Two stunning Duesenberg Model Js have topped the annual auction at the AACA Eastern Regional Fall Meet, held October 11-12 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
The two-day sale saw 120 vehicles sold, highlighted by a spectacular section of "Brass and Classic Era Automobiles". A 1931 Duesenberg Model J Dual Windshield "Barrelside" Phaeton J299 provided the top lot at the $10.7m event, selling for an impressive $1.3m.
 The Duesenberg's provenance is as valuable as the car itself |
The J229's coachwork was made by LeBaron and the car is one of just seven examples ever built. Of these, only six have survived, making the car a great rarity for collectors. The example at auction had been part of the esteemed Bowersox Collection since 1985 and came with excellent provenance, having won the epic 1932 celebrity race at Lake Murdoc against the Marx Brothers' Mercedes Benz.
Auctioneer Max Girado described this provenance as being as "valuable as the car itself".
 One of just two extant Model J Sport Sedans |
Following this remarkable sale was the 1929 Duesenberg Model J Sport Sedan, which is one of just two sporting examples known. With the coachwork built by the Walter M Murphy Company, the beautiful looking machine sold for $792,000 in its first appearance at auction since 1979.
Also starring was a pair of Packards that both exceeded their auction estimates considerably. Leading was a 1933 Packard Twelve Convertible Coupe, which sold for 20.2% above its $375,000 high estimate at $451,000. Following closely behind was a 1933 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria, which sold for $357,500, up 78.7% on its pre-sale valuation of $200,000.
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