1929 Duesenberg J Convertible Coupe commands $2.53 million

1929 Duesenberg J Convertible Coupe commands $2.53 million at Morphy’s Premier Automobile Auction A 1929 Duesenberg J Convertible Coupe was the belle of the ball at Morphy Auctions’ 46-lot Premier…

1929 Duesenberg J Convertible Coupe commands $2.53 million at Morphy’s Premier Automobile Auction

1929 Duesenberg J Convertible Coupe with rumble seat, all original and unrestored, auctioned for $2,530,000 on Oct. 11, 2015, at Morphy’s in Denver, Pennsylvania. Image courtesy of Morphy Auctions

A 1929 Duesenberg J Convertible Coupe was the belle of the ball at Morphy Auctions’ 46-lot Premier Automobile Auction this afternoon, selling for a staggering $2.53 million. In unrestored, all-original condition, the fabulous Art Deco motoring classic had been driven a mere 33,000 miles over the past 86 years. All four of its previous owners were women, the first being Carolyn May Hoopes, a member of a wealthy steel-producing family, who ordered the custom-built car through an Auburn dealership in Beaver Falls, Pa.

The ultra-stylish automobile was expected to sell for anywhere from $1.8-$2.5 million at today’s auction but had been entered in the sale without reserve.** The new owner is a private collector from Florida who bid by phone as the auction was taking place.

“There was overwhelming interest in the Duesenberg and many of the other cars, as well,” said Dan Morphy, founder and president of Morphy Auctions. “We could not have asked for a better turnout here at the gallery. Holding our automobile sale at a time that coordinates with the Hershey car show is an absolute winner.”

The auction totaled $4,371,125. All prices quoted in this report are inclusive of 10% buyer’s premium.

Visit Morphy Auctions online at www.morphyauctions.com.

** the pre-determined minimum amount a consignor will accept for their property at auction