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Duesenberg Murphy Beverly A premonition, a kidnapping and a Duesenberg fit for a president From "Special Presentation" episode DCRD-S

The Beverly Murphy is a very elegant and formal Duesenberg. Here it's pictured at Pebble Beach where the car had a showing.

Jay Leno Duesenberg Collection, Automobile #2: Duesenberg Murphy Beverly

Statistics:

• Model: J
  
• Year built: 1932
  
• Original owner: Evalyn McLean
  
• Original mileage: Unknown
  
• Price new: $17,000 — $18,000
  
• Number in Leno's collection: 2nd

Awards:

• 1994 Pebble Beach — 2nd place in class
  
• Gwen Graham award for "Most Elegant Closed Car"

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Historical Witness

This Duesenberg was witness to one of the most infamous trials in history — the Lindberg kidnapping trial of 1934. Its first owner, Mrs. Evalyn McLean, claimed she had a premonition about the kidnapping and was a witness in the trial. She was also one of the people to put up ransom money to get the child back. Mrs. McLean was likewise famous for acquiring both the Hope Diamond and the Star of India in her travels to Europe.

Because Mrs. McLean was wealthy and a bit extravagant, her Duesenberg was built to complement those qualities. Gorden Buehrig, head of design at Duesenberg, would be the one to design this luxury sedan. The passenger section of the sedan where Mrs. McLean always rode was luxurious and spacious — complete with armrests. There was a secondary dash for the passengers that had a speedometer, altimeter, and a clock. A fully functional radio was also in the Duesenberg, a first for any vehicle in that era. This vehicle was plush enough for a president — and coincidentally, a few were rumored to have ridden in it over the years.

After Mrs. McLean's death, the automobile was sold to Harry McKee, a Northwestern pilot from Minnesota. Mr. Skogmo bought the vehicle next, and gave it to his wife for her 21st birthday. It was then enjoyed by two more owners before Jay Leno was contacted about it in 1993. Only seven of these formal sedans were ever built, and this would be the only formal sedan Leno would add to his collection.

	This is an original photo of the Beverly Murphy when it came to California. Note the wheel tied on with rope!

Restoration Process

The Murphy Beverly was in fair condition when Leno purchased it. It had been driven frequently and for many miles — probably up until the war — and there were mechanical problems that needed tending to. A full restoration process was ultimately what this Duesenberg needed, and restoration specialist Randy Ema was up to the challenge.

The mahogany wood was refinished, the interior was redone in the original fabric, and all the mechanics were rebuilt. According to Ema, the hardest part of this restoration was repairing the wood sill, which is what the base of the vehicle body is built around. The entire body had to be pulled apart in order to get to the sill and restore it. In the end, this masterpiece on wheels became a great addition to Leno's collection.

Brief History of the Model J

After the popular Model A was discontinued and the Model X prototypes were completed, the Duesenberg Company needed some guidance in the business aspect of the automotive world. Engineering skills would not be enough to make the company a success. E. L. Cord bought the company and took on the challenge — proving to be the man for the job.

Cord was an excellent businessman, and after refocusing the company's efforts, he lifted the Duesenberg Company into the realm of elite automotive companies of the time. Fred Duesenberg focused on building a new type of luxury vehicle — one that would surpass all others in both speed and design.

Out came the Model J, a vehicle dubbed "the world's finest motorcar" by many in the automotive industry. It was displayed at the New York Car Show in 1928, boasting 265 horsepower and speeds up to 120 mph. The chassis and engine would be engineered at the Duesenberg factory, while the body and interior would be customized by a coachbuilder of the customer's choice.

Of the 481 Model J's were built between 1928 and 1937, only 378 still exist today. Each one is a piece of history, with a past that most likely includes some important or famous person of that time. Such a unique and elegant vehicle has yet to be created that could compare to the famous Duesenberg automobile.

Go to the next Duesenberg in Jay's collection.