Founded in 1900 in Auburn, Indiana the Auburn automobile grew out of the Eckhart carriage company of Frank and Morris Eckhart. Becoming fairly successful fairly quickly and absorbing two other small local auto companies they moved to a larger plant in 1909 and were quite successful until the onset of World War I which caused material shortages and forced their plant to close by 1919. They sold out to a group of investors from Chicago, but the company was unprofitable until 1924 when they brought in Errett Lobban Cord. When Cord joined Auburn as general manager in 1924 the company was on its way out, making more cars than it could sell and on target for bankruptcy. After some Cord-inspired restyling, Auburn sales picked up and the stage was set for the creation of a glorious new automotive empire that we all recognize today.
The eight-cylinder Auburns were soon challenging Stutz for the title of 'America's fastest', Al Leamy driving an 8-115 Speedster at 108.46mph for the measured mile at Daytona in 1928 and going on to take the 24 hours record at Atlantic City Speedway. Not only were they outstanding performers, the eight-cylinder Auburns also represented exceptional value for money: at $1,395 the top-of-the-range '31 Speedster was less than half the price of the equivalent Stutz. "More car for the money than the public has ever seen," - Business Week magazine.
The 1931 model year was the first of the sweeping fender, long hood Auburns, a design which was used through to 1933. The double-drop X braced frame allowed the overall height to be three inches lower than previous models, giving both the open and the closed Coupe, Sedan and Brougham a much sportier and low look, particularly since the model shared the chassis, hood and front fenders with the speedster.
THIS CAR is an extremely original barn find 8-98 Brougham, it was last registered 25 years ago and at that time had been in the same ownership since the late 1940's! A true time capsule from its amazing original interior to its paintwork, it even retains the original I.D. and Central Body tags, which are tacked onto the wood body sills and are often missing. The odometer reads 66,000 miles and based on its overall condition we feel that this is most likely the original mileage.
It is so rare to find closed 8-98s that have not been re-bodied, but just one look at this example proves just how appealing and interesting these cars are, particularly in original condition. The 1931 Auburn has Full Classic status with the Classic Car Club of America, providing one avenue of the road use of this car, it would also, no doubt be a welcome entry into any Preservation Class. This is a fantastic original 898-A Brougham and is certified by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg club. If you are looking for a great original and genuine eight cylinder Auburn than look no further. Contact us today for more information.
