This Duesenberg was one of the earliest Model J cars ever built, number ten in the series, and it came with custom coachwork by LeBaron. It started its life as a showpiece, appearing at the 1929 New York and Los Angeles Auto Shows before being used as a demonstration car for Hollywood’s elite.

In 1939, James Talmadge, a passionate Duesenberg fan and the son of actors Buster Keaton and Natalie Talmadge, bought the car and restored it. Later, he traded it for a Model J Convertible Roadster.

After World War II, Talmadge discovered his old car abandoned at a service station on Beverly Boulevard. The previous owner had left it there after being jailed for embezzlement. Talmadge and his friend “Pappy” Pedigo bought it back for $110. When Pedigo passed away, the car was sold to the East Coast, where it was modified again. Eventually, in 1966, it became part of the Gilmore Car Museum as one of the original vehicles in Donald Gilmore’s collection.