Vehicle Description
After having been saved from near-oblivion during the mid-1920s by
automobile super-salesman E.L. Cord, Auburn was soon on the path to
profitability and remarkably strong growth. A key component of that
success was Auburn's new eight-cylinder model lines, with engines
supplied by Lycoming, one of Cord's fast-growing portfolio of
transportation-related companies. Featuring captivating styling and
thrilling color combinations to match their robust eight-cylinder
powerplants, the new Auburn models offered high-end presence and
uncommonly strong value at a startlingly low price point. Talented
automobile designer Alan Leamy's intuitive and masterful styling
prowess played a crucial role in Auburn's enviable success and
strong balance sheet at the onset of the Great Depression. Hired by
Cornelius Van Ranst at E.L. Cord's personal suggestion in 1928,
Leamy was initially tasked with styling the Duesenberg Model J and
Cord Front Drive L-29. However, many Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg
aficionados consider the gorgeous 1931-32 Auburn Speedster to be
his finest work. Featuring distinctive ribbon-style bumpers,
large-diameter headlamps, finely detailed radiator grilles, and
sweeping bodylines clearly suggestive of speed and power, the
1931-32 Auburn Speedsters looked fast and adventurous, even while
at rest. Disappearing tops enhanced the Speedster's design purity.
The Speedster's signature design cue, the finely tapered rear
treatment, was clearly inspired by the sleek and fast wood-hulled
speedboats enjoyed and raced by the wealthiest and most stylish
personalities of the "Jazz Age." Available on Auburn's eight- and
twelve-cylinder chassis, Speedsters were essentially hand-built at
Auburn's headquarters, and it remains questionable whether or not
sales revenues matched the actual production costs. Nonetheless,
the Speedster fulfilled its purpose as a "halo" vehicle endowing
its appeal across the rest of Auburn's model range and drawing
traffic into Auburn dealer showrooms. The original 1931-32 Auburn
Speedster is a rare and coveted Classic Era� automotive icon and
precious few remaining in existence today are verified by marque
experts as factory-original cars. However, Glenn Pray and son Doug
have answered the call for Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg parts and
expertise since Glenn's acquisition of the company and its parts
stocks in 1960 from Dallas Winslow, who had purchased E.L. Cord's
core automobile companies in the late 1930s. Finished in visually
arresting Maroon paint with sweeping Red accents from front to
rear, this captivating 1931 Auburn 8-98 Speedster exemplifies the
fierce loyalty of the members of the A-C-D community, based upon a
real Auburn chassis with a fiberglass reproduction Speedster body
and fenders that are believed to have been laid under the watchful
eye of Glenn Pray. Complementing the exterior are a rakish,
factory-style Beige soft top and nice matching leather upholstery
and door panels. Features and accessories include twin chrome
horns, a distinctive chrome radiator grille, dual side mounted
spare wheels and tires with chrome mirrors, twin cowl lamps, and
twin tail lamps plus a unique directional signal cluster. Under the
Auburn's long hood resides a proper 8-cylinder Lycoming L-head
engine, paired with a 3-speed manual transmission crowned by a
1930s-style marbled knob atop the floor-shift lever. A factory-type
instrument cluster and steering wheel greet the driver. A Columbia
2-speed 'Dual ratio' rear axle provides outstanding driving
flexibility with 6 forward speeds on tap. Painted wire wheels and
wide Whitewall bias-ply tires enhance the incomparable "Jazz Age"
flair of this Speedster. Delightful and attractive throughout, this
1931 Auburn 8-98 Speedster is understood to have been exhibited at
the 2007 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. As offered it is ready
to tour, show, and enjoy as desired drawing admirers everywhere it
goes. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details
please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7613-1931-auburn-speedster/
