Kruse auctions Duesenbergs on the cheap

Troubled Auburn, Ind., auction house Kruse International sold two Duesenbergs, both believed to be part of, or formerly part of Dean Kruse's personal collection, last weekend at the first of the Arizona auctions.

And they went cheap. Real cheap.

The first Duesenberg, a handsome 1930 Model J Willoughby-bodied long-wheelbase limousine, was restored in 1991 and, despite the age of the restoration, is still a stand-up example. Selling at $335,500, including commissions, it was the least expensive complete and restored Duesenberg to cross the block in recent memory. Said to be rated a Category 1 car by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg club, the car also carried a Classic Car Club of America senior badge. (ACD Category 1 cars carry their original body as well as motor and chassis.)

The second Duesenberg, a 1935 Model JN, was a Rollston-bodied convertible sedan. Sold at a reported $792,000, including 10 percent commission, this very late open car carries a tasteful body that, despite being a four-door, has a sporting look to it. Last reported offered for sale at the Kruse Fall Auburn event in September 2009, the car was marked a no-sale at a reported high bid of $1.7 million.

Does this mean that prices will be down for the upcoming sales scheduled this coming week? Not necessarily, as Kruse's own troubles might have lead to these low-buck sales more than a drop in the general collector-car market.

The sale, billed as Kruse's 39th Scottsdale event (although it's now held across town in Glendale, Ariz.,) concluded on Sunday.

By Dave Kinney