Vehicle Description
E.L. Cord's takeover of Auburn in 1924 was exactly what the
Indiana-based manufacturer needed to turn around its faltering
fortunes. After years of building good quality but rather staid
cars, E.L. Cord transformed them into one of the most exciting
American automobile companies of the time. Cord focused on style
and value, literally using bright color schemes to shift unsold
inventory before redesigning the entire range. The new models under
his guise used engines supplied by Lycoming (who also happened to
be part of Cord's ever-growing business empire), and Auburn
established itself as a leader in the entry-level luxury market,
with some of the most affordable and stylish 8-cylinder cars in the
segment. Despite the onset of the Great Depression and slow sales
in the previous few years, Auburn was enjoying quite a renaissance
in 1931 thanks to the 8-98 (8 cylinders, 98 horsepower). The
powerful new Lycoming straight-eight engine was paired with a rigid
X-braced chassis of 127 inches in wheelbase. The revised chassis
featured Lovejoy hydraulic shock absorbers, and a Bijur lubrication
system that made maintenance a breeze. A line of fabulous new
bodies from Cord-owned coachbuilders brought sophisticated
Hollywood style to the streets, all at a price that made them some
of the most affordable 8-cylinder cars of the day. The most famous
and overtly sporting of the new design Auburns was the Boat Tail
Speedster, thought the 8-98 was also available as a fully closed
sedan and a strikingly handsome and versatile Convertible Phaeton.
Regardless of the body style, Auburn offered a high quality and
stylish automobile at an incredibly attractive price. This 1931
Auburn 8-98 wears desirable and fetching Convertible Phaeton
coachwork. The restoration, while older, was performed by marque
expert Randy Ema and it remains in fine condition throughout thanks
to recent refreshing. It is presented in a striking two-tone red
and burgundy color scheme, with a dark red body is subtly
highlighted by deep burgundy fenders and feature lines, while
bright red striping ties the scheme together. The bright and sporty
color scheme is further enhanced by beautiful chrome wire wheels
fitted with double-whitewall tires. This CCCA Senior Award-winning
example has been very well restored and maintained by a series of
notable enthusiasts, including Tom Kemp, Chris Logan, James Couzens
and ACD Club stalwarts Gary and Cheryl Howe who enjoyed the car in
a great many club activities. The first CCCA award came in Michigan
in 1992, and as a testament to the quality of care it has�received,
it was awarded the same 98.5 point score twelve years later in
2004. This Auburn is very well detailed, presenting in crisp and
attractive condition and accessorized with dual sidemount spare
wheels, chrome headlamps, dual chrome horns, a single Pilot Ray
spot light, body-color radiator louvers, and a winged goddess
mascot. Panel fit is very good, paint is gorgeous, and the overall
quality is that of a car that was beautifully restored and enjoyed
with care and respect. Dark tan leather upholstery is in similarly
fine condition, having taken on a light patina, remaining supple
and free of any damage. Dark brown carpets are also in fine
condition, showing only minimal wear. Chrome trim tops the dash,
which is again in very nice condition with original instrumentation
in a textured alloy fascia. The interior color is very well judged
against the paint, and well-presented thanks to the high quality
restoration. A fresh tan top in Haartz canvas has been recently
fitted, and is in excellent condition. Mechanically, it is in good
order with a well-presented Lycoming straight-eight that is nicely
detailed and strong running. These engines are very stout,
delivering healthy doses of torque to allow for easy cruising.
Paint finishes are very good, with no apparent peeling or chipping
on the block or head. Hose clamps and hardware are of the correct
type and the engine remains very clean and tidy, showing careful
use and care over the years. With good history from noted ACD
enthusiasts and a restoration by one of the most respected names in
the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg field, this stylish and sound 8-98
Convertible Phaeton is certain to please its next caretaker. Long
on style and very desirable among collectors, this fine example is
prime for CCCA CARavan tours, AACA events and or for simple
enjoyment on the road.