Details
1933 AUBURN 12-165 "SALON BOAT-TAIL" SPEEDSTER
Chassis No. 1021E
Engine No. BB 2214
Beige and red with black interior
Engine: V-12, Lycoming, 391ci, 160bhp; Gearbox: three-speed with Columbia two-speed rear axle; Brakes: four-wheel hydraulic drums; Suspension: semi-elliptical leaf springs front and rear. Left hand drive.
Auburn was started in 1903 by Frank and Morris Eckhart of Auburn, Indiana. Around this time, it was a common occurence to see small firms sprouting up everywhere, but as the automobile business grew and began to involve large operations, most of the smaller companies where overwhelmed. Auburn, however trudged on. They were one of the only companies to experience increased sales during the Depression because they had more dealerships. Eventually, though, Auburn's size caught up with them.
In 1926, E.L. Cord became Auburn's general manager and set out to save the company. Shortly thereafter, Auburn became a very different car. Cord gave the Auburns much needed style while others in the industry concentrated on engineering.
Because of road improvements, cars could be larger and faster and therefore people were shifting their concentration towards speed. The very talented designer Al Leamy created some of the most striking and sleek designs of the period - the pinnacle being the Auburn Boat-tail Speedster.
In an effort to outdo their competitors in the multi-cylinder race, in 1932, Auburn introduced the new V-12 line. Built by Lycoming, the powerful new engine was fast, incredibly inexpensive, and one of the best looking cars on the road. The V-12 set a number of records and won the America Stock Car Speed Championships for 1932 and 1933, with recorded times of up to 117mph! However, as with all of the other great cars of this era, the Great Depression took its toll and Auburn was dramatically effected.
Very little is known about this Salon Boat-tail Speedster other than it was donated to the museum by Mr. Charles Knipe of Houston. It is one of only nineteen Salon Speedsters produced by the factory in 1933. The Salon being the top of the line model with special, more attractive styling details. It is in need of restoration. The rear tail light is missing and the rear bumper is thought to be incorrect. We are told that it ran well when it was last started in the mid 1980s. The braking system is described as being in need of a complete overhaul. This is a very rare and desirable classic. The Salon features including the grille, headlights, instruments, front bumper, gas tank apron are all apparent. The original chrome beading over the fenders has been painted over.
Chassis No. 1021E
Engine No. BB 2214
Beige and red with black interior
Engine: V-12, Lycoming, 391ci, 160bhp; Gearbox: three-speed with Columbia two-speed rear axle; Brakes: four-wheel hydraulic drums; Suspension: semi-elliptical leaf springs front and rear. Left hand drive.
Auburn was started in 1903 by Frank and Morris Eckhart of Auburn, Indiana. Around this time, it was a common occurence to see small firms sprouting up everywhere, but as the automobile business grew and began to involve large operations, most of the smaller companies where overwhelmed. Auburn, however trudged on. They were one of the only companies to experience increased sales during the Depression because they had more dealerships. Eventually, though, Auburn's size caught up with them.
In 1926, E.L. Cord became Auburn's general manager and set out to save the company. Shortly thereafter, Auburn became a very different car. Cord gave the Auburns much needed style while others in the industry concentrated on engineering.
Because of road improvements, cars could be larger and faster and therefore people were shifting their concentration towards speed. The very talented designer Al Leamy created some of the most striking and sleek designs of the period - the pinnacle being the Auburn Boat-tail Speedster.
In an effort to outdo their competitors in the multi-cylinder race, in 1932, Auburn introduced the new V-12 line. Built by Lycoming, the powerful new engine was fast, incredibly inexpensive, and one of the best looking cars on the road. The V-12 set a number of records and won the America Stock Car Speed Championships for 1932 and 1933, with recorded times of up to 117mph! However, as with all of the other great cars of this era, the Great Depression took its toll and Auburn was dramatically effected.
Very little is known about this Salon Boat-tail Speedster other than it was donated to the museum by Mr. Charles Knipe of Houston. It is one of only nineteen Salon Speedsters produced by the factory in 1933. The Salon being the top of the line model with special, more attractive styling details. It is in need of restoration. The rear tail light is missing and the rear bumper is thought to be incorrect. We are told that it ran well when it was last started in the mid 1980s. The braking system is described as being in need of a complete overhaul. This is a very rare and desirable classic. The Salon features including the grille, headlights, instruments, front bumper, gas tank apron are all apparent. The original chrome beading over the fenders has been painted over.