Vehicle Description
In 1924 E.L. Cord was hired to run the struggling Auburn Car
Company. Auburn, now 20 years in business, suffered from slow sales
during some Tough times in America. When Cord took over Auburn, the
company had 600-700 unsold cars. Cord, as a salesman, felt the cars
were plain and boring. He had the cars repainted in bright two-tone
color schemes and also had the trim pieces plated in nickel to give
the cars some new bling. Cord offered dealers huge discounts and
with in a few months, sold off all the overstock. Cord arranged
with the Lycoming Company to use their proven straight eight engine
which proved to me a most excellent power plant for the Auburn cars
to come. The Auburn 8- 98 Boattail Speedster is the Jewel in
Auburns Crown. In spite of the Great Depression, Auburn achieved
success in 1931 as a result of the model 8-98. The 8-98 Speedster
was designed by Alan Leamy as a two passenger vehicle featuring a
vee'd windscreen, boattail styling and a disappearing folding
top.
The 1931 Auburn 8-98 Boattail Speedster offered here, engine number
GU72931, according to the consignor, is said to be an authentic
Boattail Speedster that was purchased many years ago out of an
estate as a complete chassis, motor, driveline and body as a
restoration project. At that time, the car was fully restored to
its original glory using as many original and available parts as
possible, the unique, one off style of the rear section of the car
was masterfully recreated in fiberglass composite material by a
master craftsman. The result is stunning and after more than 30
years since the restoration, Finished in Red with Black Fenders and
Silver trim, the car remains outstanding in every way. The car
has changed hands once and has been held in a private collection
where it has been enjoyed, used and shown. The car is powered by
its said to be original Lycoming 8 cylinder engine, 3 speed
transmission with freewheeling gear and is completely road ready
and is ready for immediate enjoyment. Highlights included: Dual
side mount spare wheels and tires, Lockeed brakes, dual tail
lights, turn signals, dual horns, classic hood ornament.
The Boattail Speedster is one of the most ornate cars of its era
and even by today's standards is a complete pleasure to drive and
cruise. These cars remain in high demand worldwide and true
examples will always be few. A car of this caliber remains on the
"A" list of collectors and motoring enthusiasts alike. Vehicle is
titled to the engine number.
To see over 80 photos of this car, including under carriage please
visit our website www.grautogallery.com
Gr Auto Gallery, LLC and our sister company, Wheelz Sales and
Leasing Inc. makes every effort to represent each vehicle
accurately and with integrity. We also welcome third party
inspections when necessary. Although we try to do our very best to
be accurate in our description writing we are human and do make
mistakes. Unless otherwise noted, All vehicles are sold AS IS, No
Warranty Expressed or Implied. All sales final.
