For Sale at Auction: 1936 Auburn 852 in Williamston, Michigan

Serial Number: 852 32657 E See it run and drive! Engine #: GH 5142 Production Era: 1935-1936 One of America's Most Beautiful and Exclusive Pre-War Masterpieces A true legend of the Art Deco era, this 1936 Auburn 852 Supercharged Boattail Speedster represents one of the rarest, most visually arresting, and performance-minded American automobiles ever constructed. Conceived by the brilliant, 30-year-old designer Gordon Buehrig, the 852 Speedster was styled to evoke the sweeping lines of a luxury racing yacht while delivering record-shattering engineering. Built for only two model years (the identical 851 in 1935 and the 852 in 1936), it is estimated that fewer than 150 genuine Supercharged Speedsters were originally built, with only a fraction surviving today under the intense stewardship of elite collectors. Highlights ? 1936 Auburn 852 Supercharged "Boattail" Speedster ? One of only approximately 150 original supercharged examples built ? The ultimate performance and luxury flagship of the Auburn Automobile Company ? 280 cu. in. Lycoming L-Head Straight-8 engine ? Schweitzer-Cummins Centrifugal Supercharger producing a formidable 150 horsepower ? Three-speed manual transmission paired with a Columbia Dual-Ratio rear axle (providing 6 forward speeds) ? Guaranteed from the factory to exceed 100 MPH, complete with a dash-mounted plaque signed by racing driver David "Ab" Jenkins ? Finished in jaw-dropping, period-correct Cigarette Cream over a premium Morocco Red leather interior ? Signature external, chrome-plated side-exhaust pipes and sweeping pontoon fenders Exceptional Provenance This remarkable 852 Speedster boasts an exceptional, fully documented history, having spent decades shielded within a prominent East Coast private collection before transitioning to its current owner. Recognizing its extraordinary level of authenticity, the vehicle underwent a comprehensive, multi-year, no-expense-spared restoration completed by a marquee specialist. Every effort was made to preserve and restore original components, ensuring the powertrain, body panels, and supercharger assembly retain their factory-born numbers and stampings. The result is an authentic, striking, and investment-grade presentation of pre-war American opulence. Historical Significance The Boattail Speedster's iconic, rakish rear styling remains an enduring triumph of industrial art, famously influencing decades of automotive design-from the Corvette Stingray to the Buick Riviera. Powered by the legendary Lycoming straight-eight, it was a technological tour de force featuring vacuum-controlled "Dual Ratio" gearing that allowed drivers to flip a steering-wheel lever for low-rpm highway cruising. Born during the depths of the Great Depression, the Speedster was never intended as a mass-market vehicle. It was built as a halo car to capture the imagination of the world, making it the definitive "Hollywood Car" of the 1930s and a Holy Grail for modern collectors. Auction Opportunity Genuine, certified Auburn Speedsters are rarely offered publicly, and examples with this caliber of pedigree and mechanical clarity are scarcer still. Combining a breathtaking Gordon Buehrig design, numbers-matching supercharged power, and supreme historical significance, serial number 32657E represents a blue-chip acquisition. Whether destined to anchor an elite private museum, compete at global concours d'elegance events, or partake in premier vintage rallies, this iconic Auburn stands as a pinnacle of American automotive history.