Barn finds aren’t as common as they used to be, but there are still some hidden gems like this rare 1931 Duesenberg Model J, which was recently discovered after sitting in storage for nearly 6 years.
Classic car YouTube channel Nobody’s Show chronicled the story of Duesenberg, which was parked in 1967 and was only recently unearthed by Auburn Cord Duesenberg, a Duesenberg, Oklahoma-based specialist around the defunct automaker built from surplus parts inventory.
This particular car was left to its owner by her father, so it wasn’t really missing. Just in stock. After decades of sitting in a residential garage, the owner finally reached out to have it removed and restored.
Brothers Fred and August Duesenberg began building engines for other automakers before launching their first car in 1921, later selling the business to EL Cord, which combined Duesenberg with Auburn and his namesake Cord brand. Fred Duesenberg continued as Chief Engineer, but August gradually withdrew from operations.
1931 Duesenberg Model J Garage Discovery
Featuring the most advanced overhead cam inline-8 engine of its time, the Duesenbergs were one of the fastest and most desirable cars of their era. However, declining luxury car sales due to the Great Depression sealed the company’s fate and production ceased in 1937.
Duesenbergs were produced in relatively small numbers, and their importance in automotive history makes them prized collectibles. Restored examples often fetch seven-figure sums at auction and are taken home for competitions.
It also means a dedicated team of enthusiasts keeps track of all remaining cars.
Over the years, some high-profile items have been found in Duesenberg’s barn, including a 1931 Model J sedan pulled from a New York City parking lot in 2005 and a Model X (not , Tesla is not the originator of the name) California garage at that time. Both are now in Jay Leno’s collection.
There don’t seem to be many lost Duesenbergs left to find, which makes this car all the more remarkable. Of the 481 Model J chassis built, it was one of only 25 Murphy convertibles with a so-called “vanishing” top stored under the tonneau cover. It’s also capable of 88 mph in second gear. Eat your heart out, DeLorean.
Given the garage-found state of this car, the plan is to present it as-is for the time being and undergo a full quality restoration in the future.