Gooding Christie’s returns to Amelia Island, Florida, on Thursday, March 6, and Friday, March 7 for its highly anticipated annual Amelia Island Auctions, now in its 15th year. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Omni Amelia Island Resort, this premier East Coast event will once again bring together collectors and enthusiasts for an exceptional offering of historic and highly sought-after automobiles. With a reputation for presenting best-in-category consignments, Gooding Christie’s continues its tradition of excellence, offering an expertly curated selection of Classic and Brass Era automobiles, legendary coachbuilt designs, and historically significant motorcars.
This year’s auction highlights include the illustrious 1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan, once associated with Queen Maria of Yugoslavia, as well as an outstanding selection of prewar automobiles from the esteemed William Alley Collection. Additional offerings include a no-reserve trio of Chrysler Town and Country models from the F.G. “Tim” Burton Collection, showcasing some of the finest examples of America’s iconic wood-bodied automobiles.
Here is our selection of six American offerings:
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan (Estimate: $1,700,000 - $1,900,000)
A true one-off masterpiece, this 1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan stands as a testament to the grandeur of prewar automotive design. Originally bodied by the esteemed Parisian coachbuilder Franay, chassis 2465 debuted as a show car at the 1931 Salon Animé de la Carrosserie et de l’Élégance Féminine Automobile in the Parc des Princes, then a week later at Le Concours d’Élégance Féminine Automobile in the Bois de Boulogne, and a few months later at the Salon de l’Automobile in the Grand Palais in Paris. Originally presented in an elegant pearl gray with a rose beige interior, the Duesenberg drew admiration for its impeccable craftsmanship, sparkling chrome accents, and sophisticated European styling.
Its fascinating provenance includes an early association with Queen Maria of Yugoslavia, known for her passion for driving, before passing into the hands of Antonio Chopitea, a Peruvian sugar magnate with a penchant for exceptional automobiles. Later, this Model J made its way to the United States, where it has been treasured by prominent collectors, including ACD enthusiast Charles Goodman. A veteran of Pebble Beach, Meadow Brook, and Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance, this Duesenberg has been impeccably maintained, with recent servicing by renowned Duesenberg specialists Straight Eight of Troy Michigan.
Still retaining its original engine (J-446) and Franay coachwork, this striking convertible sedan remains one of the most distinctive and historically significant Duesenbergs in existence. Whether preserved in its current black and red livery or returned to its original pearl gray and rose beige, this exceptional automobile is set to turn heads again.
1906 Pierce Great Arrow Model NN 28-32 Tonneau (Estimate: $150,000 - $225,000, without reserve)
A paragon of early American touring cars, this 1906 Pierce Great Arrow Model NN 28-32 Tonneau exemplifies the quality and engineering that made Pierce-Arrow a dominant force in endurance racing and luxury motoring. Built in Buffalo, New York, the Great Arrow line gained worldwide acclaim following Percy Pierce’s outright victory in the 1905 Glidden Tour, cementing the marque’s reputation for both speed and durability.
Chassis 1651 boasts an extraordinary provenance, having been discovered in the late 1930s by pioneering collector George G. Donald, who carefully restored the car while preserving its originality. Upon his passing in 1976, the Pierce entered the esteemed collection of legendary automotive designer Dick Teague, known for his role at American Motors and his appreciation of early brass-era automobiles. Teague further refined the car before passing it along to respected collector Earl Snodgrass in the late 1980s. Since 2004, it has resided in the renowned William Alley Collection.
With just 10 known surviving examples, this 1906 Great Arrow represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of early motoring history. Eligible for prestigious concours events and HCCA driving tours, this beautifully preserved touring car is ready for its next custodian to enjoy on the show field or the open road.
1907 Stevens-Duryea Model U Five-Passenger Touring (Estimate: $175,000 - $225,000, without reserve)
A groundbreaking model of early American motoring, this 1907 Stevens-Duryea Model U Five-Passenger Touring represents the pinnacle of the revered brand’s six-cylinder models. The Model U was a cutting-edge offering from the Massachusetts-based manufacturer, known for its refined performance and exceptional build quality.
This particular example boasts a well-documented history from new, believed to have been originally delivered to Reuben Whited, a gristmill owner in Elk City, Oklahoma. A remarkable period photograph from 1916 shows the Whited family enjoying the car before it was placed into storage in the late 1910s. Rediscovered in 1946 by Bud Catlett—who later became Harrah’s collection manager—the car remained largely intact. Over the following decades, it passed through a series of esteemed collectors, including Julian Malka, Jon Larson, and Wayne Leonard, before joining the renowned William Alley Collection.
Under Mr. Alley’s ownership, a meticulous restoration was undertaken, including new upholstery in 2010 and fresh paintwork in 2019. With the project near completion, this Stevens-Duryea offers its next caretaker the opportunity to add the finishing touches and present it at top concours events.
