Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Auburn Fall event, September 1-4, 2016.
Chassis No.
1746
Estimate:
$200,000 - $250,000 US
Businessman Errett Lobban Cord sought to take the small, struggling Indiana automaker, the Auburn Automobile Company, to national prominence. One of his many successes along the way was the introduction of the Auburn speedster, a showroom draw that would be built and sold in limited numbers, with the goal of attracting new customers.
The origins of the original Auburn speedster is rooted in the 1927 Duesenberg Model X Boattail Speedster, which featured similar details to the Auburn design in its sharply raked vee’d windshield, rakish fenders, and doors moved back at the same angle as the windshield, emphasizing the dramatic tapered rear end that appeared to have been shaped by the force of the car’s power. Further adding to the sporting effect were bold 13-inch headlamps, some of the largest on the market, and Dayton wire wheels with exclusively styled knock-off hubs. The overall effect was and remains absolutely stunning to the eye; it combines to create a “beauty that nearly defies description.”
Advertised as “the biggest package in the world for the price,” the speedster sold for approximately $1,500, but offered a remarkable top-end speed of 100-mph, thanks to special chassis and engine modifications unique to the model. Thus it not only made everything else look old-fashioned overnight and emphasized open-air performance for two passengers, but was the only true American sports car of its generation. Indeed, the early Auburn speedsters were raced on two continents, appealing to such European drivers as Sir Malcolm Campbell.
The beautifully presented 1929 Auburn 8-90 Speedster offered here has been frame-off restored to concours-level quality, a process which was completed in 2014; minimal “test” mileage has been the extent of its driving since. The sweeping lines are accented by an original factory color scheme, black fenders and upper body with Navahoe Red as a contrast; the beltline is highlighted by tasteful gold-toned pinstripes, with lavish chrome “flashes” throughout. A black Haartz soft top and supple red leather interior complete a stunning visual package.
The inline eight-cylinder engine, no. GR3095A, is meticulously presented in keeping with the rest of the car; it is paired, as is correct, with the floor-shifted three-speed manual transmission. Additional prominent features include the chromed wire wheels with Firestone wide whitewall tires, cowllights, dual side-mounted spares, twin windshield wipers, and a centrally located Stewart-Warner instrument cluster on the dashboard. The speedster is reported as being fastidiously prepared in all mechanical aspects, again in keeping with its jewel-type preservation.
The excellence of this car’s restoration was recognized with a Primary First at the 2014 Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club National Reunion. In addition, the Auburn was selected for the Sports Cars of the Century Class at the 2014 Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s, received a Red Ribbon at the 2014 Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and was a featured display car at the Canadian International Auto Show’s Art and the Automobile display in 2015.
Auburn built their cars with pride and integrity; they went to unprecedented extremes to build a car of power, smoothness, endurance, and easy of handling. These qualities will allow you to drive this exceptional car with enjoyment in mind, and at the same speeds for which its creators intended this great American sports car.
