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. Only four cabriolet convertibles were built, with the first one going to Hollywood legend Clark Gable. This remarkable automobile is the only factory-equipped supercharged Duesenberg Model JN ever produced. The car has been driven only 16,500 miles. The supercharged straight-eight engine displaced 420 cubic-inches, with twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Brakes were vacuum-assisted hydraulic oversized units. Aluminum alloy was used extensively in the engine, dash, steering column, differential and flywheel housing, crankcase, timing chain cover, intake manifold, brake shoes and even the gas tank. The use of aluminum kept the weight of this massive car just under 5,200 pounds. The JN model was capable of a staggering 89 mph in second gear and 112-116 mph in high gear. This is an original, unrestored example.
One of 38 factory supercharged (320 bhp) Duesenbergs, this car with chassis number 2589 and engine J-564, is believed to have just 16,000 miles since new. The JN series was first ordered in 1935 and consisted of a total of 10 cars that incorporated 17-inch wheels, skirted fenders, and a built-in trunk. | |
subscribe - RSS