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Vehicle Description
Established in 1900, the Auburn Automobile Company earned a solid
reputation and a loyal customer base for its reliable, well-built
motorcars. But as the automobile market expanded rapidly in the
1920s, Auburn sales began to lag as the dated, conservative styling
and lackluster marketing failed to connect with buyers. Enter Mr.
Errett Lobban Cord in 1925, a salesman and entrepreneur hired as a
final "Hail Mary" by the board of directors to reverse Auburn's
fortunes. In short order, Cord transformed Auburn from conservative
underdog to a sophisticated style leader and eventual cornerstone
of Cord's luxury automobile empire. Once Cord successfully cleared
unsold inventory and put Auburn back on solid footing, he leveraged
his success by taking full control of the company The first order
of business was to finally bring eight-cylinder power to Auburn via
Lycoming's robust L-head unit. He then enlisted the talents of
designers Alan Leamy and Gordon Buehrig to inject some much-needed
emotion to Auburn's staid image, and before long, Hollywood stars
and the social elite were cruising in sporty Auburn Speedsters and
coupes. Despite the successes, Auburn faced a rapid decline in the
ensuing years, and many marque enthusiasts believe the 1933 models
represent the pinnacle of Cord-era Auburns. Lycoming's
100-horsepower inline-eight was the standard engine, with the
advanced narrow-angle V12 available for the 2nd year running. The
gorgeous styling carried over from 1932, but with some subtle yet
effective updates. Big news for 1933 was the addition of the
"Salon" model to the top of the 8-cylinder and V-12 lines. These
high-spec models featured a folding windscreen on open models (or a
fixed V-windscreen on closed cars), steel artillery wheels, and the
dual-ratio rear axle as standard equipment. Unfortunately, the
effects of the Great Depression on Auburn were considerable, and
total sales for '33 peaked at just 4,815 cars. E.L. Cord grew
increasingly apathetic, dedicating his time and resources to his
more lucrative aviation interests. A disastrous 1934 restyle caused
sales to plummet further, and the final nail in the coffin came in
1936 with Cord's involvement in a stock-fixing scheme that gutted
the company's finances and ended production for good. This 1933
Auburn 8-105 Salon is an outstanding example of this rare breed,
featuring gorgeous open four-door Phaeton coachwork by Auburn's
in-house coachbuilders, Limousine Body Company. This superb Auburn
spent the better part of six decades in the private collection of
the late Mr. Hilyard Barr, who purchased it in 1955 in an
untouched, unrestored state. After owning it for years, Mr. Barr
commissioned Murray Motor Car of Monroe, Washington to perform a
body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration to show-quality standards. An
extensive collection of photos shows the car was remarkably
complete when it arrived in the hands of the Murray brothers,
albeit quite tired and ready to return to its former glory. They
meticulously restored the car to concours-standards, finishing it
in a striking, period-style two-tone tan and brown livery. Bright
red wheels and coach stripes complement the color choice
beautifully, bringing out the red hue in the fenders and body
lines, giving the car a bold yet cohesive appearance. Paint and
bodywork quality are outstanding and worthy of a high-scoring
concours car. The same can be said for the extensive chrome
plating, which is bright, clean and beautifully maintained. As a
high-line Salon model, the body features numerous accessories,
including dual covered side-mount spares topped with Auburn
mirrors, double chrome trumpet horns, a trunk with a canvas cover
to match the top, folding windscreen, and chrome trim rings on the
wheels. After Mr. Barr's passing in 2007, the Auburn remained in
his family's care, who ensured it stayed in superb condition and
only recently parted with it. The five-passenger cabin features
gorgeous, glove-soft leather in light brown with contrasting dark
piping and accent panels. The upholstery on the seats and door
cards is in superb condition, appearing impressively taut and fresh
since the restoration, and showing virtually no signs of use.
Wonderful art-deco detailing includes the polished, engine-turned
instrument panel and fluted chrome moldings at the base of the
folding windscreen. Rear passengers enjoy a spacious bench with
built-in armrests and a chromed robe rail. While the term "phaeton"
typically applies to a sporty open car with side curtains, Auburn's
take is more of an all-weather variant, and the roll-up glass
windows and weather-tight folding canvas top make it an outstanding
choice for long-distance touring enthusiasts. On the subject of
touring, the proven Lycoming L-head inline-eight produces a healthy
100 horsepower in standard form. Photos from the restoration show
the engine and 3-speed gearbox were torn-down and completely
rebuilt, and recent servicing ensures it remains in excellent
running order. The meticulous under-hood detailing reveals the
level of attention given to every aspect of the overhaul. The
engine features correct green paint on the block and head, black
enamel intake manifold, along with period-correct hardware, wiring,
and plumbing. The impressive attention to detail continues
underneath the car, which is exceptionally clean and authentically
finished from front to rear. As one of only a handful of known
survivors from a total output of fewer than 5,000 cars, this 8-105
Salon Phaeton would be a welcome sight in any number of shows and
concours. It is recognized by the Classic Car Club of America as a
Full Classic, and therefore eligible for their CARavan tours and
related events, and would be a superb choice thanks to its powerful
engine, overdrive rear axle, and gorgeous all-weather coachwork. A
beautiful car with an outstanding restoration, this Auburn is ready
to bring joy to its next long-term custodian. If you have vintage
cars for sale from your collection, contact us today and learn more
about our classic car consignment program. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6622-1933-auburn-model-8-105-salon-phaeton/
