Duesenberg Model J chassis 2393, powered by engine J‑373, led a truly international and transformative life, evolving through multiple countries and body styles over the course of its history.

Originally, the car was delivered with an elegant LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton body, one of the most desirable and prestigious open configurations offered on the Model J chassis. LeBaron’s dual‑cowl designs combined sporting character with rear passenger comfort, making them especially favored among affluent and style-conscious owners.

At some point in its early life, the car was exported to France, where it underwent a dramatic transformation. There, it was re-bodied as a speedster by Fernandez et Darrin, the Paris-based design firm founded by renowned stylist Howard “Dutch” Darrin. Known for their sleek, modern, and distinctly European designs, Fernandez et Darrin gave the car a far more sporting and streamlined appearance, reflecting contemporary continental tastes.

From France, chassis 2393 continued its journey eastward, ultimately arriving in Romania, where it remained for a significant period. During this time, the car gained a degree of cultural recognition through its appearance in the 1961 film Cetea, adding a cinematic dimension to its already diverse history.

In later years, the car was spotted on the outskirts of Bucharest, suggesting that it survived well into the postwar era, albeit far from its original American roots.