1929 Cord L-29 Cabriolet & 1930 Cord L-29 Phaeton Sedan (Estimate: $375,000 - $450,000)
This matched pair of Cord L-29s—the 1929 Cabriolet and 1930 Phaeton Sedan—represents one of the most striking and innovative automobiles of the Classic Era. As the first American front-wheel-drive production car, the L-29 boasted a low, sleek profile, flat interior floors, and an advanced suspension system, making it a true pioneer of its time. Of the approximately 5,000 L-29s built between 1929 and 1931, only 300 are believed to survive today, with these two examples standing among the finest.
Brought together under the same ownership in 2011, these two ACD-certified L-29s were meticulously restored to create a perfectly matched duo, sharing an elegant paint scheme, refined interior appointments, and period-correct Woodlite headlamps. The Cabriolet, once part of the esteemed Richard P. Kughn Collection, underwent a significant restoration by L’Cars Automotive Specialties before earning CCCA Senior Badge No. 3075 in Primary competition. The Phaeton Sedan, meanwhile, boasts an extensive documented history dating back to 1935. Following a show-quality restoration by James Quinlan, it achieved class awards at Amelia Island and Pebble Beach, as well as CCCA Senior Premier status. In 2011, it was refinished by L’Cars to complement the Cabriolet, creating this breathtaking pair.
Individually, each of these Cord L-29s is a masterpiece, embodying the bold vision of E.L. Cord. Together, they create an unparalleled display of 1920s automotive artistry, offering their next owner a truly unique opportunity to acquire a perfectly harmonized set of these legendary front-wheel-drive classics.
1940 Packard Custom Super Eight 180 Convertible Victoria (Estimate: $325,000 - $375,000)
A masterpiece of Classic Era design, this 1940 Packard Custom Super Eight 180 Convertible Victoria showcases the genius of legendary coachbuilder Howard “Dutch” Darrin. With its flowing, low-slung silhouette and European-inspired lines, the Darrin Convertible Victoria became an icon of prewar luxury, favored by Hollywood’s elite and discerning collectors alike. Built on Packard’s top-tier Super Eight Model 1806 chassis, this example represents one of the most stylish and desirable Packards ever produced.
This particular Darrin boasts an extraordinary provenance, with early ownership attributed to Sally Eddy, daughter of Pittsburgh industrialist Archibald McCrea. Believed to have spent its early years at the McCrea family’s historic Carter’s Grove estate, the Packard later entered the prestigious collection of William A.C. Pettit III in 1972, where it remained for over 40 years. Under his stewardship, the car was carefully preserved and displayed at numerous concours events, further cementing its place among the finest examples of the model.
In 2012, the Packard found its next caretaker, who commissioned a concours-level restoration by the esteemed L’Cars of Cameron, Wisconsin. Returned to its original Laguna Maroon Iridescent hue, the car’s transformation was complemented by a luxurious beige leather interior and a full mechanical refurbishment. The result is a show-ready classic poised to command attention on any concours field.
1950 Chrysler Town and Country Coupe (Estimate: $50,000 - $70,000, without reserve)
The 1950 Chrysler Town and Country Coupe marked the final chapter of Chrysler’s legendary wood-bodied models, combining elegance with the advanced engineering of the New Yorker series. As one of just 700 produced for its final model year, this stylish hardtop coupe exemplifies the luxury and craftsmanship that made the Town and Country an American classic.
Acquired by esteemed collector F.G. “Tim” Burton in 1992, this example underwent an extensive seven-year restoration, with Crown Point Classics handling the bodywork and Vintage Woodworks of Iola, Wisconsin, restoring its stunning ash wood trim. Upon completion, it was proudly displayed at the 2001 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® as part of a featured class celebrating Chrysler’s wood-bodied Town and Country models.
Finished in an eye-catching Juniper Green with a contrasting Tampa Beige roof, the coupe’s rich tones extend into its beautifully appointed interior, featuring a combination of leather and corded fabric. Under the hood, the smooth 323.5 CID “Spitfire” inline-eight engine is paired with Chrysler’s innovative Fluid Drive semiautomatic transmission, ensuring effortless performance. The 131.5" wheelbase provides a spacious cabin, while the signature “Clearbac” wraparound rear window offers superb visibility.
Lovingly maintained by a dedicated Town and Country aficionado and longtime member of the Walter P. Chrysler Club, this rare and exquisitely restored Chrysler is an outstanding example of postwar American luxury. Ideal for concours events, Woodie gatherings, or relaxed touring, it represents a wonderful opportunity to own one of the most refined and distinctive Town and Country models ever built.
The auctions will take place on Thursday, March 6, at 3:00 p.m. EST and Friday, March 7, at 11:00 a.m. EST at the Omni Amelia Island Resort. Bidders may participate online or in person, but registration is required.
