DENVER, Pa. – A 1929 Duesenberg J Convertible Coupe was the belle of the ball at Morphy Auctions’ 46-lot Premier Automobile Auction on Sunday, selling for a staggering $2.53 million. LiveAuctioneers provided absentee and Internet live-bidding services for the sale.
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.
Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.
