Duesenberg Model J chassis 2511, powered by engine J‑496, was one of the most distinctive and individualized Duesenbergs ever built. Featuring a unique body commissioned by Mark Lawrence and designed by legendary stylist Gordon Buehrig, the car reflected both the creative freedom of the custom-coachbuilding era and the willingness of Duesenberg clients to pursue truly bespoke automobiles.
Buehrig, whose designs would later influence some of the most celebrated American automobiles of the 1930s, created a body that combined elegance with innovation. The car was finished in a dramatic black exterior, complemented by an equally striking black and red leather interior, giving it a sophisticated yet sporting character.
One of the most notable features of the design was its fully disappearing convertible top. Unlike conventional convertibles of the period, the top could be completely folded and concealed within a dedicated compartment behind the rear seats, preserving the clean, uninterrupted lines of the body when lowered. This solution enhanced both the car's appearance and its exclusivity, making it one of the more technically interesting custom-bodied Model Js.
The combination of Buehrig's styling, the elegant color scheme, and the innovative roof arrangement resulted in a highly individual automobile unlike any other Duesenberg produced.
Unfortunately, the car's life was cut short. In 1937, chassis 2511 was involved in a serious accident that caused extensive damage. Unlike many damaged Duesenbergs that were repaired, re-bodied, or restored during later decades, this car was never rebuilt, effectively ending the story of one of the marque's most unique creations.
Although it survived for only a few years, Duesenberg 2511 remains an intriguing chapter in Model J history. As a unique Buehrig-designed custom automobile, it demonstrated the extraordinary level of personalization available to Duesenberg clients during the Classic Era. Its early destruction only adds to its mystique, making it one of the most elusive and fascinating lost Duesenbergs.