1931 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Convertible Coupe
The Walter M. Murphy Company of Pasadena produced more bodies for Duesenberg than any other coachbuilder (roughly 100 in total), but the “Disappearing Top” Convertible Coupe is the standout among them.
When the top was folded down, it vanished completely beneath the rear deck lid (no visible fabric, no exposed folding hardware).
Of the approximately 60 Murphy convertible coupes fitted to the Model J, only around 25 received this retractable treatment, making them considerably rarer than the standard open-top versions.
The design gave the car a notably clean profile in open-air form. A raked windshield and raised spine along the roofline added a sporting character that set it apart from the more formal coachwork available on the same chassis.
Side-mounted spares were common, though some examples featured rear-mounted spares instead, further cleaning up the flanks.
Under the hood sat Duesenberg’s 420 cu in DOHC inline-eight (a Lycoming-built unit with four valves per cylinder), rated at 265 bhp at 4,200 rpm. A three-speed manual transmission supplied by Warner Gear and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes completed the drivetrain.
The Model J chassis alone carried a price of $8,500 when new. This particular Model J “Disappearing Top” sold for just under $4.3 million in 2023.
Source
