1930 Duesenberg J Graber Cabriolet

1930 Duesenberg J Graber Cabriolet

Delivered new to a New York owner this car originally featured a long wheelbase chassis and a stately Town Car body built by Murphy. In 1934 the car was shipped to Duesenberg's agent in Paris, E.Z. Sadovich. He in turn brought the car to Swiss coach-builder Graber to have it fitted with a more spectacular body. Graber discarded the original body and shortened the chassis to the length of the standard short wheelbase J. The new body sculpted for the car was a stylish Cabriolet, constructed almost entirely from aluminium. The interior was also very spartan to make it one of the lightest Duesenbergs of its type.

This car is believed to be the only survivor of three Duesenbergs clothed by Graber. It is today owned by a prominent American collector, who had it completely restored for the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance by Stone Barn Classic Automobile Restorations. Unusually elegant for a Duesenberg, the unique Graber Cabriolet was one of the favourites for the much coveted 'Best of Show' award. It won its class and was also part of the 'Best of Show' nominees but eventually had to settle for a joint second.

Descriptions & pictures by ultimatecarpage & dieselpunks & coachbuild