For Sale: 1929 Auburn 8-98 in Saint Louis, Missouri

The late 1920s marked a critical turning point for the Auburn Automobile Company. Since coming under the dynamic leadership of E.L. Cord, the results of his work were finally starting to shine. Cord famously saved the company's fortune, first through offloading unsold stock by painting them in bright, attractive colors, then by transforming a previously dowdy product line into a range of stylish, desirable 8-cylinder cars packing performance and value. With the finances stabilized, E.L. Cord promoted Auburn through motorsport. In the late 1920s, record-breaking was a highly effective way for manufacturers to get into the headlines and prove their mettle against the competition. Auburn tossed their hat in the ring with Wade Morton, who set a 1,000-mile Stock Car record in his personal 8-88. Previous record holders Stutz were none too pleased and set out to reclaim the top spot, which they did - but only by a margin .007 miles per hour! Though the record was no longer theirs, Auburn capitalized on the fact that the 8-88 cost a fraction of the exotic Stutz but had nearly equal performance.
The new eight-cylinder Speedster model was announced in celebration of Auburn's achievements for 1928. Applying lessons learned from the record runs, engineers developed a 115-horsepower version Lycoming straight-eight engine, which was paired with a sleek new body designed to go fast, look fast, and draw traffic to Auburn showrooms. Chief designer Al Leamy adopted the rakish tapered tail to aid in racing. The theory was that its 'boat tail' design cut a smaller hole in the air, lessening the advantage of a trailing car - with the added benefit of looking spectacular! E.L. Cord's latest acquisition, McFarlan Automobile Company handled body production since this was intended as a low-production halo model. The stunning new Auburn Speedster looked fast standing still, with its steeply raked windscreen cleverly aped by slanted hood louvers, cockpit vents, door shut lines, and even the tip of the tapered tail. Through all of its iterations, the Boattail Speedster has become synonymous with the Auburn marque, and rank among the classic era's most iconic and collectible sporting cars.
Smartly presented in a fetching period appropriate livery of bright Kelly green, black fenders and upper surfaces, and orange pin stripes, this 1929 Auburn is a Model 8-90 Speedster, featuring the rakish McFarlan-built body atop the sporting short wheelbase 8-cylinder chassis. Prior to joining the most recent owner's collection, chassis 2972035 was the pride of noted collector and former Lionel Trains CEO Richard Kughn, who along with his wife Linda, amassed the highly renowned "Carail Collection" in Detroit. The Kughns purchased this Auburn in 1979, and it remained a centerpiece of their collection until its dispersal in 2003 - proudly featuring on the cover of the auction catalogue.
While little is known about this car's early history, it has nonetheless received the blessings of marque historians and is accepted as an authentic and original example. The Kughns showed the car regularly and with great pride, and in 1990, it received Category 1 Certification by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club, noting it retained the original engine, chassis, and McFarlan-built body with the corresponding data tags and stampings in their correct locations. It was also judged by the Classic Car Club of America and awarded a National First Prize award (badge no. 255).
Since departing the Kughn's 'Carail Collection' in 2003, it was acquired by the prolific classic-era collector Maj. Gen. William Lyon, who gave the car a great home in his magnificent collection. Offered here from the Lyon Family Collection, the Auburn's restoration has matured gracefully, and the car possesses an honest and appealing character that should have you reaching for the key at every opportunity. The paint is in good overall condition and the body detailed with period accessories including dual fabric covered side-mount spares, a large running board-mounted search lamp, dual Trippe Speed Lights, dual windscreen wipers, and a Seelight taillight. Chrome wire wheels wear wide whitewall tires. Black leather covers the bench seat and interior panels, and the seat upholstery shows some creasing that is appropriate for a car that has been used and enjoyed over the years.
The engine compartment and chassis display a similar patina consistent with occasional use and the older restoration. It is being offered following a period of extended static display and may require some additional refurbishment prior to taking part in any long-distance events, yet it remains a sound and highly appealing example.
Cherished by passionate collectors for over 45 years, this eminently desirable Auburn is a Classic Era� icon, and one of the most eye-catching designs from any American automaker. Backed by the blessing of ACD Category 1 Certification and presented in an eye-catching color scheme, this rare Auburn 8-120 ready to capture the attention of a new generation of enthusiasts.

Offers welcome and trades considered.