Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Fall event,
August 31-3, 2017.
Chassis No.
3717F
Estimate:
$ 80,000 - $100,000 US
The Auburn Automobile Company was established in 1903 and matured
into a well-respected builder of reliable cars, but it was not
until E.L. Cord assumed the company's presidency in 1924 that its
market stature grew. In fact, as the once-buoyant auto market
collapsed following Black Tuesday, Auburn's sales continued to
increase. By 1931, Auburn was the 13th largest American automaker,
but the triumph was short-lived, as sales fell drastically in 1932
and 1933.
Respected Auburn designer Al Leamy left Auburn in 1934, as he was
saddled with undeserved responsibility for the company's
disappointing sales figures. With few available funds and little
time, Gordon Buehrig and his small design staff kept the best
elements of Leamy's 1934 designs. Buehrig's team concentrated on
the frontal area by skillfully revising the grille and adding a
pair of handsome "semi-pontoon" front fenders. Tasteful side
louvers and formed body moldings create near perfection for period
design. Many consider 1934 to be amongst the pinnacle years for
design within the automotive industry.
The 1934 Auburn 652 Cabriolet being offered features a beautiful
and professionally executed restoration that includes the paint,
chrome, body work, engine, drivetrain, and undercarriage. A
beautiful interior restoration includes the correct green leather
and carpets, plus an excellent fitting "hideaway" Haartz cloth tan
top with green leather piping as well. The rumble seat is also
fitted in forest green material. With a folding windshield, the
sporting style shines through. When fixed in the upright position,
the roll-up side windows fit perfectly to the top for a dry,
comfortable ride.
The Auburn is reported to be powered by its original 85 horsepower,
210 cubic inch inline six-cylinder Lycoming engine that is matched
with a three-speed manual transmission and two-speed (and highly
desirable) Columbia rear end. The late owner had the car put
through the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club certification process and
was assigned A278 as its certification number. The engine number is
WF2752 and the Central Manufacturing body number is L-65 99.
Carrying the beautiful Art Deco touches on the dash fascia, the
Auburn also has a matching (to the top) tan boot, rear-mounted
spare with metal cover, single front driving light, two-tone paint,
wire wheels, whitewall tires, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, dual
windshield wipers, and the aforementioned rumble seat which doubles
the occupancy.
Auburn presented a high standard to their automobiles that was
acclaimed for quick acceleration, smooth power, and stability that
took the "work" out of driving. A 1934 Auburn magazine ad
succinctly and confidently stated: "If the car does not sell itself
you will not be asked to buy." This wonderful Auburn is ready to
tour or show with impressive flair.
