Duesenberg Model J chassis 2355 was originally delivered with engine J‑334 and fitted with a Murphy Convertible Sedan body, one of the most popular and versatile open styles offered for the Model J chassis. This combination provided an ideal balance of elegance, practicality, and open-air enjoyment.

The car’s first owner, J. H. Brewer, made an early and notable change to its mechanical configuration. He replaced the original engine with engine J‑281, which had previously powered his Rollston Town Car. Such an exchange was not uncommon at the time, as owners often prioritized performance, availability, or personal preference over strict originality.

Over the following decades, the car passed through several owners, including Dudley Waters, Harold Brink, and Ernest Stern, during which time it saw considerable use. By the 1960s, chassis 2355 had become well-worn from extensive driving, reflecting a life of active enjoyment rather than static preservation.

During this period, the car came into the hands of Russell Strauch, an enthusiast who played a key role in its next transformation. Strauch also owned chassis 2498, which carried a highly desirable LaGrande Dual‑Cowl Phaeton body. Recognizing the appeal of this configuration, he made the decision to swap the bodies between the two cars, fitting the LaGrande phaeton coachwork onto chassis 2355.

This body exchange, typical of the mid‑20th century collector landscape, significantly altered the character of the car. It transformed chassis 2355 from a practical Murphy Convertible Sedan into a far more sporting and visually dramatic Dual‑Cowl Phaeton, aligning it with one of the most iconic body styles associated with the Model J.