Vehicle Description
Shortly after E.L. Cord's takeover of Auburn in 1924, the
Indiana-based manufacturer was enjoying quite a renaissance. 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. Using engines supplied by Lycoming (part of
Cord's ever-growing business empire), 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, Auburn was still enjoying brisk
sales in 1931 thanks to the 8-98 (8 cylinders, 98 horsepower).
While traditional sedans and touring cars made up the bulk of the
sales figures, it was a new Speedster would be the sporting leader
of the lineup. With a fabulously sleek body designed in-house by
Alan Leamy; the Speedster featured a V-shaped windscreen, sweeping
fenders, a disappearing top and a fabulous and flamboyant boat-tail
treatment to the rear bodywork. A sportsman's dream, the new Auburn
Speedster stood at a mere 68 inches tall, and thanks to that sleek
and lithe bodywork, the Speedster lived up to its name with robust
performance and handling. The Auburn Speedster soon became one of
the most sought-after motorcars in high society, despite it being
one of the most affordable cars in the class, it served as the
stepping stone to the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Empire. Our featured
1931 8-98 Speedster is a sound example wearing an accurately
created speedster body built in steel on a genuine 1931 Auburn
chassis. It presents in fine condition, wearing an older
restoration that has seen a fair amount of use, remaining in
excellent mechanical order and is a real pleasure to drive. It is
finished in an attractive tan color scheme with blue accents and
wheels, a combination that lends a touch of a nautical feel to the
stylish Auburn. One could easily imagine this fabulous machine
cruising coastal boulevards of toney playgrounds like Newport,
Rhode Island or Charleston, South Carolina in the 1930s. While the
restoration has taken on a bit of patina, including some crazing
and blemishes in the paintwork, it remains generally shiny paint
and good-looking with straight, well-aligned panels. In keeping
with the sporting nature of the Speedster, the body wears a variety
of accessories including dual Pilot Ray driving lamps, a winged
Auburn radiator mascot, dual side-mount spare wheels with metal
covers and Auburn mirrors, and a set of very interesting
period-look turn indicators. The quality of the chrome and
brightwork is good, appearing to have aged well since the
restoration. Seats and door cards are trimmed in navy blue leather
in the sporty two-place cockpit, while dark blue carpets nicely tie
together the exterior paint scheme. Original instruments, switches
and controls all remain in very good order and chrome interior
fittings show nice quality plating. A tan cloth soft top functions
properly, hiding beneath a body-color cover when open. Lycoming's
robust inline-eight cylinder is a marvelous engine, with smooth,
unflustered power and plenty of low-end torque for easy motoring.
It is well detailed with correct paint colors and finishes, showing
in good, sound order throughout. It runs and drives exceptionally
well, feeling very well-sorted in the chassis and engine all while
emitting a fabulous, 8-cylinder baritone exhaust note that pairs
perfectly with the sporty, racy bodywork. With its impeccable
period style and mechanical quality, this Auburn Speedster is a
good example that is a delight to drive and can be toured and
enjoyed as is, or form the basis for a straightforward cosmetic
freshening. It has proven itself worthy in the AACA with a Senior
Award in 2008 and is ready to be enjoyed in the CCCA, ACD Club, or
on classic tours and rallies.
