For those of you currently wrapped up in L.A. Noir, the idea of owning a Duesenberg Coupe is probably pretty appealing right now. And this one, as the kids say, is a doozy.
It's a 1931 Duesenberg Whittell Coupe --- a bespoke Duesenberg based on the Model J -- which originally sold in 1931 for $17,000. It was built for one Captain George Whittell Jr., the heir to a California Gold Rush and real-estate fortune who counted this among his 6 Duesenbergs. He is described as "one of America's outlandish, Roaring Twenties bad Boys" and "the ultimate playboy of his day." They continue to whet your dreams for the life you really wish you lived with more from the life of Captain George, "Whittell engaged in numerous escapades with women, reckless street racing and outrageous public appearances, like the time he famously showed up to a local tavern with Bill, his pet lion."
The black, red and chrome beauty -- check out the way the paint splits the tire carrier -- was designed at Murphy Coach Builders by Frank Hershey who later went on to style the 1955 Ford Thunderbird. The Whittell Coupe is 11 inches longer than the standard car, has an aluminum folding roof and carries a 420 cubic-inch inline-8.
The auction takes places on Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21 at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center. No estimate was given.
kissel1 says:
03:19 PM, 05/24/11
$17,000 in 1931 = $251,539 in 2011.
Great Depression? What Great Depression?
zoomzoom22 says:
02:08 AM, 05/25/11
This is a gorgeous, arrestingly handsome car. I'd pay that much.