Rare Duesenberg Snaps $1.7M+ at Auction

Considered by some as the world’s finest motor car, a 1930 Duesenberg Model J Sport Berline went under the hammer the past weekend, managing to exceed its estimate. Sold at the annual RM Auctions Automobiles of Amelia Island auction, the car managed to get over $1.7 million out of the highest bidder’s pocket.... or bank account.

Built by Californian coachbuilders Murphy Inc, the 1930 Duesenberg belonged to the estate of Mr. John O’Quinn.

Known as the “Whittell Mistress Car,” the example sold is still fitted with its original body, engine and chassis. Speaking of which, the car is fitted with a 265 bhp, twin overhead camshaft inline eight-cylinder engine, mated to a three-speed transmission.

From a design standpoint, the car was years ahead of its time. Its compact, close coupled body featured a well integrated trunk and center-opening doors that wrapped into the roof, a feature never before seen at that time.

“With its striking slanted windshield, narrow pillars and sinister side windows, it was at once supremely elegant, tastefully restrained and a bit mysterious,” an RM Auction statement reads. “Built entirely without structural woodwork, its strength was derived from the clever use of cast aluminum supports combined with fabricated aluminum reinforcements. It was a revolutionary concept – both in its lack of wood framing and in its exclusive use of aluminum – and one that would not be seen again in a production car for decades to come.”

Other highlights from the Amelia Island auction in Florida included four Ferraris (1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta $1,650,000, 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Alloy Berlinetta $1,265,000, 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder, 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS $495,000) and 1932 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy ($825,000).