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

2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper Refresh spotted.
2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper Refresh spotted.

The Tesla Model Y is about to receive its first real refresh.Recently spotted testing on public roads, these photos indicate that the updated Model Y ...

Jan 02

Nissan Exterra may be revived to compete with Toyota 4Runner
Nissan Exterra may be revived to compete with Toyota 4Runner

The Nissan Xterra trademark has been renewed, hinting at a possible revival of the rugged SUV.On December 23, 2024, Nissan filed an application in the...

Jan 03

Aston Martin to convert the “Valkyrie” race car into a straight pipe?
Aston Martin to convert the “Valkyrie” race car into a straight pipe?

Aston Martin's Valkyrie AMR-LMH racing car may replace its mufflers with straight pipes in order to compete in the IMSA sports car championship, Racer...

Dec 27


Trending

McLaren 765LT recalled due to rear window falling out.
McLaren 765LT recalled due to rear window falling out.

McLaren has issued a recall of its 765LT hardcore supercar due to a rear window that may come off.The recall involves the 2021 model year 765LT coupe ...

Dec 24

Ford Receives Patent for Steer-by-Wire System
Ford Receives Patent for Steer-by-Wire System

Ford is following other automakers in developing a steer-by-wire system, a recently discovered patent application reveals.The application in question ...

Dec 29

2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid unveiled for the first time
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid unveiled for the first time

Subaru has long offered hybrid versions of the Forester in other markets, but an electrified version of the popular compact crossover has finally arri...

Dec 26