In 1929, the Duesenberg Model J with a disappearing convertible top was one of the most luxurious cars available in the world. Eighty-seven years later, it’s both incredibly rare and still extremely valuable. And thanks to Eric Bardeen, a generous donor, Hillsdale College now owns one that will be auctioned off in July.
The car was manufactured in Auburn, Indiana, and is one of only a few remaining Duesenbergs in the world, Vice President for Finance and Treasurer Pat Flannery said. RM Sotheby’s will auction off the car during its July 30 classic cars auction. Auctioneers predict the car will sell for $1.2-1.4 million, and the money will go toward general purposes of the college.
The school paid a bargain $400,000 for the car. The difference between the auction sale price and the portion Hillsdale College paid for it is Bardeen’s gift to the school. Bardeen did not specify a specific purpose for the gift portion.
“These cars were made during an iconic period of American history,” said Robert Norton, institutional advancement vice president and general counsel. “The degree of workmanship is truly fantastic. It’s true craftsmanship and innovation, which is hard to relate to today.”
A former executive at Fiat Chrysler and a car collector himself, Norton helped the college look for a gift like this.
Vice President for Institutional Advancement John Cervini came up with the idea and arranged the donation.
“It’s a beautiful car, and we are fortunate to receive such a generous gift to support the operations of Hillsdale College from Mr. Eric Bardeen,” Cervini said in an email.
Bardeen donated the rights to the vehicle two years ago and gave it physically to the college in January 2016.
“He’s a supporter of the college, and he has a lot of vehicles,” Flannery said. “He wanted to give it to us.”
Right now, the car is being cleaned, refurbished, and waxed in Troy, Michigan, with a man known as “the Duesenberg guy in the world,” according to Flannery. It will be on Hillsdale’s campus for a photo shoot on May 4 and will be auctioned off from the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan.
“The car’s going to be considered the premier car at the auction,” Flannery said. “They’ll start it up and get it running so people can hear it.”