Vehicle Description
While famed American industrialist E.L. Cord and his flagship
Auburn marque confidently weathered the October 1929 stock market
crash and entered the deepening Great Depression with a strong
product line and balance sheet to match, sales dropped
precipitously by 1932-33 in line with industry trends. Compounding
the problems, Auburn styling for 1934 was not well received,
hampering sales. However, rather than back down, company
management, staff, and workers doubled down on style, performance,
and solid engineering for 1935 in a valiant quest for renewed
profitability. Leading the charge was the unforgettable new Gordon
Buehrig-styled 851 model line, crowned by the gorgeous 851
Speedster of 1935, unchanged for 1936 and redesignated 852. The
supercharged 851 SC was the top Auburn model line for 1935 and the
most unforgettable examples were the sleek Boattail Speedsters,
crowned by a set of flexible chromed exhaust pipes already used to
great effect on the rare Duesenberg SJ. For power, Auburn utilized
the robust basic 280 CI 'GG' Lycoming straight-eight engine,
upgraded by Augie Duesenberg and Pearl Watson, who adapted a
Schwitzer-Cummins centrifugal supercharger. Their tweaks included a
5:1 planetary supercharger drive, with the resultant 'GH' engine
specification delivering 150 factory-rated horsepower for 30 per
cent increase, with a 10 per cent torque boost. The 'GH' was the
standard engine for the Auburn Boattail Speedster, and it was
offered as an option on the other Auburn 851 and subsequent 852
models for an additional $220 charge. A Columbia "Dual Ratio,"
two-speed rear axle provided the best of both worlds with brisk
acceleration on tap and strong top-speed potential with six forward
speeds available. The result was simply breathtaking on every
level, and the new Speedsters backed up their fabulously sporting
Art Deco-inspired style with plenty of substance. To demonstrate
the Speedster's performance potential, famed racing driver and
American speed-record legend Ab Jenkins became the first American
to record an average speed over 100 mph for a 12-hour period in a
stock 851 SC Speedster. In commemoration, each Speedster built was
fitted with an engraved dash plaque bearing Jenkins' signature
declaring the vehicle's individually proven ability to exceed 100
mph in post-assembly testing. Sadly, the excitement generated by
the new Auburn Speedster was short-lived. While priced at a
considerable $2,245 when new, it is believed that Auburn lost $300
per Speedster built. The Auburn line continued unchanged into 1936,
with the Speedster now redesignated the 852 SC Speedster, but sales
were dismal, and few were built. By the time Auburn production
halted in 1937, as few as 143 supercharged Auburn 851 and 852
Speedsters were hand-built in all. While small in number, the
1935-36 Auburn 851/852 Speedster remains a sporting, Art
Deco-inspired design landmark that never fails to capture attention
today. This example continues to benefit handsomely from an older
ground-up restoration that has been very well maintained ever since
it was completed. As offered, this 851 Speedster is the product of
a thoughtful and well-orchestrated programme of cosmetic and
mechanical refreshment performed over the past four years, in
accordance with a mandate to make it a gorgeous car that can be
shown or toured as desired. Among the works performed, the engine
was re-sealed and the braking and electrical systems were rebuilt
and restored. ACD Club certification was accorded in 2021 and noted
previous owners include Tom Barrett and Noel Thompson. The paint,
leather upholstery, soft top, and chrome trim are all beautifully
maintained and of a very high standard, and weather gear includes a
pair of side curtains. Power is delivered by a correct, later-model
'GH' supercharged inline eight-cylinder engine, in concert with a
floor-shifted 3-speed manual transmission and working 2-speed Dual
Ratio (Columbia) rear axle. Wire wheels equipped with elegant
chrome wheel discs and hubcaps featuring the Auburn script,
complemented by 1930s-inspired Blackwall tires, ensure contact with
the road. A rare, handsomely presented, and compelling CCCA Full
Classic� automobile in all respects, this 1935 Auburn 851 SC
Speedster is an unqualified Art Deco-inspired design landmark that
will never fail to capture admiration or deliver an adventurous
experience everywhere it is driven. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6597-1935-auburn-851-supercharged-speedster/