Two giants of PreWar luxury: Duesenberg vs. Bentley

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Two icons of the pre-war era go head-to-head at the RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterey: a rare 1935 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton by Walker-LaGrande, and the one-of-one 1931 Bentley 8-Litre Sports Coupe Cabriolet by Barker. Both represent the absolute pinnacle of design, engineering, and prestige—but with completely different philosophies.

American Bravado: Duesenberg J-548

With its dramatic proportions, advanced engineering, and striking presence, chassis J-548 may well be the most youthful and flamboyant of all Duesenbergs. Only five Torpedo Phaetons were built to Gordon Buehrig’s bold design—this example is the first original to be offered in two decades. A star at the 1936 Los Angeles Auto Show and featured in the film 1,000 Dollars a Minute, it still retains its original coachwork, engine, and chassis.

With dual rear windscreens, a disappearing soft top, and taut, flowing lines, the car exudes both motion and elegance. Since its delivery to Hallie Plaisted in Beverly Hills, it has passed through the hands of only a few select collectors, including Fred Guyton, John Mozart, and General William Lyon. An award winner at Pebble Beach and preserved in concours condition, J-548 is every inch a true Duesenberg—dramatic, technically brilliant, and exceptionally rare.

British Finesse: Bentley 8-Litre YR5099

Where the Duesenberg shouts, the Bentley whispers. The 8-Litre Sports Coupe Cabriolet by Barker, commissioned by industrialist Sir P. Malcolm Stewart, is the only 8-Litre factory-built with a true two-seater "boattail speedster" body. It represents W.O. Bentley’s ultimate expression: a powerful inline-six engine, graceful proportions, and surprisingly nimble performance for its size.

The original bare-aluminum bodywork was later modified, but largely restored to its early form in the 1980s. Today, the car retains its original chassis, engine, and gearbox, showcasing authentic period details—from rare Lucas lighting to an oversized, special-order dashboard.

With only 100 8-Litre chassis ever produced, and this one the sole true sporting two-seater, YR5099 is a genuine one-off. Its potential is enormous: restored more accurately to its original boattail configuration, it could easily become a Best of Show contender at Pebble Beach.

The comparison

The Duesenberg seduces with drama and Hollywood glamour; the Bentley convinces with elegance and unmatched individuality. One is the American dream in overdrive; the other, the embodiment of British refinement. Both are masterpieces—but only one can be crowned the ultimate pre-war highlight of Monterey 2025.

Which one will it be? The auction room will decide.

Text by Laurens Klein

Details:

• Event: RM Sotheby’s Monterey
• Date: August 15, 2025
• Location: Monterey Conference Center, California, USA
• See all listings>>

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