Update (1/5/2025): Duesenberg J Murphy Sedan Convertible Berline #2448 J-399
A unique DuesenbergJ Murphy has been added to the Howard & Roz Kroplick Collection.
In the Forward of the book, Jay Leno wrote: "I have always been fascinated by cars that were ahead of their time, in their time. As for me , the Duesenberg was the classic example of this benchmark. There wasn't a better-engineered or better-built American-made car on the road from 1928 to 1937."
Author Dennis Adler wrote in the Preface to his 2004 book Duesenberg- Straight 8: No other motorcar built left such an indelible mark on American automotive culture, better defined the art and architecture of the 1930s, or engendered such lofty aspirations of ownership. The Model J was the very embodiment of wealth, power and success. The "He Drives A Deuesenberg" and "She Drives A Duesenberg" series of advertisements characterized the cars as part of America's polite society. Film stars like Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Marion Davies, Edward G. Robinson, Ben Blue, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and Greta Garbo, had silver screen celebrity that made them very wealthy and capable of automobiles more associated with the Wrigley, DuPont and Vanderbilt families, industrialists, and media moguls like William Randolph Hearst... The Model J made such a powerful and lasting impression on Americans that it has become part of our language . "It's a Doozy" is a phrase often used to describe anything fantastic. It is even in Webster's dictionary. And the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum in Auburn, Indiana, has even trademarked the the slogan "It's a Duesy."
Update August 14, 2024: Duesenberg historian Randy Ema has provided new information on the year this automobile was completed, its designer and likely first owner.
Update: January 5, 2025: Additional details on #2448 have been added.
Specifications
•Make: Duesenberg, Indianapolis, Indiana
•Model: J
•Body Maker: Walter M. Murphy Company, Pasadena, California Designed by Frank Hershey, a Murphy designer
•Body #: 972
•Body Style: Convertible sedan Berline with a removable headliner. Note: Berline's front and rear compartments are separated by a wind-down glass partition.
•Year: According to Duesenberg historian Randy Ema, around 1930, the Walter M. Murphy Company of Pasadena, California purchased chassis #2448 and engine J-440 and fitted them with body #972.
Although there is no known title documentation and Murphy discontinued operations in late 1931, it appears #2448 was titled in 1933. Accordingly, #2448 can be classified as either 1930 or 1933.
•Body color: Maroon with a tan removable roof
•Serial #: 2488
•Current Engine #: In May 1951, the block for the original engine #J-440 installed in #2448 cracked and was scrapped. Duesenberg dealer John Troka of Chicago installed engine J-399 and its bell housing from Duesenberg Rollston Limousine #2417. J-399, a 420-cubic inch Straight-8, was manufactured by Lycoming of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Dual overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder, providing 265 HP. Reached up to 90 mph in 2nd gear and a top speed of 116 mph.
•Transmission: 3-speed forward, 1 reverse
•Wheelbase: Long- 153 ½ inches (12 .8 feet)
•Weight: 5,400 pounds
•Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club ID: D023, A certified level 1original Duesenberg
•Likely First Owner: After being displayed by Murphy in the Auburn Cord Auto Sales Showroom in Los Angeles, the first private owner is believed to be Hollywood agent Myron Selznick as a gift for his mother Florence Selznick. Source: Randy Ema
•Total Duesenbergs Manufactured: 481 (1928-1937). Total Surviving Duesenbergs: 378 (79%)
•Murphy Convertible Sedan Berlines Manufactured: 5 Source: Randy Ema
•Original 1930 Price for Chassis and Body: $18,000 ($339,000 today)
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick and Greg O.
Duesenberg historian Randy Ema on #2448 J-399 (August 2024)
Randy Ema: "1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Berline. Built by Walter M. Murphy Company- probably who supplied the chassis for the sale that was probably sold through Walter M. Murphy. It does not go through factory inventory. It is the only known one with a headliner and the only one with that wood in the interior. All five or six have different cowl treatments. So, they are very unique one-off cars."
Featured in 2004 Book "Duesenberg"
One of the most attractive models produced by Murphy was the convertible Berline. The stylish body had doors that opened from the center, exposing the interior for ease of entry and exit. The very narrow “B” pillar gave the Berline extremely sleek lines with the door closed and the handles nearly touching. (Gene Perkins collection, photos by Dennis Adler)”
Book Duesenberg by Dennis Adler, page 192, 2004
Transfer of Ownership
Howard Kroplick with previous owner Long Islander Charlie Noto.
Images of the Duesy (Photos by Gram Spina and Howard Kroplick)
Every gauge available for the day was included including, amazingly, an Altimeter. Lindbergh's cross-Atlantic flight was still in the minds of the public and most likely played a role in adding the altimeter 'gimmick'.
Duesenbergs were very technologically advanced and were the first American automobiles to feature hydraulic brakes. The Duesenberg brothers also gave the driver the ability to 'dial-in' the amount of brake pressure applied at the wheels depending on road conditions. In a way, this can be considered an early form of anti-lock brakes as the pedal force needed to lock the brakes on slippery surfaces increased.
This automobile is considered a Berline with its front and rear compartments separated by wind-down glass partition.
Details, details...The brake lights illuminate 'STOP' when on.
The Happy New Owners
Comments
Congratulations! Enjoy!
Congratulations Howard! Great addition. She’s a beauty!
