To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia
Island event, 8 - 9 March 2019.
Estimate:
$150,000 - $200,000
- Desirable model with supercharged engine and two-speed rear
axle
- Well-maintained restoration in striking colors
- Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) First Prize
winner
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Senior First Prize
winner
- Auburn Cord Duesenberg (ACD) Club Certified Category 1
(A-203)
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.
Meanwhile, Augie Duesenberg and Pearl Watson adapted the Kurt
Beier-designed Schwitzer-Cummins centrifugal supercharger to the
Lycoming GG-series straight-eight engine and used an innovative
planetary drive system. The resulting supercharged GH-series
engine, rated at 150 hp, became the standard engine for the
legendary speedster, and it was available on the 851 line, and
later the 852 line, for an additional $220. However, despite great
styling, good performance, and bargain pricing, the combined
effects of the Great Depression, management turmoil, and E.L.
Cord's complex business affairs led to Auburn's demise in 1937.
The elegant phaeton offered here is a supercharged model with the
two-speed dual-ratio rear axle, enabling excellent high-speed
cruising. Formerly owned by well-known Auburn historian Michael
Schinas and collector Michael Calore, its fine restoration was
honored in both AACA and CCCA National competition, achieving,
respectively, a First Prize and Senior First Prize (badge no.
1605). Notable features include an Auburn radio, glovebox-mounted
clock, heater, and rear trunk. It is still a beautiful automobile,
with the owner noting that it has been exceptionally
well-maintained mechanically and is an excellent driving
automobile, perfect for tours and CARavans.
Few Full Classics are as enjoyable to drive and return as modern
performance as a supercharged Auburn. This is a superb example.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.
