For Sale: 1994 Auburn 851 in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1994 Auburn 851 Speedster Replica

"The Speedster was a real showroom draw and would remain a vital, (albeit low production), part of Auburn's lineup. That meant a complete redo for the 1935 model year. The Speedster was given much more voluptuous lines, courtesy of Gordon Buehrig, who would later on style the equally snazzy Cord 810/812. Interestingly, the car was not totally new, and in fact used the 1934 Speedster body. Thanks to Buehrig's swoopy restyle with the streamlined nose and pontoon fenders, however, it was not readily apparent." Thx Hagerty.com

For consignment, a 1935 Auburn 851 boattail speedster built in 1994 by California Coach and currently showing 8,159 miles, which are non actual. A Mustang chassis cradles a Buick engine but the exterior is a stunning representation of the neo classical design that was the creme de la creme in the 1930's, a time when opulence was reserved for the very few. Exterior
Long, flowing lines and enormous features create a dramatic statement that is absolutely impossible to ignore. Its grand stance and enormous amount of bodywork, painted Periwinkle Blue here, dwarfs the occupants in a modest sized cabin and the high hood pushes forward like the Queen Mary. And speaking of boats, the tail of the car is an iconic highlight resembling an upside down boat hull, bow forward, and creating an airstream that's not dissimilar to the modern Ford GT which utilizes the shape for airflow. Chrome elements such as the bumper, headlight buckets, gravel guard, and polished hubcaps are all in great shape and reflect opulence both literally and metaphorically. The detailed grille has airplane-like winged bars and 8-5-1 appears with deco-like panache. Wide white wall tires, a dark blue pinstripe, and a black canvas top finish off the eye catching details of this fiberglass bodied car but we can't leave out the amazing, (and faux), corrugated exhaust pipes emerging from under the hood line. Imperfections include a few touched up scratches and chips.

Interior
Smartly dressed suicide doors include a white grained vinyl panel around a blue plaid cloth insert and these materials repeat on the bench seat, taut and upright and clean. A period correct steering wheel and shifter fronts a spun aluminum dash housing a generous helping of Stewart Warner gauges and a clock with the odometer presenting vertically in the speedometer for a twist on the usual. A mixture of switches, knobs, and a deco clock top a Delco AM/FM radio right out of a 70's era GM, and black carpet covers the floor cleanly. There's no trunk, but there is some storage behind the seat which allows for a space saver spare and some tools.

Drivetrain
Under the hood, a 430ci V8 fits snugly and is topped by a new Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor. Behind it, a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to a Ford 9" rear. Power brakes are behind the 15-inch wheels with discs in front and drums in the rear. The car has power steering and our consignor notes there is A/C but it is not charged.

Undercarriage
Clean underneath with minimal surface rust and a few drops of oil on pan and flywheel cover registering as the only visual imperfections. There's no road dirt or grease build up to speak of. Dual exhaust carries a pair of glasspack style muffler before terminating rather discreetly via chrome tips under the back of the car. Suspension consists of a Mustang II front and 3-link with coil springs and a panhard bar in the back.

Drive-Ability
A cigarette on a long holder, or perhaps a thin cigar, along with a wool sport jacket would be appropriate here, but we don't smoke in consignor's cars, and I don't have a wool coat. The big car started easily, the new carb taking to the prime in fine fashion. The term "rolling" when talking about a moving car must have started with the Auburn because you really are rolling, as this car does, tracking straight and handling road imperfections with grace. As noted, the A/C does not work nor do the wipers or radio. All other functions work as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

Pure elegance and these replicas are actually respected in the car world, kind of like the Cobra copies, you won't be laughed out of the show because it's a spectacular and imposing machine. Check your garage for dimensions or simply make room in your warehouse if that's the case. Show up in style and get the front parking spot to any fancy restaurant of your choosing! Also, get ready for parade invitations because this is the ideal showpiece. And of course, if you're a Clark Gable impersonator, this car is a must! A seriously beautiful car for your consideration, fine people.

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!