This remarkable early-production Duesenberg Model J stands out as a rare survivor, retaining its original chassis, engine, and body structure. It is believed to be the very first Model J delivered to the esteemed Derham Body Company of Pennsylvania, where it was originally fashioned as a formal four-door Derham sedan.

The car’s first owner was Art Kiel, a resident of Southern California. During his ownership, the Duesenberg became famously entangled in an unusual mishap: while being transported via ferry from Santa Catalina Island, it accidentally fell into the Santa Barbara Channel. Fortunately, the water was shallow enough to allow for a successful recovery, preserving this extraordinary automobile.

In the early 1930s, the car was sold to M.K. Barbee, then the president of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Los Angeles. Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and refined tastes, Barbee seized the opportunity to modernize the Duesenberg while it was being rebuilt. He commissioned the newly formed coachbuilding firm Bohman & Schwartz of Pasadena to redesign the car. Established in 1932 by former Murphy coachbuilders Chris Bohman and Maurice Schwartz, the firm initially specialized in repairs before gaining acclaim for streamlining and customizing luxury vehicles.

Bohman & Schwartz transformed the car with a completely reimagined Art Deco body for chassis J-118, incorporating sleek, modern design elements that reflected the evolving aesthetic sensibilities of the 1930s.

The Duesenberg changed hands in 1947 when it was sold to Fred Buess Jr. of Venice, California. In 1963, the car entered the distinguished collection of Indiana-based