That’s a doozy Duesy! Can’t wait to read about this car’s history. Is it in anyway connected to any other cars in your collection?
Wow, Howard, a Duesenberg. Surely the best of the best. I look forward to seeing it in person. Congrats!!!!
Congratulations on your acquisition. Duesenberg was the Bugatti Chiron of its day. Enjoy your new car every day!
Congratulations Howard and Roz Many smiles and miles
You have wonderfully taste for automobiles. Enjoy your Duesy for many years!!!!
What a beautiful vehicle to be added to your magnificent collection. Lots of luck and God Bless.
Congratulations Howard on this fabulous addition to your collection. Looking forward to seeing it at an event soon.
When I was a kid in the sixties, my dad would talk about them a lot. I didn’t even think, until now, bout the Duesy thing. Absolutely wonderful Howard. Howard scores, the crowd goes wild!
Congratulations on you beautiful Duesy Howard.
I’m sure it was a pleasure meeting and dealing with Charlie…he is a gentleman of the highest order and I am lucky to call him a friend. I’m sure he is glad it has gone to such a good home.
Gerry Duff
From Facebook
Steve Vorwerk
Wow!
Rob Gibby
Outstanding!!
Ed Jay
????
Natalie Burghardt
Outstanding!!!
Joe Siclari
magnificent
Dave Packardman Mitchell
Great automobile
18h18 hours ago
Art Kleiner
Congratulations Roz and Howard! Think a larger garage may be in order?
Bruce Adams
Congratulations!
One of the few additions worthy of joining the collection.
Dennis Spina
What an amazing car! Glad it has found such a perfect home with you!
Robert Stickels
You’ve arrived. Outstanding automobile
Alexander Soultanis
Congratulations on your new great addition! ????
Larry Goldberg
Awesome
Tom Cotter
You’ve got quite a collection there, Howard.
Darren Klein
Beautiful, Howard.
Thomas H. Ross
Great addition to a great collection!
Bob Ida
Congratulations! That’s awesome!
Jonathan Rosenzweig
Absolutely beautiful car! It’s a nice addition to an amazing collection. Lots of luck! Can’t wait for the viewing party!!
Doug Jones
Beautiful car! Congratulations Howard and Roz!????????????
Andy Fuhrman
Nice! I’m sure it will get along well with its garage mates! ????
Joel Belser
Wow!
Jackie Goldstein Glanz
Gorgeous
Angelo Van Bogart
Congratulations!
Brooks Marston
Magnifico!
JeRita Trapani
Congratulations on your new acquisition its a duesy
Terrie Skoblow Stern
Congratulations on your newest addition! Enjoy!
Tom Cox
Congratulations!
Steven Vilardi
Ah! Now that is a pizza with anchovies!!! A beauty.
Josh Levitt
Wow!!
Lois Ellen
Amazing!!
Jon Geist
Magnificent! Congratulations!
Rachel Rubin Frank
A beauty!
Shannon Mateljan Fannin
Be-a-utiful ????????
Mitch Hackett
Wow! Time for a visit!
Bob Barauskas
Congratulations. !!!!!!
Kent Weinstein
Congrats!
Jim Donnelly
Gorgeous automobile, Howard, sincere congratulations!
Ellen Vigneaux
Beautiful
Rich Lester
WOW…..Terrific!!!!!!
Clifford M Golub
Enjoy. This is a vehicle you and Roz will truly enjoy as you travel around and let is all enjoy your newest addition to your automotive collection. Safe motoring Enjoy.
Jerry Keefer
Wow! Congratulations, can’t wait to read the story behind this one. I’m checking Vanderbilt Cup website now.
Dave Mitchell
I like that color and also the polished beltline. One of the best looking convertible sedans.
Leonard Fanelli
WOW!!!
Leonard Fanelli
Howard is your collection open to the public? If so where is it located? ( My dad and uncle were part of the founding members of the CCCA)
David Benowitz
Congrats, she’s a Dusey for sure.
George Burghardt
WOW????
Howie Schneider
Congrats pretty
Barbara Garramone
Beautiful!
Gloria Rocchio
Wow, that’s terrific Howard
Jeanett Russo
Beautiful! Best of luck with it
Howard
Congratulations and what a doozy
The best, mark thomas
Congratulations Howard & Roz on this fabulous addition to your collection. A truly magnificent automobile.
All the best,
Scott & Vicki Alexander
Congratulations, best of luck, enjoy
Howard,
You just hit a home run. Your new Duesenberg is a beauty. Best of luck to you and Roz. I can’t wait to see it in person.
See you soon.
All the best!
Rog
Your groupie went to the ‘Black Beast’ garage right after I found out and me drooling by garage doors windows, YOU HAVE WHAT I DON’T HAVE, ENJOY!!
Open house soon??
Congratulations Howie & Roz ...She’s A Beauty!
Congratulations on your latest acquisition. It is a beautiful car! Some say that the Deusenberg was the greatest American car ever made.
Great Car best of Luck, be sure to bring it to Westbury next year. Artie Finnegan membership secretary GNYR
GREAT CAR: LOTS OF LUCK. IT WILL DRESS UP THE GNYR WESTBURY SHOW I’M SURE. NOW IT NEEDS A MOTOR PKWY. PLATE. GOOD LUCK ARTIE FINNEGAN.
Wonderful, best of luck!