• Complete ground-up restoration completed in 2016 • ACD Club
Certified A-389 • Acquired by the Collection 21 years ago • 2024
servicing by noted Auburn-Cord aficionado Ken Clark • Well known
among the ACD Club faithful; 2025 Hoosier Tour participant Founded
in Auburn, Indiana, the Auburn Automobile Company rose to
prominence in the 1920s and 1930s under the visionary leadership of
E.L. Cord. Known for blending advanced engineering, dramatic
styling, and attainable luxury, Auburn positioned itself toward the
top of the market. The company's automobiles were fast and
fashionable, earning Auburn a reputation for performance and flair
during the Classic Era, and one that is still sought-after and
admired by enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs of all
generations. Ownership history of this 1935 Auburn starts in the
'90s with ACD Club members and Kendallville, Indiana residents, Bob
and Helen Cramer, who acquired this example from well-known car
collector and ACD Club enthusiast, Tom Crook of Auburn, Washington.
Restored and completed in 2001 by the Cramers, this 851 could be
found at a number of ACD Club events throughout the years and
received its ACD Club Certification by Paul Bryant in 2002.
Documented in the accompanying copy of the 2005 ACD Club
newsletter, this example was offered for sale, which would lead to
the acquisition by The Oscar Roberts Estate Collection in the same
year. It has since been owned by active ACD Club members Oscar and
Bonita Roberts for the last 21 years, and this Auburn has been a
staple within their diverse automobile collection. Splitting time
between Georgia and Auburn, Indiana, this 851 Phaeton would follow
them to both homes throughout the year. When this Auburn was
residing in "The Home of The Classics", it was maintained at their
collection building, the restored, former Edsel dealership /
Sinclair gas station, which is a true staple of the community on
North Main Street in downtown Auburn, Indiana. Even though it had
already been restored in 2001, Oscar decided to commence another
ground-up, documented restoration at the start of 2015. He sent it
to Muzzy's Garage to be dismantled and later reassembled, the paint
and body work was carried out by Classic City Body & Paint, while
the chrome was done by Reckon Plating. New wiring was sourced from
Narragansett Reproduction, instruments were dialed in by Auburns
Midwest, the wheels were sandblasted and painted by Superior Soda
Blasting, and the convertible top was done by Marquart's Custom
Creations. After completion, this 1935 Auburn 851 was routinely
enjoyed on various collector car tours, on sunny weekends, and of
course at the annual ACD Club Reunion and Festival over Labor Day
Weekend, one of the can't-miss events of the year. In 2024, this
lovely Auburn was taken to noted Auburn-Cord expert Ken Clark of
Ken's Classics in Maine and he performed an oil and gasket
servicing, resurfaced the cylinder head, and installed an electric
fuel pump. After which, this 851 Phaeton partook in the 2025
Hoosier Tour during the annual Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Festival.
Accompanying this Auburn, is its full ACD Club certification
booklet, the original ads for this example in 2005, copies of pages
from the ACD Club Newsletter about this Auburn, the original 2000
title that states 72,493 actual miles, as well as a large and
detailed file folder comprised of invoice and restoration records.
A prized automobile within the Collection for last 21 years, this
851 Auburn is known for its legendary Lycoming eight-cylinder
engine and a Columbia two-speed dual-ratio axle that combines for
an impressive and unforgettable touring performance. Well-dialed
in, nicely restored, and ACD Club certified, this Auburn is ready
to be further enjoyed on driving tours, at ACD Club events, such as
the ACD Festival over Labor Day weekend, and Classic Car Club of
America (CCCA) gatherings around North America.
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