Duesenberg Convertible (Shanghai Escape Vehicle)

A luxury Duesenberg convertible with a fabric top, initially parked outside the Dragon nightclub in Shanghai. After Indiana Jones and Willie Scott fall from the rooftop and crash through its top, landing in the backseat, the car cushions their impact and becomes their escape vehicle. Short Round later steals it to drive recklessly through neon-lit streets, tunnels, and highways during a high-speed pursuit by Lao Che's henchmen. The car sustains heavy damage: gunfire from pursuing sedans shatters its windows and shreds the convertible top, while Indiana Jones returns fire from the passenger seat and Willie Scott huddles inside amid flying glass and chaos.

2 appearances

Purpose

Cushions falls into backseat and functions as getaway vehicle during pursuit.

Significance

Transforms from static parking spot into chaotic safe haven and narrative bridge, forcing Indiana Jones and Willie Scott into alliance against cult pursuers.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E2 · INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM

Antidote in the Fire: A Chase of Survival and Sacrifice

The stolen Duesenberg is the primary vehicle of their escape, a battered but reliable means of transportation through Shanghai’s streets. Short Round drives it recklessly but skillfully, navigating tunnels, swerving through crowds, and enduring gunfire. The car’s shredded top and shattered windows reflect the chaos of their pursuit, while its speed and maneuverability are critical to their survival. The Duesenberg’s role is functional (transporting them to the airfield) and symbolic (representing their desperate, high-stakes flight from danger).

Before: Parked outside The Dragon nightclub, intact but unoccupied until the trio crashes into it.

After: Battered and bullet-riddled, abandoned at the airfield as the trio boards the plane.

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S1E2 · INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM

Wu Han’s Sacrifice and Willie’s Selfishness: A Chase Through Shanghai’s Underbelly

The Duesenberg is the stolen escape vehicle that serves as a mobile battleground during the chase. Its battered interior traps the trio in a cramped, chaotic space as bullets shred the top and tear upholstery. The car’s condition—shattered windows, flapping canvas, bloodied leather—mirrors the trio’s physical and emotional state. Its role in the event is both practical (transportation) and symbolic (a fragile shield against the violence outside). The Duesenberg’s eventual abandonment at the airfield marks the end of one phase of their escape and the beginning of another.

Before: Parked outside The Dragon nightclub, intact

After: Abandoned at the airfield, battered and bullet-riddled

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