For Sale: 1931 Auburn Boattail in Saint Louis, Missouri

After having been saved from near-oblivion during the mid-1920s by super automobile 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 8-98 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 Auburn Speedsters looked fast and adventurous, with the disappearing top enhancing 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.
Our featured 1931 Auburn 8-98 Speedster is a beautifully presented example, wearing an accurately crafted boattail Speedster body constructed in steel atop a genuine 1931 Auburn chassis. It is finished in an opulent two-tone livery of mint green with sweeping hunter green accents-an eye-catching combination that complements the car's dramatic lines. While the color scheme makes a bold first impression, the real beauty lies in the finer details: a sharply raked windscreen, dramatic bonnet louvers, and the unmistakable boattail rear end that captures the essence of motion, even at rest.
Additional period-correct features and accessories include twin cowl lamps, chromed horns, dual tail lamps, and a pair of Pilot-Ray driving lights. Replated chrome wire wheels, Firestone whitewall tires, and dual side-mounted spares complete the ensemble, emphasizing the Auburn's art deco elegance and American sporting flair.
Inside, the cockpit is both purposeful and inviting. Deep green leather upholstery extends across the seats, door panels, and color-matched floor mats, lending a cohesive and sporting ambiance with just the right amount of subtle patina. The large steering wheel and clean dashboard layout reflect Auburn's driver-focused design, while a marbled period-style shift knob adds a touch of vintage charm. The cabin also houses the control lever for the two-speed "dual-ratio" rear axle, thoughtfully placed for easy access from the bench seat. The car is outfitted with full weather equipment, including a khaki top and matching side curtains that, while showing some signs of age, remain serviceable and add a touch of vintage charm.
We are delighted to welcome back this striking Speedster, a familiar face at Hyman Ltd. that we last sold over two decades ago. In the years since, it has been in the hands of a dedicated enthusiast who treated it to a careful, restoration-level renewal. More than just maintained, it was sympathetically and expertly revitalized. The Lycoming straight-eight was rebuilt along with its water pump, and a fresh wiring harness was installed for improved electrical reliability. A new carburetor handles fueling duties, though the original carb and fuel pump are included for those seeking full authenticity. The brake shoes were relined for confident stopping power, and new, period-style tires were fitted. Further cosmetic and structural attention included pulling the body from the frame for a full repaint, along with re-chroming of the rear bumper, radiator cap, dash fascia, and windshield frame. The result is a car that's both visually striking and mechanically fit, ready for show field display or weekend drives with confidence.
A phenomenal example of Auburn's celebrated 8-98 Speedster, this car represents the very best of early 1930s American motoring. It is ready to be driven, displayed, and enjoyed as originally intended. Whether destined for concours lawns, club events, or weekend tours, this Speedster offers an unforgettable blend of style, performance, and presence-an enduring symbol of America's most expressive motoring era.

Offers welcome and trades considered.