The 1935 Duesenberg JN Roadster
Duesenberg JN Roadster was one of only 10 JNs built, of which only 4 had convertible coupe bodies. And what a body that was a raked-back windshield gave a sense of speed to the otherwise upright center portion of the body, which was surrounded by gorgeously shaped fenders and coated in a creamy paint color that oozed smooth style, apropos for a top star like Gable.
It’s not hard to picture Gable cruising the countryside with wife Carole Lombard in this car, and that is in fact what they often did. They undoubtedly enjoyed the car’s cozy Cognac leather interior, which contrasted beautifully with its exterior color. Bohman & Schwartz modified the Rollston body at Gable’s direction. These upgrades included rear fender spats and the dual rear-mounted spares perhaps a questionable addition, at least in terms of style.
The JN was an offshoot of the Model J, introduced in 1935 as an update to a somewhat aging design. Along with a few other styling changes, the body was set on frame rails for a lower appearance. Duesenberg JN Roadster had powerful engines, and with the light Roadster body this JN, despite lacking the supercharger found on other Duesys, was a fast car.
The Duesenberg JN Roadster was a Special Award Winner at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and also won Best of Show at Meadow Brook and Amelia Island. It was one of the top draws of the 2012 Gooding & Co. Pebble Beach auction, but it was not sold on the block.
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| Duesenberg JN Roadster |
Duesenberg JN Roadster Specifications
Engine : Straight eight, Lycoming manufacture
Power : 265 bhp
Valvetrain : DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Wheels : 17-inch/63cm diameter
Top Speed : Approximately 119 mph/190 kph
Price : $20,000