1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy

Disappearing Top Convertible Coupe8-cyl. 420cid/265hp 2bbl

North America

$3,855,000

Sold March 2, 2024

Hagerty expert commentary

Our staff has reviewed this vehicle. Here are our notes.

Equipment

420/265hp eight, 3-speed, wheel covers, Firestone blackwalls, dual chrome horns, cowl lights, suicide doors, two rear-mounted spares, wood running boards, altimeter, Jaeger clock, rumble seat.

Condition

Represented as one of three dual spare convertible coupes by Murphy and one of two extant. Known ownership history. ACD certified. Bought new by socialite Esther Fiske Hammond. Restored by Randy Ema and won its class at Pebble Beach in 2019 with a 100-point score then earned the CCCA Trophy. It shows little to no use since then, and who are we to argue with the Pebble judges? It’s gorgeous top to bottom, and the engine bay looks like jewelry.

Market

Sold by Gooding & Co. at Pebble Beach in 2021 for $3,965,000. Its lower price today reflects nothing more than a more conservative and opportunistic classic car collector community. It is still a wonderful thing and brought an appropriately wonderful price.

Hagerty Condition Rating#1 ConcoursWorld-class. Could compete in the world’s best Concours d'Elegance events.

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