Car 2136
1929 Model J Duesenberg 2136, Derham Phaeton
Engine No.:    J-116 [Pictures]
First Coachbuilder:    Derham
First Body Style:    Special Phaeton
Wheelbase:    Short
Current Coachbuilder:    Derham
Current Body Style:    Phaeton
Original Owner:   
Owner in 1968:    John M. Thorpe, 21800 Herperian Blvd, Hayward, CA
Current Owner:   
References:    Adler, p. 172; Malks, p. 71; Roe, p. 248; Elbert, p. 84,85

 Notes:
Display picture from www.conceptcarz.com

Sold in 1930 to Charles Hooper Crosby of Piedmont, CA according to conceptcarz.com, but the source doesn't state that Crosby was the original
owner.  Bing Crosby, a distant relative, rode in the car.  Once owned by Bruce Kellogg of Hollywood.  The car appeared in several movies during
the 1930s, and then was owned by one or more persons who abused it.  The rear third of the body was sawed off so that the car could be used
as a truck.  It was also used to pull hang gliders.  The severed body was retained and then junked with the rest of the car.  Owned by Gil Curtright
1952-1961; discovered Dec. 6, 1952 at N. Z. Transmissions at the north end of Avalon Blvd in Los Angeles and acquired for $500.  Sold to John
Thorpe in 1961 for $1750.  Thorpe, a lawyer, had it restored by one of his clients, Bill Craig.  Subsequently the car appeared in the Elvis Presley
movie "Spin Out" in 1966.  I don't know who has owned it since, but it was part of a asset seizure in the late 1990s and was also re-restored about
that time (see picture below dated 1999).  In 2004 is was sold and sent to RM Auto Restoration to be restored yet again.  Appeared at Pebble Beach
in 2007.  [some data from conceptcarz.com]

This car has had several styles:


Picture from www.conceptcarz.com


Picture from www.wallpaperup.com


Picture from www.conceptcarz.com


Photo provided by Randy Ema in 1999.


Photo by Gil Curtright, Carson, CA, 1967.


Photo by Gil Curtright, Carson, CA, 1967.


Picture from "Duesenberg The Pursuit of Perfection", p. 248.


Picture provided by John Thorpe in June 1966 following the first restoration.  There are more pictures from Thorpe in the documents section
(June 7, 1966)


Picture by Gil Curtright, taken before the first restoration, about the time 2136 was sold to John Thorpe.


Picture by Gil Curtright, taken before the first restoration, about the time 2136 was sold to John Thorpe.


2136 is the car with the muffler mounted vertically through the right-hand running board.  The rear third of the body was sawed off so that
the car could be used as a truck.  It was also used to pull hang gliders.  The severed body was retained and then junked with the rest of the
car.  Gil Curtright is seen building the garage that would house cars 2136 and 2208.  Picture probably taken by Marcella Curtright at 14109
Chadron Ave, Hawthorne, CA. in 1953.


From the Fred Roe Collection, downloaded from www.theoldmotor.com


Snapshot from an unknown movie.  The runner may be athlete Jim Thorpe.  From the Fred Roe Collection, downloaded from www.theoldmotor.com


From the Fred Roe Collection, downloaded from www.theoldmotor.com


From the Fred Roe Collection, downloaded from www.theoldmotor.com  This picture also appears in Elbert (#82).


Picture from Elbert.