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1929 Duesenberg Model J - Page 3

1929 DuesenbergPresley dinged the underside of the radiator shroud loading the car onto a trailer, so he called the owner, apologized, and said he would have George Barris repair the dent. (At the time, Barris was in the process of restyling a Greyhound bus for Elvis.) Presley also offered to buy the car, saying he would trade a new Cadillac plus cash for the Duesy! Nelson said it was not for sale, and Elvis did not push it further.

Nelson drove it to shows in various parts of California. It won several awards during this period, including the prestigious President’s Trophy given annually by the members of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg club, along with many concours awards. In its lifetime, the Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton was photographed several times for publicity purposes, by both Duesenberg and Derham Body Company during its early show career. It has also been featured in several books by noted Duesenberg historians.

In the late 1990s, some of Nelson Thorpe’s assets were seized by creditors and sold, J116 among them. As a result, it eventually became part of the Duesenberg display in the Imperial Palace Auto Museum.

The predecessor to the current vendor ultimately acquired the car in 2004 and commissioned a complete show-quality restoration from RM Auto Restoration, the multiple Pebble Beach Best in Show-winning restoration facility. The restoration began with a thorough inventory and dismantling of the car. Although an older restoration, the car proved to be remarkably complete and correct. Nonetheless, the decision was made that, given the rarity and importance of the car, it would be taken back to its very foundation and completely rebuilt.

1929 DuesenbergAs a result, although much of the original wood framework survives, every joint was carefully taken apart, cleaned and refastened. Where wood decay had appeared (primarily in the forward portions of the body sills), new pieces were fabricated in the exact manner of the originals and carefully installed.

While the sheet metal was complete, previous repairs were not conducted to RM’s satisfaction. As a result, although much of the original sheet metal was saved, new fabrication was required in some areas to ensure a long-lasting and first-quality repair.

The frame was in excellent condition and required little more than a thorough cleaning and repainting. Similarly, the original chassis components were rebuilt and reinstalled, including suspension, steering and braking system.