1930 Duesenberg Model J Sport Berline

1930 Duesenberg Model J Sport Berline photographed by Douglas Wilkinson at the RM Auctions 2010 Automobiles of Amelia Island Collector Car Auction.

1930 Duesenberg Model J Sport Berline
1930 Duesenberg Model J Sport Berline

1930 Duesenberg Model J Sport Berline Pictures

1930 Duesenberg Model J Sport Berline

1930 Duesenberg Model J Sport Berline

1930 Duesenberg Model J Sport Berline
Chassis: J287
Coachwork by: Murphy
Photo By: Douglas Wilkinson
Location: RM Auctions 2010 Automobiles of Amelia Island Collector Car Auction
Auction Results: Sold at a price of $1,705,000

265 bhp, 420 cu. in. four valves per cylinder twin overhead camshaft inline eight-cylinder engine, three-speed transmission, leaf spring and beam axle front suspension, leaf spring and live axle rear suspension, vacuum-assisted four-wheel hydraulically-actuated drum brakes. Wheelbase: 153"

A Singular Design

The lovely sport Berline offered here is a one-off creation, built to order by Murphy's brilliant young designer Franklin Hershey. From a design standpoint, J287 was years ahead of its time. Its compact, close coupled body featured a well integrated trunk and stunning center-opening doors that wrapped into the roof, a feature never before seen. With its striking slanted windshield, narrow pillars and sinister side windows, it was at once supremely elegant, tastefully restrained and a bit mysterious.

Perhaps the most revolutionary feature of the design is one the casual observer will never see – its all aluminum construction. 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. Compared to ordinary wood framed classics, J287 delivers a more nimble ride and more responsive handling – with none of the ponderousness that typifies wood-framed carriage-style construction.

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