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1933→1935 Duesenberg Model JN

1933→1935 Duesenberg Model JN

1933→1935 Duesenberg Model JN

Three years into production, Duesenberg modified their chassis and running gear to accept a wider and lower bodies from Rollston. These exclusive cars were reserved to their top clients and Clarke Cable took delivery of the very first JN.

The JN chassis shard all the hallmarks of the Model J chassis, with modified running boards and fenders that accepted a body that would drop down over the frame rails. The result was a dramatically lower car.

Our feature car is undoubtedly the most desirable JN. It was sold new the Hollywood actor Clark Gable with a Convertible Coupe body by Rollston. He later sent it to Bohman & Schwartz of Pasadena, California for minor work at Clark’s own request. These included making the hood drastically longer to cover the cowl and relocating the side-mounted spare tires to the rear bumper.

Story by Richard Michael Owen

1933 Duesenberg Model JN Gallery

See full 1933 Duesenberg Model JN Gallery

In Detail

type Limited Production Car
production years 1933 – 1935
built at USA
production 10
engine Lycoming Straight-8
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain DOHC 4 Valves / Cyl
fuel feed Schebler Carburator
displacement 6876 cc / 419.6 in³
bore 95.25 mm / 3.75 in
stroke 120.6 mm / 4.75 in
compression 5.2:1
power 197.6 kw / 265.0 bhp @ 4200 rpm
specific output 38.54 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 110.88 bhp per tonne
torque 507.08 nm / 374 ft lbs @ 2000 rpm
redline 4650
body / frame Steel over Steel Ladder Frame
driven wheels RWD
front brakes Drums w/Hydrualic Assist
rear brakes Drums w/Hydrualic Assist
front wheels F 48.3 x 17.8 cm / 19 x 7 in
rear wheels R 48.3 x 17.8 cm / 19 x 7 in
steering Ross Cam and Lever
f suspension Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers
r suspension Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers
curb weight 2390 kg / 5269 lbs
wheelbase 3620 mm / 142.5 in
front track 1425 mm / 56.1 in
rear track 1425 mm / 56.1 in
transmission Warner Hy-Flew 3-Speed Manual
gear ratios 2.485:1, 1.397:1, 1.000:1
final drive 3.8:1
top speed ~186.7 kph / 116.0 mph
0 – 60 mph ~13.0 seconds

Auction Sales History

1933→1935 Duesenberg Model JN

1935 Duesenberg Model JN Long-Wheelbase Berline J559 – sold for $594,000 – A Well-Known and Much-Admired Duesenberg. Rare Late-Production Model JN with Exceptionally Stylish Coachwork. Delivered New to Renowned Dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. Thoroughly Documented Provenance with Just Two Owners Since 1955. Displayed at the ACD Museum from 1978 to 1984. Impressively Maintained Older Restoration ACD Category One Certified. Offered with Exhaustive File of Historic Documentation. An Important Opportunity for Classic Car Collectors. Auction Source: The 2013 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company

 

1933→1935 Duesenberg Model JN

1935 Duesenberg Model JN Bohman & Schwartz Convertible Coupe J560 – did not sell for $6,400,000 – Arguably the Most Iconic Duesenberg of All Time. Rare Late-Production Model JN with Open Coachwork. Exceptional, Well-Documented Celebrity Provenance. One-Off W. Everett Miller Design with Bespoke Features. Romantic Connection to Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. Featured in the 1938 Film Merrily We Live. Best of Show at Meadow Brook and Amelia Island. Special Award Winner at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. A Fantastic Piece of Hollywood History. Auction Source: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company