For Sale at Auction: 1929 Auburn Boattail in Las Vegas, Nevada

Chassis No. 2951761
Engine No. MD29225

In the late 1920s, E.L. Cord relied on Auburn as the profit center of his growing empire while he pursued more exotic ideas like the front-drive Cord L-29 and the mighty Duesenberg Model J. For 1929, Auburn's "Big Eight" 120 was equipped with a 268 cu-in L-head straight-eight rated at 120 horsepower with a 125-inch chassis-an athletic, well-balanced platform that underpinned the marque's success.
Designer Alan Leamy then turned that foundation into the celebrated Speedster, whose tapering tail, swept doors, and wind-cheating profile-echoing a McFarlan-bodied Duesenberg show car-made it one of America's earliest true sports cars. Capable of 100 mph and proven in competition at home and abroad, the Speedster set Auburn's performance image and left many contemporaries looking a step behind.
This 1929 Auburn 120 "Big Eight" is understood to have been re-bodied later in its life with custom Speedster-style coachwork that pays faithful homage to Leamy's design. Finished in a striking two-tone scheme-deep red along the beltline with a brighter red body accented by a fine pinstripe-it wears wire wheels with two-ear chrome knock-offs, shod with a fresh set of period-correct Firestone tires, and twin sidemount spares fitted with Auburn-script mirrors. The raked split-V windshield defines its profile, while a pair of Trippe Speedlight driving lamps and large Monogram headlights anchor its distinctive front end. A running-board spotlight is neatly braced to the cowl, and the cabin is trimmed in full red leather. The top and its bows are stowed in the rear compartment.
Under the hood, the desirable 120-horsepower inline-eight presents cleanly with tidy brightwork. Restored to a high standard and carefully kept since, the car spent two decades in the Academy of Art University Collection (from 2005) before being acquired earlier this year at the Broad Arrow Academy of Art University Collection Auction by the current caretaker. Well suited to Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club activities and Classic Car Club of America events and accompanied by full weather equipment, including a Speedster convertible top and side curtains, this handsome Auburn combines the period-correct Speedster look with touring-friendly road manners.