Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Fall event,
August 31-3, 2017.
Chassis No.
48355
Estimate:
$120,000 - $150,000 US
Serial no. 898A 15822 H
Engine no. GU 48355
Body no. L-28-2286
Although sales of Auburns dropped in the immediate aftermath of the
stock market crash, they increased dramatically in 1931, thanks to
the introduction of the 8-98, the only model offered that year. The
8-98 took advantage of a stiff X-braced chassis frame, a powerful
268 cubic inch straight eight-cylinder Lycoming engine, and the
skills of several Cord-owned coachbuilders to present a car
unmatched for price, performance, and styling. Two 8-98 lines were
offered - a standard model and the more luxurious 8-98A Custom,
which added an additional $200 to the price of a comparable
standard model.
The 8-98A Custom phaeton sedan offered here was restored in 1976 by
the well-known ACD specialist, Randy Ema of Orange, California, for
then-owner Tom Kemp of Anaheim. Mr. Ema recalls the Auburn as
having been a very good, solid California car, which required
little mechanical work and only some minor rust repair in the
doors; much of the body and sheet metal remain original. Finished
in an elegant two-tone red over tan interior, it was very
successful in West Coast competition, including Best Auburn at the
ACD Club West Coast Meet of 1978, and 2nd in Class at the Pebble
Beach Concours d'Elegance that same year.
Subsequent owners of the Auburn included Chris Logan; well-known
Michigan collector, James Couzens; and longtime ACD Club members,
Gary and Cheryl Howe, who enjoyed it in many Club activities. It
has been well-maintained in its current ownership and still shows
remarkably well, with good paint and interior; it would be a
wonderful tour automobile or even appropriate for local and
regional concours.
This is a beautiful Auburn with wonderful heritage and a quality
older restoration, ideal for the ACD enthusiast's collection.
