To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The Guyton
Collection event, 4 - 5 May 2019.
Estimate:
$90,000 - $120,000
- One of the great cars of the Classic Era
- Attractive older restoration in elegant colors
- Equipped with its original body, engine, and serial number
tag
- Veteran of the CCCA Grand European CARavan
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
At the height of the Classic Era, few automobiles provided such
affordable elegance as the Auburn. Particularly desirable are the
1932 and 1933 models, which combined the classic, subtle elegance
of Alan Leamy's design with the new "Dual Ratio" rear axle. This
feature offered the driver a choice of high or low ratio in any of
the three forward gears, which were selectable by adjusting a lever
while driving below 40 mph.
It functioned by operating a vacuum-actuated clutch that locked or
released a planetary gear set that was housed in the rear
differential, creating the two possible output ratios and, in
essence, a rudimentary six-speed transmission. Eight-cylinder
Auburns with Dual Ratio rears are among the most pleasurable
driving cars of their time, and today, they represent an
outstanding performance bargain, just as they did when new.
The 8-100A cabriolet in the Guyton Collection is a desirable Custom
model, equipped from the factory with the Dual Ratio rear axle,
chromed headlights, driving lights, and "Running Man" hood
ornament. It was acquired by Mr. Guyton in 2007, having formerly
resided in Ron Pratte's well-known Arizona stable, and is still
equipped with its original body, engine, and serial number tag on
the floorboard.
Almost immediately the car entered preparations for a
once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the Grand European CARavan, a
month-long tour of Europe hosted by the Classic Car Club of
America. Mr. Guyton's hand-written packing lists for the journey
accompany the car, noting all of the parts and tools that had to be
carried to the Old World, as well as mechanical preparations made
by Odyssey Restorations. He and his longtime friend, Bill Davis,
much enjoyed the trip, which Mr. Guyton faithfully documented
through hundreds of photographs; a professionally published
hardcover book of these photos, many of which feature the Auburn,
is included in the file.
Cosmetically freshened following the tour, the car now presents as
a highly attractive and charming older restoration, with features
such as painted wire wheels, blackwall tires, and a lack of
extraneous accessories that are much in vogue with today's
collectors and enthusiasts. In addition to the aforementioned file
it is also offered with a copy of the Auburn Factory Service
Bulletins for 1931-1933, which will aid a new owner in maintaining
it at its very best well into the future.
It is an ideal CARavan automobile - as its month in Europe
proved.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/gc19.
