$1.5m Duesenberg stars at Amelia Island

RM Auctions will be selling the estate of car enthusiast John O'Quinn at two of its two upcoming 2010 sales at Amelia Island and Fort Lauderdale.

Fifty-five cars from the O'Quinn collection will sell at Amelia Island in March, with another 140 automobiles appearing at Fort Lauderdale.

John O'Quinn's collection of superb automobiles was renowned for its remarkable size and diversity, built on a serious passion for classic cars.

What's more, his collection contained one of the world's largest collections of Duesenbergs.


The 1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Sport Berline

One example, this antique 1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Sport Berline, will be a major highlight at Amelia Island.

It carries an estimate of $1.2m-$1.5m.

Known as "The Whittell Mistress Car," it was originally purchased by George Whittell, Jr, one of America's most colourful millionaires, in the early-20th century.

It was immediately transferred to Jessie McDonald of Los Angeles, California. McDonald was presumably a very special lady...

The Model J has a continuous history from new and is still fitted with its original body, engine and chassis.

Featuring all-aluminum construction - a revolutionary design feature for its time - this Duesenberg has a compact, close-coupled body with an integrated trunk and stunning centre-opening doors that wrap into the roof

The wrapping doors, in particular, were a design feature that had never been seen before.


The Model J is still fitted with its original body, engine and chassis

With its innovative design concepts and colourful provenance, this Model J will be a highly-anticipated sale at RM's event.

Hopes will also be high following the successful sale of another Duesenberg at RM: the 1932 Model J Tourster, at RM's January Automobiles of Arizona sale.

The majestic automobile glided past its higher estimate of $525,000, eventually bringing $550,000.

This 1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Sport Berline will auction at Amelia Island on Saturday, March 13.

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