The most famous design from Pasadena, CA, coachbuilder Walter M. Murphy, the Duesenberg Model J “Disappearing Top” convertible coupe saw production of about 25 examples, all with the distinctive convertible top that hid neatly within the smooth rear deck when lowered.
Yet there is a much rarer machine, the “Disappearing Top” Torpedo convertible coupe, which is considered by many to be the utter pinnacle of Murphy’s work on the Duesenberg chassis. It combines the standard convertible coupe’s lines with the flowing, gracefully tapered deck of a boattail speedster, often finished in bare aluminum that extended forward through the beltline and down the center of the car’s cowl.
Six examples of the “Disappearing Top” Torpedo convertible coupe were produced, five on the short wheelbase, and a single long-wheelbase example. Body no. 876, used on the car offered here, may have been the first, as this and body no. 898, used on J-198/2221, were both “800-number” bodies, indicating they were built on-spec for Duesenberg rather than for individual clients. These two cars featured an early prototype version of the Murphy Disappearing Top, which hid under a low leather tonneau rather than a full metal clamshell lid.
In 2016 the car was acquired by the proud current owner, who submitted it to RM Auto Restoration for a complete, concours-quality restoration. Research allowed the remarkable original bare brushed-aluminum finish to be carefully restored, while surviving Murphy factory and period photographs allowed the original trim, altered by prior owners, to be faithfully reproduced. RM was able to save the vast majority of the original aluminum sheet metal, preserving it at great cost wherever possible — a laborious but highly worthwhile process that is evident in the finished product.
The result drew much attention and favorable comment upon its debut at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where, amidst extraordinarily tough competition, it was judged Second in Class. It went on to appear at the 2020 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, where it achieved Best in Class.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1929 Duesenberg Model J “Disappearing Top” Torpedo |
| Years Produced: | 1928–37 |
| Number Produced: | 480 (including six with this body style) |
| SCM Valuation: | $1,539,000 |
| Tune Up Cost: | $2,500 |
| Chassis Number Location: | Left frame rail |
| Engine Number Location: | Bellhousing, connecting rods |
| Club Info: | Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club |
| Website: | http://www.acdclub.org |
| Alternatives: | 1930 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Roadster, 1928 Hispano-Suiza H6C Boattail, 1930 Bentley 6 ½ Litre Speed 6 Sportsman Saloon |
| Investment Grade: | A |
This car, Lot 156, sold for $5,725,000, including buyer’s premium, at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island sale on May 22, 2021.
In 1926, E.L. Cord acquired the Duesenberg Motor Company and added it to his burgeoning empire, which would ultimately include Checker Cab, New York Shipbuilding Corp., American Airways, and other companies. He renamed it Duesenberg Inc. and appointed Fred Duesenberg as vice president of engineering.
Bigger, faster, costlier
Cord was determined to build the biggest, fastest and most-expensive luxury automobile America had ever produced. It was to rival the luxurious European offerings from Hispano-Suiza, Minerva and Mercedes-Benz, among others. The Model J would be powered by a 265-horsepower straight-8 engine produced by Cord-owned Lycoming, based on the successful Duesenberg racing engine from the early 1920s. It used an unsynchronized 3-speed transmission, which made the car difficult for many to drive. The chassis was offered in short- or long-wheelbase form and was initially priced at $8,500.
The body and interior were ordered from independent coachbuilders. They could be built to the owner’s requirements or from designs offered by Duesenberg’s chief body stylist Gordon Buehrig. Custom coachwork could double the price of the body. While Duesenberg planned to sell 500 cars per year, the economic havoc of the Great Depression scuttled those aspirations, and only 480 were produced before the automaker’s doors were closed in 1937.
Murphy magic
The Walter M. Murphy Company, who built our elegant “Disappearing Top” Torpedo subject car, was founded in 1920 in Pasadena. Murphy became involved with coachbuilding almost by accident after starting as a dealer for several makes. One of these was Lincoln, which was thought of as being a bit staid for the more-flamboyant West Coast clientele. He decided that bolder paint schemes and altered roof lines would provide a more modern, eye-catching look.
He soon had a long list of Hollywood stars and wealthy industrialists as clients and was creating elegant designs on Minerva, Packard and Pierce-Arrow chassis, among others. Many of the top designers of the era passed through Walter M. Murphy Co., including W.E. Miller, Philip O. Wright and Franklin Hershey.
Murphy became best known for its stunning Duesenberg convertible sedan designs and “Disappearing Top” convertible coupes. In the early 1920s, Murphy manager George R. Fredericks and designer Charles Gerry devised a method by which the convertible top could be stored in a well behind the cabin. The folded roof was then concealed by a hinged decklid for a more streamlined look.
This car, body number 876, just may have been the first produced and would have featured a leather tonneau cover when new, rather than the later metal decklid. It was also one of two delivered without the three distinctive chrome rub strips on the rear fenders but the only one with a rumble seat. In the 1930s, it was updated with then-modern skirted fenders and smaller 17-inch wheels, common in-period alterations.
Been there, done that
This car was last sold by RM Sotheby’s at its 2016 Arizona sale for $3,000,000 (SCM# 270797). Shortly thereafter, RM Auto Restoration was employed, to stunning results. The blue paint on the fenders is flawless and the brightwork sparkles. The body is brushed aluminum with polished beltline and hood side louvers. It has a unique flared lower tail due to the single-person rumble seat.
The car has been recently shown at the Pebble Beach and Amelia Island concours and won Best in Class at the latter. However, that creates an issue for the new owner, as the car will not be invited back to these most prestigious shows for some years. If winning awards is the new owner’s intent, they will be limited to other venues.
At the price paid, this Duesenberg would have to be called well sold. I would speculate that even after all the restoration bills are tallied, the consignor saw a profit. The slight variations and unique rumble seat are minor factors, but they don’t add the seven-figure bump that this car received.
There was, of course, an underbidder moving things along, but this is not the only Murphy Torpedo out there. It is thought that of the six originally constructed, three are still in garages (not including this example) and might reappear at any moment. With this kind of money spent, perhaps soon. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.)
