Two Duesenberg Model J automobiles could be a 'duesy' of an investment

Tomorrow, RM auctions will be hosting a "Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook" sale, as part of the week long classic car event for fans of rolling collectibles.

Taking place at Meadow Brook Hall in Michigan, the auction will see classic cars ranging from the 1930 Cadillac V16 Roadster through to a 1953 Chrysler Coupe sell with six figure estimates attached.

And this year's auction promises to be extra special, with the sale of two rare classic Duesenberg cars.

Originally founded in 1913 by self taught engineers and brothers August and Fred, Duesenberg Automobile and Motors initially focused on building sports cars.

But it was only in 1926, during a time of great recession, that E.L. Cord of Auburn Automobiles was able to buy the company and redirect the Duesenberg brothers' talents toward designing luxury cars.

A year later, the first Duesenberg Model J was born, a combination speed and elegance. They were an immediate hit  and soon after, the slang term "a duesy" came to into fashion, meaning something excellent or powerful.

Today, Duesenbergs are some of the most sought after classic cars on the market; which makes Saturday's auction all the more special, when two editions of the Model J will come up for auction.

The first is the 1932 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo. The classic car carries all of the trademarks of the famous brothers who were masters of reliability and high performance.


The 1932 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo

The 430 cubic inch inline eight cylinder model engine includes hemispherical combustion chambers with four valves per cylinder. Also featured are dual overhead camshafts and a three speed synchromesh manual transmission which allow the car to reach 285bhp.

The bodywork for the car was provided by New York firm Rollston. Known for their fine coachbuilding work, they created just 57 Duesenberg Model J bodies and only one for the Torpedo Sedan, the very car on sale.

Featuring a modern rake life roofline, build in trunk and a raked windshield, alongside a black exterior and beige cloth interior finish, this classic car is newly restored and a true one off. It comes up for sale with an auction estimate of £500,000 - 620,000 ($750,000 - 950,000) attached.

Yet the prize piece of the auction may well be the 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan.

Featuring a 420 cubic inch inline eight cylinder engine with hemispherical combustion chambers, four valves per cylinder and dual overhead camshafts alongside a three speed synchromesh manual transmission, the car can reach up to 265 bhp.


The 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan

Its coachwork by Murphy was revolutionary at the time, reflecting the sporting character still at the heart of Duesenberg's engineering, with trim lines and slim windshield pillars designed to improve visibility and give the car a light and elegant feel.

The Sedan also features a convertible top and four doors to accommodate four passengers.

Having been restored and painted black in 1991, the historic automobile  is up for auction with an estimate of £520,000- 650,000 ($800,000-$1,000,000).

With over 300 cars up for auction, the sale of these Duesenberg Model Js could see two very lucky classic car collectors driving home very happy.

 

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