that it was placed hidden away in storage. Undisturbed for the next half-century, J-156 ownership would pick up with noted early Duesenberg collector car pioneer, Leo Gephart in the 1970s. By the 1980s, this dual cowl was acquired by the late Rick Carroll, a renowned collector, who owned 18 Duesenberg Model Js during his lifetime. Undertaking a comprehensive restoration, it was determined that the chassis could not be safely repaired, so an accurate replacement was sourced. Likewise, the coachwork was damaged beyond repair, so a new body was faithfully recreated in the style of the original and commanding LeBaron Sweep Panel Dual Cowl Phaeton, distinguished by its rakish windscreen, low roof line, and gracefully sweeping feature lines on the body sides. Following its restoration to period splendor, Rick Carroll would show this Model J at the 1987 AACA Special National Fall Meet in Huntington, West Virginia. Following Rick Carrolls passing in 1989, J-156 would be sold at the same time as his impressive estate collection in 1990, which consisted of some of the most desirable Duesenberg Model Js built. The next owner would be another Duesenberg connoisseur, Carmine Zeccardi of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Zeccardi would later go on to donate one of his other Model Js to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, J-286, which is proudly on display today. Under his ownership, J-156 would be shown at the 1990 AACA Eastern Division National Spring Meet in Hagerstown, Maryland where it would earn its Senior National award. A year later, this Model J would appear on the cover of the January-February Vol. 55, No. 1 1991 Antique Automobile AACA publication, a copy of which is on file. J-156 was then seen offered at the 1996 Auburn Spring Auction and then again at the 1996 Auburn Auction & Show over Labor Day Weekend. From there, J-156 would be sold in 2005, before trading hands in 2011 when it was then acquired by a noted private North American collection that has since maintained this J for an extended period of time. A highly attractive color scheme consisting of medium blue on the body and fenders, with a lighter blue on the sweep panel accents, other features on the dashing body include various period accessories like dual side mount spares enclosed by color-matched metal covers, dual Pilot Ray driving lights, chrome wire wheels, an early black honeycomb radiator, and a trunk rack with a leather trunk. Most recently, this Model J was suited with a new, tightly fitted blue convertible soft top, that elegantly blends with the overall color scheme and body. This Duesenberg Model J will not just get you access to an array of noted events, such as the annual Duesenberg Tour, but it will also grant you access into an exclusive fraternity of ACD owners that stretches across the globe. Beautifully presented with its striking LeBaron style coachwork, handsome livery, and offered with noted ownership history, J-156 represents just what E.L. Cord set out to do, build The Worlds Finest Motorcar. * Equipped with its original LaBaron style Sweep Panel coachwork * Resident of multiple noted Duesenberg collectors including Rick Carroll and Leo Gephart * AACA National Senior award winner * Older comprehensive restoration to period splendor and finished in striking colors * Among the most sought-after pre-war automobiles ever built * A Grand Classic eligible for exclusive events, shows, and tours From the Kruse AuctionsFor the complete description or to view additional photos, click here |
| Phone: 260-927-0000 |
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