Luxury vintage vehicles are known to be coveted items, with most of them being auctioned at pretty high prices to the highest bidder.
The Duesenberg models in particular are considered to be rare classic cars by car enthusiasts, and many collectors have been known to spare a fortune to possess the rare beauties.
But how valuable is this classic car? The most priced model that went on auction is a Duesenberg Model JN convertible, designed in 1935, that was sold at $1.34 million. Not too shabby!
The Duesenberg Model JN Convertible
Back in the 30s, luxury cars were sold with just an engine and frame, with customers paying a hefty price to commission the design of the car bodies. Duesenberg Motors Company at the time emerged as the best-selling luxury car brand, and was notably known for its J model series.
In particular, Duesenberg released 10 revised JN models, with the Duesenberg Model JN convertible being one out of only three cars designed with a coach-built convertible sedan body; making it a pricey rare possession coveted by people.
What makes this vintage car even worth the search by car enthusiasts is that two years after the car line was released, Duesenberg closed down due to the Great Depression, stopping the production of further Duesenberg models.
The JN Convertible Features
This particular Duesenberg JN convertible that went on sale possesses a 6.9-liter Lycoming inline-eight engine that generates 265 horsepower, a high number back in the day, and its engine is mated to a three-speed manual transmission.
This JN convertible is dark blue in color and features a folding blue convertible top, dual tail light, right-side external exhaust pipes and cowl-mounted Lorraine spotlights.
Furthermore, the car has a short-wheelbase with 17-inch wire wheels as well as matching spare wheels placed on both front fenders.
Previous owners
The car possesses a rich history of owners with it being initially owned by Herbert N. Lape Sr. who was a prominent figure in the shoe industry.
The car proceeded to find its home at the Imperial Palace Casino where it stayed from 1993 to 1998.
In order to retain its earlier glory, the car was refurbished in the 1990s and then possessed by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation (IMF) in 2000.
The car remained in the IMF museum and participated in several parades such as the United States Grand Prix and car-culture events until it went on sale.
Upon its sale, the new owner of the car was given documentation details of its ownership history together with old photos of the car that were recorded in the IMF museum.
The JN convertible is a remnant of the pinnacle of what was once a great automotive car brand and therefore is considered worth the huge sum attached to its sale.