1936 Duesenberg Model SJN Convertible Coupe

In the mid-1930s, a contemporary series of Duesenbergs was offered, featuring a wider body dropped over the frame rails for a lower profile. Designated the 'JN' series, they were designed by Herb Newport of Rollston and Company of New York. They were the final iteration of the Model J. The 'S' in its moniker represented the increase in horsepower from 265 to 320, thanks to the addition of a supercharger.

The rare supercharged Duesenberg JNs were among the most powerful cars of their day, powered by a straight-eight engine displacing 420 cubic inches and with the Duesenberg-designed supercharger, had 320 horsepower. They had smaller 17-inch wheels, skirted fenders, and lowered bodies set directly on the frame rails. A favorite with the rich and famous, these cars were actually very drivable despite their mass and speed.

The Duesenberg company slogan was The World's Finest Motor Car and its racing heritage led to a quality passenger car that was advertised as being able to achieve 104 mph in 2nd gear.

Even though Duesenberg survived the Great Depression, it died with the collapse of the Cord Corporation in 1937. Attempts were made to revive the company in 1947 and again in 1966 when only one car was actually produced.

This Duesenberg SJN Convertible Coupe by Rollston appeared in the 1949 film The Great Gatsby. It was purportedly delivered as a JN and then fitted with a supercharger, which was not uncommon in that era. The car's final owner was W.R. Burlingham of the famed coal company in Ohio. It was acquired by Jack Nethercutt in 1956, and then sold to Bill Harrah. But in 1984, Jack Nethercutt bought his beloved Duesenberg back, and the Nethercutts have owned it ever since.