LOT 37P
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan Coachwork by Carrosserie Franay Chassis no. 2465 Engine no. J-446
Estimate: US$2,000,000 - US$3,000,000
Lot 37P
The ex-Queen Maria of Yugoslavia, 1931 Paris Salon
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan
Coachwork by Carrosserie Franay
Chassis no. 2465
Engine no. J-446
Coachwork by Carrosserie Franay
Chassis no. 2465
Engine no. J-446
420 cu. in. DOHC 4-Valve per Cylinder Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
Single Updraft Carburetor
265bhp at 4,250rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Solid Axle, Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Hydraulic Dampers
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Glamorous dual-windscreen convertible sedan body by Franay of Paris
*Shown at the 1931 Paris Salon and sold to Her Majesty Queen Maria of Yugoslavia
*Updated early in its life with fabulous pontoon-style fenders
*Retains its original engine, chassis, and body
*Lovingly maintained, concours-quality restoration
THE DUESENBERG MODEL J
At the New York Auto Show on December 1, 1928, the Duesenberg Model J, an incredible new car from Indianapolis made its auspicious debut. Central to this spectacular new automobile was Fred Duesenberg's mighty 420 cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder engine. Calling on the Duesenberg brothers' vast motorsport experience, the engine had twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, making an astonishing 265 bhp in naturally aspirated form, and 320 bhp with the optional supercharger.
The mighty Duesenberg Eight sat in a highly advanced chassis featuring powerful, cockpit-adjustable hydraulic drum brakes and fully automatic chassis lubrication that operated every 30-60 miles. A system of planetary gears operated warning lights to inform the driver of oil change and battery fluid intervals. As the fastest, most exclusive, and most expensive car in America, the Model J vanquished nearly everything else on the road.
Duesenberg offered a range of semi-custom body designs from its in-house shop, LaGrande, and other catalog styles from coachbuilders including Murphy, Judkins, and LeBaron. Of course, with such an exclusive chassis, many buyers opted for custom coachwork from any number of prestigious firms – including the biggest names in Europe.
In Continental Europe, the Model J captivated sportsmen and nobility, delivering unrivaled performance and opulence to those with the means to afford it. Most European Model Js passed through Motor Deluxe, the world's showroom in Paris headed by E.Z. Sadovich at 12, rue de Berri. This was the leading overseas outlet for Duesenberg, both in point of sales and in promotional activity. In attracting Europe's motoring elite to the new Duesenberg, Mr. Sadovich recalled his success at the 1931 Paris Salon, which resulted in the sale of fourteen Model Js between October and January!
THE CAR OFFERED
E.Z. Sadovich arranged for the display of two Model Js at the 1931 Paris Salon, both wearing coachwork by Carrosserie Franay, of Levallois-Perret, outside of Paris. One of those cars that captivated onlookers was our featured example, chassis number 2465, J-446 – a long-wheelbase Model J with an elegant, dual-windscreen convertible sedan body. It was ultimately delivered to Her Majesty Queen Maria of Yugoslavia, just the sort of European client Duesenberg hoped to attract. At Her Majesty's behest, her Lady of Honor later wrote to express The Queen's great satisfaction with the "absolute security" of her Duesenberg at high speed, its "grand comfort, remarkable suppleness, and supreme elegance." Clearly, she was extremely impressed with her new purchase.
It is not known precisely when J-446 left the Royal Family's care, but the next known owner was Antonio Chopitea of Lima, Peru, who, along with his two brothers owned several other Duesenbergs. Mr. Chopitea kept J-446 in Paris, and it then passed it to a Parisian brewer before coming to the United States with a Mr. E. Romerez of New York City. By 1941, it was in the possession of Mr. Warriner of Maryland. Sources suggest that it was during Mr. Warriner's tenure that the original flowing fenders were replaced with the sporty pontoon-style fenders and floating running boards the car wears now. Noted Duesenberg historian Fred Roe suggests in his book Duesenberg: The Pursuit of Perfection that the fenders were changed before it came to the US. Either way, the modification occurred early in the car's existence and the fenders are a superb complement to the clean and elegant Franay body.
Subsequent owners included W.E. Howell of Oklahoma, Mr. Schreiber of New Jersey, and Earl Clarke of Pennsylvania. In 1977, J-446 was acquired by Charles Goodman, who kept it until 1995. An extensive restoration was completed in 1996, and J-446 hit the show circuit. It won the Pre-War Touring Class award at the Louis Vuitton Classic at Rockefeller Center, First in Class at the CCCA Annual Experience at Hickory Corners and took home the Meadowbrook Memorial Trophy at the 1997 Meadowbrook Concours.
J-446's current custodian took ownership in 2002 and in the spirit of its original owner, enjoyed the car to the fullest. In 2005, it returned to Europe for the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, taking second in class. Stunningly presented in black over red interior, it features chrome wire wheels, and is minimally adorned, allowing the elegant Franay design to shine. A Lalique crystal Chrysis mascot adds a beautiful flourish.
Recently checked over at Straight-Eight in Detroit, the car is offered in superb order after more than twenty years of single ownership. Retaining its original body, engine, and chassis, this Model J represents a one-off opportunity to acquire a spectacular motorcar fit for a queen.
Michel Zumbrunn
Michel Zumbrunn
ACD Museum
ACD Museum
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