This long wheelbase 1931 Duesenberg J 381 Cabriolet chassis #2401/J381 was first owned by Nanaline Doris Duke, a noted gem collector and widow of James Buchanan Duke, founder of the American Tobacco Company. She had the rolling chassis shipped from Manhattan to Murphy Coach Builders in Pasadena with orders to construct a Town Cabriolet and took delivery in October 1930.
The car passed through several owners over the years and in 1985 a comprehensive a concours quality restoration in charcoal and burgundy with a black leather top was completed. Remarkably, this car is still fitted with its original factory engine and carries its original coachbuilt Murphy body. It is rare to encounter such a desirable style on a Duesenberg chassis where everything has been together since day one. The car is now on load to the Audrain Automobile Museum in Newport, Rhode Island.
Design and Features
- Manufacturer: Duesenberg Motors Company, an American manufacturer famous for producing high-end luxury automobiles.
- Body Style: Cabriolet, featuring a convertible design that exudes elegance and sophistication.
- Coachbuilder: Many Duesenberg Model J chassis were custom-bodied by esteemed coachbuilders such as Murphy, LeBaron, and others. The specific body for chassis 381 might have been crafted by one of these renowned firms.
- Chassis: Built on a robust and advanced chassis designed for luxury and performance.
- Interior: Sumptuously appointed with luxurious materials, including fine leather upholstery, wood trim, and detailed instrumentation.
Performance
- Engine: Equipped with a straight-eight (inline-8) engine.
- Power Output: The naturally aspirated version produced 265 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful cars of its time.
- Transmission: Featured a 3-speed manual transmission, providing smooth gear transitions and robust performance.
- Top Speed: Capable of reaching speeds of up to 119 mph (192 km/h), impressive for a luxury car in the early 1930s.
- Suspension: The Model J featured a rigid front axle and a live rear axle, both with semi-elliptic leaf springs, providing a balance of comfort and handling.
- Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, which were advanced for the era and provided reliable stopping power.
Significance and Legacy
- Historical Impact: The Duesenberg Model J set new standards for luxury, performance, and style in the automotive world during the 1930s. It was a symbol of affluence and engineering prowess.
- Celebrity Ownership: The Model J was popular among celebrities, industrialists, and royalty, adding to its mystique and desirability.
- Design Influence: Its design and engineering influenced the automotive industry, pushing other manufacturers to elevate their standards of luxury and performance.
Production and Rarity
- Production Years: The Duesenberg Model J was produced from 1928 to 1937.
- Total Units Produced: Approximately 481 Model Js were produced, with each car being unique due to its custom coachwork.
- Price: At the time, the Model J was extraordinarily expensive, often costing around $8,500 for the chassis alone, with custom coachwork adding significantly to the price. Today, these cars are highly valuable and sought after by collectors, often selling for millions of dollars at auctions.
Notable Features
- Engine Performance: The Model J's straight-eight engine was a masterpiece of engineering, providing both power and smooth operation.
- Bespoke Design: Each Duesenberg Model J was custom-built to the owner's specifications, ensuring that no two cars were exactly alike.
- Luxurious Appointments: The interiors of Model Js were crafted with the finest materials and included features such as elaborate dashboards, plush seating, and intricate details.
You may purchase a print of the 1931 Duesenberg J 381 Cabriolet in our dElegance 2017 online gallery.
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