1931 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Convertible Coupe
Conceived by the Duesenberg brothers, Fred and August, the Model J was an automobile designed to compete with the most opulent and high-performance vehicles of its time.
The ‘Disappearing Top’ version, crafted by the esteemed Walter M. Murphy Company of Pasadena, California, is particularly celebrated for its ingenious design that allowed the convertible top to fold down completely, vanishing into the bodywork to present a seamless and elegant profile.
The Model J was powered by a 420 cubic inch (6.9-liter) inline eight-cylinder engine, featuring dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder.
This advanced engine design, coupled with a Stromberg downdraft carburetor, produced an impressive 265 horsepower in stock form, making the Model J one of the most powerful and fastest cars of its era.
With its immense power and sophisticated chassis, the Model J could effortlessly cruise at speeds in excess of 100 mph, a remarkable feat for the time.
Inside, the Duesenberg was appointed with the finest materials and amenities available, befitting its status as a top-of-the-line luxury automobile. Rich leather upholstery, exquisite wood trim, and a full array of gauges and controls greeted the lucky occupants, who were treated to a level of comfort and refinement that few other cars of the period could match.
Approximately 25 examples of the ‘Disappearing Top’ Convertible Coupe were built during the Model J’s production run, which lasted from 1929 to 1937. Each car was meticulously hand-crafted to the highest standards, with an uncompromising attention to detail and quality that set Duesenberg apart from its competitors.
The Duesenberg Model J’s influence extended into pop culture, with appearances in films and the hands of celebrities, further cementing its status as an icon of American automotive heritage.
Almost 100 years later, the Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Convertible Coupe remains one of the most sought-after and valuable classic cars in the world, with surviving examples commanding top dollar at auction and being prized additions to the most discerning collections.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
