1931 Auburn Model 8-98 Boattail Speedster

Charles Eckhart established the Eckhart Carriage Company in Auburn, Indiana in 1874. His sons Frank and Morris built their first tiller-steered runabout in 1900 and formed the Auburn Automobile Company to build it. By 1905, twin-cylinder models were being produced followed by a four-cylinder version in 1909. By 1912, a six-cylinder version had been added to the list of models. In 1919, after enjoying modest success with the business, the company was sold to a group of Chicago investors that included chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr.

Under the new regime, the Auburn Six was introduced in 1919. Sales were slow mostly due to the post-World War I recession. Management turned to E.L. Cord to aid in selling the large inventories of unsold cars. Several creative ideas were executed and E.L. Cord was able to move large quantities of inventory. The Auburn Company would cultivate a strong performance image with land speed records and high-performance automobiles.

The Auburn 8-63 and 8-88 were introduced in 1925 with prices starting at $1,895. A boattail speedster version was added in 1928 and was an immediate success with sales doubling to over 23,000 units for 1929.

This 1931 Auburn 8-98 Boattail Speedster wears an older restoration finished in two-tone blue lacquer finish. There are dark blue painted wire wheels riding on wide whitewall tires. There are dual sidemounts with cloth covers and chrome side view mirrors. The front features Pilot Ray lights, dual chrome-plated horns, dual cowl-mounted accessory lights, a clock mounted within the rearview mirror, a Bijur chassis lubricating system, and free-wheeling capability.

In 2008 this 1931 Auburn 8-98 Boattail Speedster was brought to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $130,000-$160,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for $176,000 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2008