Alas, the value of Duesenbergs slumped hard between the company's failure in 1937 and when they started to become collectible in the '50s. In spite of their rarity and high quality, they were considered outmoded, both stylistically and mechanically (the Duesenberg brothers didn't believe in synchromesh transmissions, for example, which was plain silly by the mid-'30s). At around the time the US entered World War II, a Model J in half-decent condition could often be had for less than $500. Admittedly, $500 was a lot more money in 1942 than it is today, but even so, that was secondhand Buick money.

Wentworth bought his right before the values tanked, naturally, but he never considered it a problem because he never expected he'd have to sell it.

--G.
-><-
Benjamin D. Hutchins, Co-Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & Forum Mod
Eyrie Productions, Unlimited http://www.eyrie-productions.com/
zgryphon at that email service Google has
Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam.