1929 Duesenberg J

Franklin Mint Diecast Model 1/43

The Duesenberg Model J was introduced at the New York Auto Salon on December 1, 1928. It made headlines. The combination of the Duesenberg reputation with the Model J’s grandeur and elegance made it the star of the show. The first delivery came in May 1929, barely five months before Black Tuesday. Duesenberg advertising the Model J as "The World's Finest Motor Car". In their print ads, an elegant man or woman were seen together with a concise but meaningful sentence: "He/She drives a Duesenberg". The campaign was a success.

Duesenberg customers could order their own bodies from coachbuilders of their choice, but Duesenberg, Inc., as it became known, also purchased directly from coachbuilders, although in very small quantities. Among the suppliers were Willoughby, Derham, LeBaron, Judkins, American Weymann, Walker, Brunn, Holbrook and Locke, a veritable who’s who of American craftsmanship. Quantities from these constructors ranged from 50 to one. By far the most bodies, however, came from the Walter M. Murphy Company of Pasadena, California.

This lovely model is 1929 Duesenberg Model J Clear Vision Sedan by Walter M. Murphy Co.

Both front and rear doors were hanging on the “B” pillar, allowing the glass drops to be very close together. Roof pillars were made of cast bronze, as thin as practicable, which provided the driver unparalleled visibility and gave the whole car a light, airy character. This basic architecture, which Murphy called “Clear Vision,” was used for touring sedans, hardtop sedans and town cars on chassis from Packard to Cord to Duesenberg.  Despite being the principal supplier of coachbuilt bodies to Duesenberg, Inc., Murphy built very few Clear Vision sedans. By far the most popular Murphy styles were the familiar convertible coupes, with convertible sedans running a not too distant second. Only about five of the distinctive Clear Vision cars were built. The car offered here is, as a result, one of a select few.

This diecast model is 1:43 scale with intricate detail and meticulous workmanship. It is part of the World's Great Classic.  Model is in high quality red painting with black roof. 4 opening doors and bonnet.