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Details
1935 AUBURN MODEL 851 'BOATTAIL' SPEEDSTER
Chassis No. 33212 E
Red with black leather interior and fawn convertible top
Engine: straight eight Lycoming, side valve, Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger, 279.9ci., 150bhp at 3,600rpm; Gearbox: three-speed and reverse with two speed rear axle; Suspension: beam front axle, semi-elliptic rear springs; Brakes: four wheel hydraulic drum. Left hand drive.
Frank and Morris Eckhart of Auburn, Indiana started the Auburn Motor Company in 1903. As their business grew, they acquired more dealerships to stay ahead of the competition, but by the mid-twenties size had caught up with them and they were in need of new leadership. In 1925 E.L. Cord became general manager and set out to save the company. Under Cord the new Auburn became a very different company, emphasizing style when others in the industry concentrated on engineering. Body styles were changed every few years to keep sales up.
By 1931 Auburn was able to sell a very appealing package for far less than the competition. Their fully equipped V12 cars could be purchased for well under $2,000 and the V8s were cheaper still. By 1934 the depression had caught up and sales were falling. As a remedy Auburn returned to the six cylinder model and curtailed production of the V12. In addition, the 1935 Model 851 'Boattail' Speedster with the straight eight motor was an effort to boost sales with a car that offered both style and performance with a younger, sportier image. It is considered by many auto enthusiasts to be among the most beautiful cars of the classic era. With a tapered Speedster tail designed by Gordon Miller Buehrig, the model was available with a new optional supercharger for the eight cylinder engine that boosted output to an unprecedented 150 brake horsepower and powered the car from 0-60mph in a remarkable 15 seconds. Each of the 146 supercharged Speedsters produced carried a dash plaque indicating the speed at which the car had been tested. To promote their speed A.P.B. Jenkins drove a stock Auburn on the Bonneville Salt Flats, breaking the American class speed record. Auburn won top prizes at the Concours d'Elegance held at the Universal Exposition in Brussels thus promoting their elegant styling. While the Speedster created huge demand, it transpired that the company still lost considerable money on each one.
According to noted Auburn authority, Randy Ema, this original 851 Speedster was first owned by Mr. Chris Savers in Chicago and it is believed to have subsequently spent much of its life in the mid west. At the end of July 1945 the car had passed into the hands of a dealer, John Troker from Illinois. The next known owner was Ron Schirmer from Indianapolis who owned the car according to a copy of an Indiana title in the early 1980s in partnership with J.M. Walden. In February 1982 the Auburn passed into the hands of Gilbert E. Horton from North Dakota. In about 1997 the Speedster joined the well-known collection of Dr. Don Vesley.
This stylish Speedster is today indicative of a much older restoration that probably dates back to the 1970s. The panelwork appears straight, with presentable paintwork. The interior is presentable, but again would benefit from a retrim as the beading at the edges and fine details are not to the highest of standards. Mechanically the engine runs well, although the supercharger is not currently connected. In addition, the car has had a recent brake service.
With exquisite style and thrilling performance, these cars are a favorite among discriminating collectors. They are considered full classics by the Classic Car Club of America and are popular for shows and tours. With just 146 supercharged Speedsters originally built, these Auburns are rare and desirable. It is worth bearing in mind that just last summer Christie's achieved over $300,000 for a fully restored example.
Chassis No. 33212 E
Red with black leather interior and fawn convertible top
Engine: straight eight Lycoming, side valve, Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger, 279.9ci., 150bhp at 3,600rpm; Gearbox: three-speed and reverse with two speed rear axle; Suspension: beam front axle, semi-elliptic rear springs; Brakes: four wheel hydraulic drum. Left hand drive.
Frank and Morris Eckhart of Auburn, Indiana started the Auburn Motor Company in 1903. As their business grew, they acquired more dealerships to stay ahead of the competition, but by the mid-twenties size had caught up with them and they were in need of new leadership. In 1925 E.L. Cord became general manager and set out to save the company. Under Cord the new Auburn became a very different company, emphasizing style when others in the industry concentrated on engineering. Body styles were changed every few years to keep sales up.
By 1931 Auburn was able to sell a very appealing package for far less than the competition. Their fully equipped V12 cars could be purchased for well under $2,000 and the V8s were cheaper still. By 1934 the depression had caught up and sales were falling. As a remedy Auburn returned to the six cylinder model and curtailed production of the V12. In addition, the 1935 Model 851 'Boattail' Speedster with the straight eight motor was an effort to boost sales with a car that offered both style and performance with a younger, sportier image. It is considered by many auto enthusiasts to be among the most beautiful cars of the classic era. With a tapered Speedster tail designed by Gordon Miller Buehrig, the model was available with a new optional supercharger for the eight cylinder engine that boosted output to an unprecedented 150 brake horsepower and powered the car from 0-60mph in a remarkable 15 seconds. Each of the 146 supercharged Speedsters produced carried a dash plaque indicating the speed at which the car had been tested. To promote their speed A.P.B. Jenkins drove a stock Auburn on the Bonneville Salt Flats, breaking the American class speed record. Auburn won top prizes at the Concours d'Elegance held at the Universal Exposition in Brussels thus promoting their elegant styling. While the Speedster created huge demand, it transpired that the company still lost considerable money on each one.
According to noted Auburn authority, Randy Ema, this original 851 Speedster was first owned by Mr. Chris Savers in Chicago and it is believed to have subsequently spent much of its life in the mid west. At the end of July 1945 the car had passed into the hands of a dealer, John Troker from Illinois. The next known owner was Ron Schirmer from Indianapolis who owned the car according to a copy of an Indiana title in the early 1980s in partnership with J.M. Walden. In February 1982 the Auburn passed into the hands of Gilbert E. Horton from North Dakota. In about 1997 the Speedster joined the well-known collection of Dr. Don Vesley.
This stylish Speedster is today indicative of a much older restoration that probably dates back to the 1970s. The panelwork appears straight, with presentable paintwork. The interior is presentable, but again would benefit from a retrim as the beading at the edges and fine details are not to the highest of standards. Mechanically the engine runs well, although the supercharger is not currently connected. In addition, the car has had a recent brake service.
With exquisite style and thrilling performance, these cars are a favorite among discriminating collectors. They are considered full classics by the Classic Car Club of America and are popular for shows and tours. With just 146 supercharged Speedsters originally built, these Auburns are rare and desirable. It is worth bearing in mind that just last summer Christie's achieved over $300,000 for a fully restored example.