In 1928, the first Model J Duesenberg was revealed at the New York Car Show, setting a global standard in performance and luxury. Dubbed “the world’s finest motorcar,” the Duesenberg J boasted 265 hp with speeds up to 120 mph.

All Duesenberg chassis were completed at the Duesenberg factory in 1929. Bodies were custom built to order after the fact by a separate coachbuilder. The bodywork on this car was done by LeBaron at their Bridgeport, Connecticut factory. The car’s distinctive contoured shape prompted the company to label the car as a dual cowl “barrelside” phaeton. Another little known fact - this particular car was the second to last to receive wide wooden running boards.

Jay was shopping for motorcycles when he discovered this Duesenberg, his very first, outside Philadelphia, where it had been languishing in a barn since 1951. Although Jay claims that the history of this car is mysterious and fascinating, little is known about original owner William Ashton, except that his family wasn’t too pleased that he spent $17,000 - $18,000 on a car. In 1957, Ashton sold it for $1500, and Jay became its third owner in 1988.

When Jay bought the LeBaron, the car only had about 42,000 miles and a fairly clean block on it, and was still operational. Still, Jay wanted to return the car to its original condition, so he turned to Duesenberg expert Randy Ema for a full restoration. The wood was refinished, the leather was replaced, and the car was repainted in two-toned blue, just like when it was new. The restoration was so impressive that it took first place at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance when first presented in 1992!