For Sale: 1935 Auburn 851 in Saint Louis, Missouri

Few automobiles capture the exuberance and glamour of the Classic Era quite like the Auburn Speedster. Introduced at the height of the American horsepower wars, the Speedster combined dramatic styling with genuine high-performance capability, offering motorists a thrilling alternative to the great sporting machines of Europe. Designed by the legendary Gordon Buehrig, the 1935-1936 Auburn Speedsters rank among the most recognizable American automobiles ever produced. Their sweeping lines, long hood, and distinctive tapering tail created a profile that was both elegant and unmistakably sporting, earning the model its enduring nickname, the "Boattail."
While its styling was captivating, the Speedster's mechanical specification ensured it was far more than simply a showpiece. Auburn's supercharged models were powered by a Schwitzer-Cummins-blown Lycoming straight eight, delivering a robust 150 horsepower. With its distinctive chrome side exhaust and the standard Columbia dual-ratio rear axle, the supercharged Auburn offered impressive flexibility and performance for its time. The dual-ratio axle effectively provided two ratios for each gear, allowing the driver to effortlessly switch between high and low ranges via a control mounted in the center of the steering wheel. This innovative feature made the Speedster equally adept at relaxed touring or high-speed motoring. Each example famously carried a dashboard plaque certifying that the car had achieved 100.8 miles per hour before shipment, signed by famed driver Ab Jenkins-an enduring reminder of the Speedster's remarkable performance credentials.
The Auburn 851 Speedster offered here represents a superb example of this celebrated American sporting automobile. Finished in elegant black with rich green leather upholstery, the car presents with striking presence and timeless appeal. The dramatic bodywork, highlighted by the signature boattail rear and sweeping fenders, is complemented by the distinctive chrome side exhaust and beautifully proportioned brightwork that define the supercharged Auburn's character.
This particular Speedster boasts a well-documented history extending back to the early 1950s, when it was owned by Dr. Fred Zaidan of Pennsylvania. The Zaidan family retained the car for an extraordinary 46 years, demonstrating remarkable long-term stewardship. During that time, from 1985 through 1988, the Speedster was displayed on loan at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana, further cementing its connection to the marque's heritage.
In 1998 the car was acquired by Hal Bjorklund of Castle Rock, Colorado, a dedicated Auburn and Cord enthusiast. Recognizing the significance of the Speedster, Bjorklund commissioned a comprehensive restoration by noted Auburn specialist Mark Clayton. The work returned the car to an exceptional standard of presentation and authenticity, resulting in a restoration that was both highly accurate and visually striking.
The quality of this restoration was soon recognized on the concours circuit. In 2004 the Speedster earned a Primary First Place award at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club National Reunion in Auburn, Indiana, followed by a Senior First Place and Best of Show at the club's West Coast Meet later that year. It also achieved ACD Club Category 1 Certification, an important distinction that confirms the authenticity and correctness of the car.
Subsequent ownership by noted collectors continued the car's tradition of careful stewardship. In 2009 the Speedster appeared at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, followed by a Primary First Prize with a perfect 100-point score at the Classic Car Club of America Grand National in 2010. The following year, it was honored with Best in Class at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
Today the restoration has matured gracefully, presenting as a beautifully maintained and highly impressive example. The black finish and green leather interior lend the Speedster a particularly sophisticated character while highlighting the graceful proportions of Buehrig's celebrated design. Retaining its correct supercharged engine, Columbia dual-ratio axle, and Ab Jenkins speed certification plaque, the car remains both mechanically authentic and visually compelling.
Combining dramatic styling, supercharged performance, and a distinguished concours history, this Auburn 851 Speedster stands as a magnificent representation of one of America's most iconic sporting automobiles-equally suited for continued display or spirited enjoyment on the open road.


Offers welcome and trades considered.