Vehicle Description
For the champions of the Auburn Automobile Company, 1933 is often
considered the high point for the marque in terms of style,
quality, and performance. Following E.L. Cord's revival and
subsequent takeover of the company, Auburn grew to become a leader
in the mid-price luxury car market. But disastrous economic
conditions and lackluster management brought about failure nearly
as swiftly as its revival. For the 1933 model year, new features
and styling tweaks resulted in some of the finest cars to roll out
of the Indiana factory. The gorgeous body, penned by the great Al
Leamy, was enhanced with the optional new Salon package, which
added a folding windscreen for open cars, low mounted trumpet
horns, swept-form bumpers, and a painted front splash panel. Auburn
motorcars were renowned for their sporty performance, and flagship
8-cylinder models utilized a 100-horsepower version of the proven
Lycoming L-head, combined with a 3-speed gearbox, powerful
hydraulic brakes, and an optional dual-ratio rear axle. Despite
their reputation for high performance and impeccable style, sales
plummeted to fewer than 5,000 cars total for the year. Today these
rare Auburns are coveted by marque enthusiasts who cherish their
unmistakable beauty and superlative road manners. This 1933 8-105
Salon is a gorgeous example featuring the highly attractive
four-door Phaeton coachwork, built for Auburn by the Limousine Body
Company. This is one of a handful equipped with the desirable Salon
package, adding the folding windscreen, dual chrome trumpet horns,
front splash apron, swept front bumper, and the dual-ratio rear
axle. It wears a high-quality older restoration, finished in a
striking two-tone green livery, complemented by a green top and
interior. Darker colored fenders and trim play beautifully against
the subtle green-tinted main body color. Chrome artillery-style
wheels with green hubs are a particularly pleasing touch, lending
this car a unique and purposeful appearance. Additional accessories
include body-color spare wheel covers and a matching Auburn trunk.
The chrome plating, brightwork, and finish are excellent and
reflective of this car's days as a concours class winner. The
interior is equally striking as the body, with superb dark green
leather covering the seats, door cards, and kick panels. Lighter
green upper trim matches the color of the metal dash, creating a
wrap-around effect. The upholstery is in excellent order throughout
the cabin, showing just a bit of character from occasional use
since the restoration was completed. An array of factory-correct
gauges sits in the proper engine-turned alloy instrument panel,
lined with period-correct switches and controls, including those
for the two-speed axle. A bit of light patina is beginning to
appear on some of the interior brightwork, which adds to this car's
charming character. Dark green Haartz canvas topping is in superb
order, displaying a taut fit and outstanding craftsmanship. The
Lycoming-built inline-eight displaces 268.6 cubic inches and is
rated by the factory for 100 horsepower. It is fed by a single
downdraft carburetor and features a Fram oil filter system and
Startix automatic starter solenoid. Finished in the correct shade
of dark green, the engine is well detailed with period-style
wiring, plumbing, and hardware. Some light corrosion is noted on
the manifold, but the overall presentation is respectably crisp.
The body sits on a 127-inch wheelbase chassis with hydraulic brakes
and semi-elliptic springs. Frame and suspension components are in
good order, displaying some signs of use and some light surface
corrosion on the springs, but is otherwise orderly. In 2013, this
car was shown at the Milwaukee Concours d'Elegance, where it
received the well-deserved award for Most Elegant Open Car. It has
since been used sparingly and remains in beautiful cosmetic
condition, and is well suited for continued enjoyment in regional
concours and CCCA events. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6707-1933-auburn-8-105-salon-phaeton/
