Vehicle Description
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!
