A few days ago, at the 38th Annual Hill Country Classic Auction in Austin, USA, the above extremely rare classic car sold for a staggering $1,650,000. It was one of almost 200 classic cars on display.
The bidding started at a mere $500,000 and took some time to break through the $1 million figure with people bidding either over the telephone or in person before eventually going for the previously stated figure to a buyer at the event.
The Model J was powered by a dual overhead, in line cam V8 engine producing a very impressive 265 bhp and originally was sold for $13,500 for the basic model when brand new.
This classic car has an interesting history with its new chassis being delivered to France and then fitted out with coachwork by Kellner who were a French firm.
In its original styling the car did not sell so was fitted with new coachwork that included skirted rear fenders and a sliding sunroof. It had two-tone paintwork but had this changed to just one colour-strawberry.
The car was eventually sold in early 1934 to Countess Porceri.
The car eventually ended up in the hands of Henri Beaud, a retired schoolteacher, in the 1950s.
The car had a number of owners over the next few years when, in 1975, it was bought by Martin Cohen, a jeweller from Chicago who had some major restoration work undertaken such as removing the trunk, added a luggage rack and lengthened the hood. Some fine woodworking was undertaken inside the vehicle. He sold the car by auction in 2001 when it realised $380,000.
In its heyday this make and model was a real status symbol being owned by several A list stars and royalty. It is indeed a joy to behold looking very sleek and pure quality.
