This 1930 Duesenberg Model J, chassis 2345 with engine J‑329, is fitted with a Convertible Sedan body by the Walter M. Murphy Company of Pasadena, California, one of the most respected and prolific coachbuilders associated with the marque. Built on the desirable short 142.5‑inch wheelbase, the car originally carried a price of $12,650, placing it firmly among the most exclusive automobiles of its era.

The car’s early history is closely tied to one of America’s most celebrated racing drivers, Leon Duray. A prominent Indianapolis racer known for his successes with Miller racing cars, Duray is believed to have received the Duesenberg as a factory-supplied promotional vehicle. His enthusiasm for the car is well documented; in a letter to Duesenberg executive Harold Ames, he wrote:

A testament both to the car’s reliability and to its exceptional performance and comfort over long distances.

In 1936, the car was acquired by Norris Allen, an owner with a keen interest in automotive design. Allen undertook a highly unusual and creative transformation of the car’s appearance. While retaining the original Murphy body structure, he overlaid it with new stylistic elements, including front fenders sourced from Cadillac and rear fenders from a Lincoln Continental. Additional custom “wing” panels and a newly designed trunk were added over the existing body, creating a dramatically updated, hybrid design.

Importantly, Allen’s approach was largely reversible, he preserved the original Murphy panels beneath the modifications. Recognizing the enduring value of the original design, the car was later returned to its correct Murphy configuration, restoring its authentic appearance.

In 1962, chassis 2345 entered the ownership of Arthur K. Watson of Connecticut, son of IBM founder Thomas J. Watson and later United States Ambassador to France. Watson commissioned a mechanical and cosmetic restoration by respected specialist Gus Reuter, ensuring the car’s continued preservation and usability.

Decades later, in 2003, his son Kitt Watson initiated a further restoration by Chris Charlton’s Classic Car Services in Oxford, Maine. A particular highlight of this restoration was the carefully considered repaint. Charlton selected a striking two-tone blue color scheme, inspired by authentic 1930s palette references. Drawing on historical fleet color books, he avoided modern metallic finishes and instead recreated period-correct solid tones, resulting in a finish that is both historically accurate and personally meaningful to the Watson family.

Over its lifetime, the car has passed through a number of notable owners, reflecting its continued desirability among collectors. These include:

Today, Duesenberg J chassis 2345 stands as a compelling example of the Model J’s evolving life. Its story combines racing pedigree, mid-century design experimentation, and careful restoration by dedicated collectors. With its elegant Murphy coachwork, documented provenance, and thoughtful preservation, it remains a distinguished and highly individual representative of the legendary Duesenberg marque.