Vehicle Description
Auburn, the core of E.L. Cord's automotive and industrial empire,
confidently weathered the shocking October 1929 stock-market crash
and the early stages of the Great Depression to become America's
13th largest automobile manufacturer by 1931. While the marque's
success was well-deserved, based on Cord's proven formula combining
great styling and solid engineering at a surprisingly affordable
price, plummeting sales for 1932 and 1933 and management issues
were compounded by Cord's waning interest in his core automotive
businesses. In 1934, Cord handed leadership of Auburn to Duesenberg
president Harold T. Ames, who brought designer Gordon Buehrig along
with him to update the styling of the existing Alan Leamy-designed
Auburn models. In addition to Auburn's foundational 6- and
8-cylinder model lines, versatile array of open and closed body
styles, and progressive trim and equipment levels, a flashy new
Auburn 851 Speedster was released to drive showroom traffic and -
hopefully - improved sales now that the mighty Auburn Twelve line
was to be discontinued after 1934. Working with tight funding and
little time, Buehrig and his skeleton crew performed a minor
miracle by concentrating on judicious styling updates while
conserving the best aspects of Alan Leamy's 1934 Auburn body
designs. Auburn engines were of course supplied by Lycoming, one of
the many transportation-related companies owned at the time by E.L.
Cord. Always offering more value for money than the competition,
Auburn offered the innovative 'Dual Ratio' two-speed rear axle on
all but its Standard lines. Supplied by Columbia, yet another Cord
subsidiary, it effectively provided six forward speeds and uncanny
driving flexibility on command. Representing the high end of
Auburn's 8-cylinder model lines for 1935, this dashing Salon Dual
Ratio Phaeton continues to benefit very nicely from a quality older
restoration with a CCCA (Classic Car Club of America) National
First Prize to its credit and CCCA badge #9268 duly affixed to the
Phaeton's right cowl in confirmation of this high-level judged
accolade. Colors are excellent, comprising a beige main body,
accented by rich burgundy to the fenders, side-mounted spare-tire
cases, and a snug convertible top. While upon closer inspection a
few edge chips are visible, the venerable Auburn features nice and
shiny paint with consistent finish quality, accented by good chrome
notwithstanding some light polishing marks. Trimmed in supple
burgundy leather upholstery, the interior continues to display
great character, being nicely broken in and remaining most
presentable with a pleasing patina. Well-equipped and elegant, the
Phaeton's interior features Auburn's visually captivating dash
insert panels, twin electric windshield wipers, a locking glove box
with an inset clock, a tachometer, rear-passenger robe/grab bar,
and even a very rare Auburn-Crosley AM radio. Wonderful design cues
and period accessories exude sophistication, including the gently
curved V-shaped chrome front bumper, Auburn 'Flying Goddess'
mascot, twin Trippe Safety Lights, sleek bullet-type chrome
headlamps, twin front-fender lamps, and full-length hood louvers,
plus twin chrome side mirrors, a folding windscreen, roll-up
windows, and color-keyed integral trunk compartment. Recent
maintenance work includes a top-end engine service and resealing of
the 115-horsepower Lycoming straight-eight engine, as well as
attention to the Columbia 2-speed rear axle. Pleasingly mellowed in
the time since its restoration, this wonderfully stylish and
well-equipped 1935 Auburn 851 Salon Dual Ratio Phaeton is a lovely
and desirable CCCA Full Classic� automobile, very well suited to
continued enjoyment on CARavan tours and similar classic events.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7179-1935-auburn-851-salon-phaeton/
