A 1931 Duesenberg J model that has been in the garage for 56 years.

Posted on February 26, 2023
Classic cars
A 1931 Duesenberg J model that has been in the garage for 56 years.

Barn finds are not as common as they used to be, but there are still a few hidden gems, like this rare 1931 Duesenberg Model J, which was recently discovered after being in storage for nearly 60 years.

The classic car YouTube channel Nobody's Show documents the story of this Duesenberg, which was parked in 1967. The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company, an Oklahoma manufacturer specializing in Duesenbergs, was founded from the surplus parts inventory of a defunct auto manufacturer.

The car was left to the owner by her father and was not missing. It was just being stored. After decades of sitting in her garage, the car's owner finally reached out to have it removed and restored.

Brothers Fred and August Duesenberg began by building engines for other automakers before introducing their first car in 1921, later merging Duesenberg, Auburn, and their namesake Cord brand into E. L. Cord. He sold the business to L. Cord. Fred Duesenberg remained as chief engineer, but August gradually withdrew from the business.

Boasting a sophisticated overhead cam inline 8-cylinder engine for its time, the Duesenberg was one of the fastest and most attractive cars of its time. However, the decline in luxury car sales due to the Great Depression sealed the company's fate, and production ended in 1937.

The relatively small number of Duesenbergs produced and their importance in automotive history make them valuable collector's items. Restored units usually sell at auction for seven-figure prices and have won concours prizes.

It also means that dedicated enthusiasts track down surviving vehicles.

Several high-profile Duesenberg barns over the years, including a 1931 Model J sedan pulled from a New York City parking lot in 2005 and a Model X (not named by Tesla) found in a garage outside of California around the same time have been found. Both are now in Jay Leno's collection.

There don't seem to be many lost Duesenbergs left, which makes this car all the more remarkable: it is one of only 25 Murphy convertibles from the 481 Model J chassis built that were called "disappearing" tops that were stored under tonneau covers. It was one of only 25 Murphy convertibles to be built. It also hit 88 mph in second gear. Take heart, DeLorean.

Since the car was found in a garage, it will be displayed as is for the time being, with plans for a full concours-grade restoration in the future.

You may also like

2024 Porsche Macan EV goes public, starting price $80,450
2024 Porsche Macan EV goes public, starting price $80,450

Porsche finally revealed its new electric Macan on Thursday.The battery-powered compact crossover is already taking orders in the U.S., with deliverie...

Jan 25

Aston Martin Vantage Revealed Again Ahead of February 12 Debut
Aston Martin Vantage Revealed Again Ahead of February 12 Debut

Aston Martin's teaser campaign continues.On Monday, Aston Martin released another teaser image of the next Vantage that reveals more than just taillig...

Jan 29

California Bill Proposes 10-Mph Speed Limit Exceeded by Gov.
California Bill Proposes 10-Mph Speed Limit Exceeded by Gov.

A California state senator has introduced a bill that would require the use of speed governors to prevent drivers from traveling more than 10 mph over...

Jan 26

Trending

2027 Porsche Cayenne EV, 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Black Wing: top photos of the week
2027 Porsche Cayenne EV, 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Black Wing: top photos of the week

The Porsche Cayenne EV test mule, scheduled for launch in 2027, began cold weather testing on public roads. Although it looked like a spliced-together...

Jan 27

Alfa Romeo Milano's debut EV begins charging on April 10.
Alfa Romeo Milano's debut EV begins charging on April 10.

Alfa Romeo has unveiled the first photos of the new Milan, revealing that it will debut on April 10.The Milan is an electric subcompact crossover, whi...

Jan 26

2025 Chevrolet Silverado HD Trail Boss joins lineup
2025 Chevrolet Silverado HD Trail Boss joins lineup

Following a major update for 2024, Chevrolet Silverado HD will add a new "Trail Boss" grade for the 2025 model year.This trim level is aimed at buyers...

Jan 25