Hollywood Icon: 1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe
The 1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe stands as one of the rarest and most desirable automobiles in history. With only 25 examples ever produced, this American masterpiece is a pinnacle of engineering, design, and luxury. This particular Model J remains in exceptional condition, retaining its original straight-eight, 7-liter engine capable of delivering 265 horsepower — a figure that was extraordinary for its time. Even its bodywork and chassis are original, making it a dream acquisition for classic car collectors.
Celebrated as one of the most beautiful designs from the California-based Duesenberg company, the 1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe has a star-studded past. Over the decades, it changed ownership multiple times and appeared in several Hollywood films. Its most famous on-screen moment came in the 1962 psychological horror What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, starring Joan Crawford and Bette Davis (learn more here). The glamorous Jayne Mansfield was also famously photographed alongside this fiery red beauty, enhancing its allure as a Hollywood symbol.
In 1995, the car underwent a $500,000 restoration, bringing it back to concours condition. More recently, it received another meticulous refurbishment before selling for an impressive $3.52 million at auction. That sale price reflects not just its mechanical brilliance, but also its unmatched cultural and cinematic history.
The 1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe is more than a car — it’s an artifact of the golden age of American luxury automobiles. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, owning one is akin to holding a piece of Hollywood’s golden era in the palm of your hand.
