From its landmark debut, the Duesenberg Model J remains a high-water mark of Classic Era design and engineering prowess. Introduced to great anticipation in 1929, the announcement halted trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Priced from $8,500 for the chassis alone, it was by far the most expensive car available in America at the time, and with a multitude of stunning bodies available from the most respected custom coachbuilders of the era. Few would argue that the car’s features did not support its price. In fact, the Model J’s specifications sound current even today: 265 HP, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, power hydraulic brakes and, eventually, an optional supercharger. Offered with a choice of two wheelbase lengths measuring 142.5 and 153.5 inches, respectively, the Model J chassis carried some of the most opulent and massive coachwork of the time while providing strong performance and excellent driving dynamics that remain impressive, even by today’s standards. Enjoying a stellar reputation for quality, the Derham Body Co. was established in 1887 and primarily catered to the wealthy residents of suburban Philadelphia, known as Pennsylvania’s “Main Line.” With the rise of the automobile, Derham’s elite clientele naturally looked to it to provide the same elegance and luxury for their new motorcars. Derham’s work was sought after by many world leaders of the 20th century, and the firm was the sole custom coachbuilder of the Classic Era to survive the Great Depression years, successfully plying its trade until 1971. Known primarily for its formal town cars and limousines, Derham is understood to have built nearly 40 bodies for the Duesenberg J and SJ chassis, including a few open cars. Among them was what many consider the firm’s crowning achievement, the long and low dual-windshield Tourster sport phaeton. Famed designer Gordon Buehrig, chief stylist for Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg, designed many of the Duesenberg body styles that were produced by outside coachbuilders, including the Tourster. The combination of the close-coupled Tourster body and the long-wheelbase Model J chassis provided a unique and decidedly sporting appearance, a noteworthy trait even in the midst of the Classic Era. One of Derham Tourster’s signature features was the wind-up rear windshield, which could be cranked up from inside the front seatback. Unlike a Dual Cowl Phaeton, the Tourster dispensed with the more complicated rear cowl and side vents, making the Tourster easier for passengers to enter and exit. Another unique Derham feature was in the layout of the front windshield, with its very clean design cutting directly into the cowl and uninterrupted by raised chrome edges, resulting in the visual impression of a lengthened cowl, while retaining the stock dimensions. Offered from The Pete Todo Collection and benefiting from a $550,000 comprehensive restoration, this handsome Derham Tourster-style Duesenberg Model J is powered by a 420 CI inline 8-cylinder engine paired with a 3-speed manual transmission. Finished in black with a matching soft top, the Duesenberg is complemented by many period features and accessories, including front and rear chrome bi-plane bumpers, twin chrome-plated horns, an Art Deco-inspired Duesenberg radiator mascot, cowl lamps, dual side-mounted spare wheels and tires with mirrors, a rear luggage rack and mounted trunk, plus twin tail lights. The beige bench-seat interior includes the Model J’s signature engine-turned dash, housing comprehensive instruments including an altimeter, brake-adjustment lever, brake-pressure gauge and aircraft-style Jaeger Watch Co. chronograph. Riding on chrome wire-spoke wheels and mounting period-style Firestone tires, this rare and stylish Duesenberg is pure automotive royalty.
