Duesenberg

Car 2363

1931 Model J Duesenberg 2363, Murphy Convertible Sedan
Engine No.:	Originally J-337, now has J-420 [Pictures]
First Coachbuilder:	Murphy
First Body Style:	Convertible Sedan
Wheelbase:	Short
Current Coachbuilder:
Current Body Style:
Original Owner:	E. B. Henry, delivered in August 1930.
Owner in 1968:	Nathan Derus, 3704 Moore St, Mar Vista, CA
Current Owner:
References:	Malks, p. 49

Notes:
Display picture from www.wallpaperup.com
Engine J-420 had already been installed when Derus acquired the car.

Picture from www.wallpaperup.com

Picture from the auction catalog.

Lot # 249 1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan, Body by Murphy; S/N 2363; Engine # J-420; Red, Dark Red fenders/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $700,000 - $900,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $630,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $693,000 -- Chrome wire wheels, dual sidemounts, blackwall tires, Tan cloth-covered trunk, Pilot-Rays. Originally powered by J-331 (according to this catalog, earlier descriptions, Roe and Elbert say it was J-337) but with this body from new. Restored many years ago probably by the IP and still extremely attractive but starting to age a little. The coachwork is something to behold, a tightly-wrapped close coupled design with blind rear quarters when the top's up and Murphy's thin windshield pillars. Not used in years and will need careful re-commissioning but not a lot of cosmetic attention. John O'Quinn Estate. Offered at The Auction in Las Vegas in 2000 with a $585,000 high bid, then at Auburn Fall with a $575,000 high bid, at Leake in Dallas in 2005 ($740,000 high bid) and Worldwide in Houston in 2006. Shopworn barely describes it and it's good that it's finally found a new owner at a reasonable price. A few weeks with Brian Joseph will solve whatever of its ills may need attention and then it will be a great car for tours and events. A classy, open, Murphy-bodied Duesenberg with its original body and chassis for under $700,000 is a sound value