Duesenberg Model J chassis 2318 is a particularly notable example with an early history that highlights the remarkable performance of the Model J. Its first owner was Phil Berg, under whose ownership the car demonstrated the extraordinary capabilities that made Duesenberg legendary.

In the early autumn of 1932, the car took part in a dramatic high‑speed duel on the dry lakebed of Muroc Lake in the Mojave Desert, one of the most famous test and racing locations of the era. There, it was matched against a supercharged Mercedes-Benz SSK, one of the fastest and most formidable European sports cars of its time. In this contest of engineering excellence, the Duesenberg emerged victorious, achieving an impressive average speed of 102 miles per hour, a remarkable feat that underscored the Model J’s superior combination of power, stability, and endurance.