For Sale at Auction: 1931 Auburn Aug-90 in Auburn, Indiana

Vehicle Description

Founded in 1903 in Auburn, Indiana, the company struggled through its early years before the arrival of E.L. Cord in 1924. Under Cord's leadership, Auburn was transformed almost overnight, shifting from conservative, slow-selling cars to bold, fashion-forward automobiles that emphasized striking design and attainable luxury. Central to this revival was the Auburn Eight line, first introduced in 1925 and powered by smooth Lycoming-built inline engines. By 1931, the series reached a high point with the 8-98, named for its 98-horsepower straight-eight engine. Redesigned under stylist Alan Leamy, the 8-98 featured lower, more flowing bodywork and an advanced chassis riding on a 127-inch wheelbase, giving the car both visual elegance and balanced road manners. The combination of eight-cylinder performance and competitive pricing made Auburn one of the most compelling offerings in the entry-level luxury market during the early years of the Great Depression. What truly set the 8-98 apart, however, was the remarkable range of available body styles. Buyers could select from elegant, closed cars such as sedans and broughams, sporting coupes, and the stylish cabriolet. Open motoring enthusiasts could opt for the versatile phaeton or convertible phaeton, while those seeking something truly dramatic were drawn to the boattail speedster. Offered from the Dr. William "Bill" G. Jackson Estate Collection is this lovely 1931 Auburn 8-98 Convertible Sedan. A long-term ACD Club member, Dr. Jackson cherished Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg cars, having multiple different models at once. Comprehensively restored by Mike Brown of Mike's Auto Restoration in Luka, Mississippi, who also managed and overlooked Dr. Jackson's cars, this Auburn boasts a National First Prize award from the Mid-America Old Time Auto Association. Completed in 2018, this Auburn has been well-maintained, and the body is finished in a subtle tan color scheme with a brown belt line, while the wire wheels with knock-off Auburn hubcaps are finished in orange. In true Auburn fashion, the exterior features come in pairs and feature dual horns, dual Trippe Safety Lights, dual side-mounted spares with covers, and dual cowl lights. Other items include a radiator stone guard and a rear-mounted trunk for extra storage for when the rear cabin is full. Inside, the Auburn has tan upholstery and is suited with an array of unique period features, such as an Auburn Philip radio, McAleers heater, Waltham 8 Days clock integrated into the rearview mirror, a cigarette lighter, and cigarette cylinder ashtray. Today, this Auburn 8-98 Convertible Sedan remains a delightful and engaging car to experience on the open road, thanks to its smooth straight-eight performance, Columbia two-speed rear axle, and upgraded electronic fuel pump. Combining Classic Era elegance with genuine roadgoing enjoyment and its complete restoration, this is an example that would be a wonderful addition to future ACD Club and CCCA events and tours throughout North America. * Comprehensively restored by Mike's Auto Restoration in Luka, Mississippi
* Well-suited with an array of unique period items and a Columbia two-speed rear axle
* Mid-America Old Time Auto Association National First Prize award winner
* An ideal example for future ACD Club and CCCA events and tours

Founded in 1903 in Auburn, Indiana, the company struggled through its early years before the arrival of E.L. Cord in 1924. Under Cord's leadership, Auburn was transformed almost overnight, shifting from conservative, slow-selling cars to bold, fashion-forward automobiles that emphasized striking design and attainable luxury.

Central to this revival was the Auburn Eight line, first introduced in 1925 and powered by smooth Lycoming-built inline engines. By 1931, the series reached a high point with the 8-98, named for its 98-horsepower straight-eight engine. Redesigned under stylist Alan Leamy, the 8-98 featured lower, more flowing bodywork and an advanced chassis riding on a 127-inch wheelbase, giving the car both visual elegance and balanced road manners. The combination of eight-cylinder performance and competitive pricing made Auburn one of the most compelling offerings in the entry-level luxury market during the early years of the Great Depression.

What truly set the 8-98 apart, however, was the remarkable range of available body styles. Buyers could select from elegant, closed cars such as sedans and broughams, sporting coupes, and the stylish cabriolet. Open motoring enthusiasts could opt for the versatile phaeton or convertible phaeton, while those seeking something truly dramatic were drawn to the boattail speedster.

Offered from the Dr. William "Bill" G. Jackson Estate Collection is this lovely 1931 Auburn 8-98 Convertible Sedan. A long-term ACD Club member, Dr. Jackson cherished Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg cars, having multiple different models at once. Comprehensively restored by Mike Brown of Mike's Auto Restoration in Luka, Mississippi, who also managed and overlooked Dr. Jackson's cars, this Auburn boasts a National First Prize award from the Mid-America Old Time Auto Association.

Completed in 2018, this Auburn has been well-maintained, and the body is finished in a subtle tan color scheme with a brown belt line, while the wire wheels with knock-off Auburn hubcaps are finished in orange. In true Auburn fashion, the exterior features come in pairs and feature dual horns, dual Trippe Safety Lights, dual side-mounted spares with covers, and dual cowl lights. Other items include a radiator stone guard and a rear-mounted trunk for extra storage for when the rear cabin is full.

Inside, the Auburn has tan upholstery and is suited with an array of unique period features, such as an Auburn Philip radio, McAleers heater, Waltham 8 Days clock integrated into the rearview mirror, a cigarette lighter, and cigarette cylinder ashtray.

Today, this Auburn 8-98 Convertible Sedan remains a delightful and engaging car to experience on the open road, thanks to its smooth straight-eight performance, Columbia two-speed rear axle, and upgraded electronic fuel pump. Combining Classic Era elegance with genuine roadgoing enjoyment and its complete restoration, this is an example that would be a wonderful addition to future ACD Club and CCCA events and tours throughout North America.

Vehicle Details

  • 1931 Auburn Aug-90
  • Listing ID: CC-2063447
  • Price: Auction Vehicle
  • Location:Auburn, Indiana
  • Year:1931
  • Make:Auburn
  • Model:Aug-90
  • Exterior Color:Tan
  • Interior Color:Tan
  • Odometer:27046
  • Stock Number:360
  • VIN:GUS59718
Listed By:
Kruse Auctions
5634 Opportunity Blvd Ste A
Auburn, IN 46706

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