Few automobiles are as closely tied to a single personality as this remarkable Duesenberg Model JN, chassis 2585 with engine J‑560. Commissioned by none other than Clark Gable, “The King of Hollywood,” this car was not just owned by him, it was personally designed to his taste, making it one of the most iconic celebrity Duesenbergs ever created.
Gable ordered one of only four Rollston‑bodied convertible coupes built on the final JN series—Duesenberg’s last two‑seat open cars. These cars shared the elegant foundation of J. Herbert Newport’s design, featuring low, sleek proportions, a raked windshield, subtly skirted fenders, and a disappearing top, all mounted lower on the chassis than earlier Model Js for a more modern profile.
But Gable, a true automotive connoisseur, was not satisfied with a standard factory car. He was known for studying the world’s finest automobiles in detail—understanding not only their appearance, but also their designers and engineering—before commissioning custom changes.
To refine his vision, the car was sent from Rollston in New York to Bohman & Schwartz in Pasadena, the preferred coachbuilder of Hollywood’s elite. There, Gable worked directly with designer W. Everett Miller, sketching ideas himself and collaborating closely on the final form. The result was a deeply personal design, blending elegance with a distinctly modern, almost aerodynamic character.
The modifications were extensive and carefully considered:
The hood line was extended into the cowl, enhancing the car’s already dramatic proportions
The windshield was further raked, requiring a redesigned, lower convertible top
A body-color radiator shell created a seamless, lengthened appearance
Fender skirts and dual rear-mounted spares were added for a clean, streamlined look
Subtle cowl ventilators, inspired by early aircraft, improved airflow into the cabin
The finished car perfectly reflected Gable’s taste—bold, elegant, and unmistakably modern.
Hollywood, Romance, and Legacy
The creation of this Duesenberg coincided with one of the most significant periods in Gable’s life—his romance with Carole Lombard. He famously brought Lombard to Pasadena to view the car during its construction, and together they later collected the finished vehicle in a memorable delivery arranged by the Bohman family.
The car quickly became part of Gable’s public image. Numerous promotional photographs featured him alongside it, and it even appeared in the 1938 film Merrily We Live. More importantly, it served as the couple’s personal car during their travels along the California coast and beyond, including trips as far as Vancouver.
Tragically, this chapter ended in 1942 with Lombard’s death in a plane crash. At that time, the Duesenberg was in Vancouver. Deeply affected by the loss, Gable chose to part with the car, instructing a trusted associate to sell it—reportedly ensuring it left California.
Later History and Preservation
After leaving Gable’s ownership, the car passed through a diverse and fascinating series of custodians. At one point, its original engine components were altered, including the installation of parts from another Duesenberg engine, though the original numbered bell housing (J‑560) was retained—an important link to its identity.
Through the mid‑20th century, the car passed among enthusiasts and collectors, eventually reaching Charles Johnson, who restored and exhibited it widely in the 1970s. It later joined several notable collections, including the Blackhawk Collection, before eventually being acquired in 2005 by renowned collectors Sam and Emily Mann.
The Manns undertook a comprehensive, historically accurate restoration, drawing on extensive research and original materials—including upholstery samples from period specialists—to return the car to its exact 1930s configuration.
The completed restoration debuted at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it received the Gwenn Graham Trophy for Most Elegant Convertible. It went on to achieve major honors, including Best of Show at Meadow Brook and Amelia Island in 2008, and continued to appear at the most prestigious events, including exhibitions such as The Art of the Automobile.
Unlike many concours cars, it has also been actively driven, participating in multiple long-distance Duesenberg tours—demonstrating both its usability and enduring engineering excellence.
Today
Today, the car remains in outstanding condition, retaining key original elements including its numbered bell housing. It is even accompanied by its original crankshaft, now reunited with the car—offering a rare degree of mechanical authenticity.
More than just a Duesenberg, this automobile is a reflection of Clark Gable himself—stylish, powerful, and charismatic. It is not merely a machine, but a deeply personal creation, tied to one of Hollywood’s greatest stars and one of its most enduring love stories.
As such, it stands as one of the most important and evocative Duesenbergs ever built—an automotive icon with both historical and emotional resonance.
