--- title: "1931 Duesenberg That Survived WWII Hidden Under Haystacks Is Headed to Auction" description: "This 1931 Duesenberg Model J survived World War II by being hidden in an Italian barn under a haystack for the entire war." date: "2023-06-19" modified: "2023-06-19" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/1931-duesenberg-that-survived-wwii-hidden-under-haystacks-is-headed-to-auction" categories: - "Culture" - "For Sale" - "News" --- # 1931 Duesenberg That Survived WWII Hidden Under Haystacks Is Headed to Auction ![]() A 1931 [Duesenberg J Figoni Sports Torpedo ]()won Best of Show at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Duesenbergs actually took home several awards that day, making it the standout brand of the renowned event. This year there's a Duesenberg that's likely going to make headlines again, though this time because of its incredible backstory. That's because this 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster headed for the Pebble Beach *[RM Sotheby's]()* auction managed to survive [World War II](). The stunning metallic two-tone green [Duesenberg ]()originally belonged to Philadelphia playboy socialite Butler Hallahan, who inherited a fortune from his parents. With his fortune, he would make regular trips between Manhattan and Europe and bring his Duesenberg along with him. During a trip to Italy in 1939, Hallahan had to quickly flee Europe back to the United States as the war was breaking out and he had to leave the Duesenberg behind. ![]() ![]() ![]() An anonymous Italian hid Hallahan's Duesenberg in a barn, under hay stacks, to keep it hidden from anyone who might want to lay claim to it. It sat there for the entirety of the war until Italian Brigadier General Niblo found it. After a turn of events, it was then sold by American Captain R.W. Schreck to a Milanese enthusiast, Dore Leto di Priolo in 1946. It finally returned to America in 1968, when it was sold to Anthony D. “Tony” Pascucci in Connecticut. Pascucci was a car collector and had a fascination with Duesenbergs, so he had the Model J restored and repainted by Ted Billing in Massachusetts, who specialized in restoring old Duesenbergs. After 45 years, Pascucci finally sold the Model J to Terence E. Adderley, who's had it since 2013. While it isn't in absolutely perfect condition, as there are some paint imperfections, it's mechanically excellent and still a complete numbers-matching car. The coachbuilt body by Derham is original, as is the engine and even its crankshaft. This Model J that's headed to Monterey is still very much the car that survived WWII under a haystack in Italy. ![]() ![]() ![]() It's also one of the only Derham-bodied Duesenberg Model Js you'll ever see at auction. Only eight were ever made, two are in museums, and the other five are in permanent collections. However, when the other owners see how much this fetches at auction, those other five might start coming out of their garages. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()