Iconic American classic from 1920s spent 55 years in hiding

This American classic from the late 1920s had spent 55 years in hiding before being discovered in a barn find.

The Duesenberg Model J may just be the most iconic American car of its generation.

With only 481 units being built between 1928 and 1937, it’s a rare find.

That makes this discovery all the more special.

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How this iconic piece of American automotive history spent 55 years in hiding

It’s not unusual for some old cars to spend a long time in solitary spaces.

This Chevrolet Camaro Z28 spent 50 years not being driven, whilst this Studebaker sat stewing under grime for 40.

Yet still, 55 years is still a mighty long time for a car to be off the road.

This Duesenberg was parked in a garage back in 1967 before being rescued by Doug Pray of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg company in late 2022.

As the name suggests, they sell Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg cars and also perform repairs on them.

This is especially handy considering all three companies went bust in 1937, as reported by autoevolution.

The Model J in question is one of less than 390 units known to exist.

Even still, it’s rarer than that thanks to the way cars were made back in the day.

What makes this classic so rare

We all know that car making has changed a lot over the years.

In fact, there’s many features in old cars that are totally extinct nowadays – such as car phones, cigarette lighters and ashtrays.

But this goes further than that – luxury cars were built totally different a century ago.

Whereas now, cars are more or less good to go once they leave the assembly line, Duesenbergs were delivered as rolling chassis to coachbuilders.

Half of the Model Js had their bodies made by Duesenberg’s chief designer Gordon Buehring.

The others were sent off to independent companies such as Franay, Gurney Nutting and Saoutchik.

This Model J was the work of the Walter M. Murphy Company, who produced 25 in total.

So there you have it, even among a rare crowd, this particular car would a way to be even more exceptional.

Better yet, 55 years has barely left its mark on the Duesenberg.

No rust is visible and the seating has stood the test of time brilliantly.

Unfortunately, the engine doesn’t work, but Doug Pray is hoping to set that right.

It’s expected it will go for millions dollars once put up to auction.

Out of the 29 which were auctioned in recent years, only eight went for less than $1 million.

To check out this stunning piece of car history for yourself, head over to the Nobody’s Show YouTube channel.