DUESENBERG J MURPHY CONVERTIBLE SEDAN BERLINE

A rare surviving example of the eight existing J Murphy long wheelbase Convertible Sedans and the six existing J Murphy Berlines.



Unique Features: This  Duesenberg is a rare surviving example of the eight existing long wheelbase J Murphy Sedan Convertibles (153.5 inches) and one of the six existing J Murphy  Berlines. 

It is the only known J Murphy  Sedan Convertible with a removable interior headliner covering the metal top frame.

Design: Around 1930, the Walter M. Murphy Company of Pasadena, California purchased chassis #2448 and 265-horsepower engine J-440 and fitted with body #972 with a Berline roll-down glass partition.

This sports formal was designed by Murphy’s 23-year-old Franklin Q. Hershey, latter known for his designs of the 1932 Peerless V-16 prototype, 1949 Cadillac tailfins and 1955 Ford Thunderbird. Styling features include:

-Belt treatment of polished aluminum that curves over the  cowl and tapers to the radiator.

-Unique walnut trim on the doors and the partition 

-Sharply raked windshield

    - Doors open at the center B-pillars

-Two reading lamps

-Window channels concealed by a hinged cover when the  glass rolls

Original Owner: After being displayed  by Murphy in 1931 at the Auburn Cord Auto Sales Showroom in Los Angeles, the first private owner is believed to be Hollywood agent Myron Selznick, brother of David Selznick. It was given to his mother Florence Selznick. Source: Files of Duesenberg historian Randy Ema.

        

 

Additional Background:

  • Although there is no known title documentation and Walter M. Murphy  Company discontinued operations in late 1931, it appears #2448 J-440 was titled in 1933.
  • In May 1951, the block for the original engine #J-440 cracked and was scrapped. Duesenberg dealer John Troka of Chicago installed engine J-399 and its bell housing from Duesenberg Rollston Limousine #2417.
  • After a 12-year restoration from 1970 to 1982, #2448 J-399 received four  CCCA scores of 100 points from 1981 to 1990.
  • Skip Marketti, former executive director ACD Museum, wrote: “The car is one of the most important Duesenbergs in existence.” (1987)
  • #2448 J-399 was featured in a full-page photo in Dennis Adler’s book Duesenberg . “One of the most attractive models produced by Murphy.” (2004)
  • Duesenberg historian Randy Ema said: “It is the only known Berline with a headliner and the only one with that wood in the interior. All six (J Murphy Berlines) have different cowl treatments. So, they are very unique one-off cars.” (2024)
  •  Auburn Cord Duesenberg (ACD) Club has certified #2448 J-399 as Category 1original (D-023 March 3, 2018).
  • This Duesenberg was purchased in a private sale by Rosalind and Howard Kroplick in August 2024. It was  restored  to running concours condition from November 2024 to August 2025   by Stephen Babinsky’s Automotive Restorations, Lebanon, New Jersey. 
  • In its first concours in over 30 years, #2448 J-399 was awarded second in class for Duesenbergs at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance.