1931 Auburn Model 8-98

History

In 1928 Auburn introduced two Lycoming-powered eight-cylinder engines, one rated at 88 horsepower and the other at 115 horsepower. These became the bases for the 8-88 Model and the 8-115 Model; their designation obviously in reference to the engine. These new models were given hydraulic drum brakes to aid in stopping power and to help keep the Speedsters in the driver's control.

The styling was performed by either Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky or possibly Al Leamy. Al Leamy was a recent addition to the Auburn staff and would become famous in the years to come, with the design of the L-29 Cord automobile.

The Speedster models were very elegant and eye-catching. They featured hood louvers, a raked windshield, twin side-mounted spares, and a boattail rear-end.

The Model 8's were given a wide-ratio three-speed gearbox and rested on either a 125- or 130-inch wheelbase, depending on the model. The 8-115 had the larger size.

1929 brought few changes to the Speedsters; they were now known as the 8-90 and the 8-120. The naming scheme varied slightly from prior years, as horsepower was not rated at 96 and 125, respectively, but the names did not necessarily match. This increase in power was due to a change in the fuel system.

1929 was a great year for the Auburn 8 Models and enjoyed record sales numbers. The company chose to make minimal changes for the following year, as the cars were selling well and most of their attention was diverted to the upcoming front-wheel-drive Cord models.

In 1930 horsepower again improved, now rated at 100 for the smaller eight. The name 'Speedster' no longer appeared as part of the Model 8 name. It would re-appear the following year (In 1931), as the company wanted to put emphasis on performance.

The larger eight-cylinder engine was dropped, as were both of the six-cylinder engines. The 8-95 Model was bored-out to 268.6 cubic inches and brought about the 8-98 model (and featured 98 horsepower). It was available in either Standard or Custom guise. The Custom line had an 'A' in the name to help distinguish it from the Standard line (appearing as 8-98A) and featured a free-wheeling, heavy, X-braced frame. Other options included dual-ratio rear axle, wire wheels, upgraded interior in hardware and fabric, and extra moldings.

Thanks in part to the onset of the Great Depression, the 8-98 sold for $350 less than the prior 8-95 Sedan of the 1930s. The Sedan sold for $995 while the Speedster for $945. Some experts say that the construction was not as solid as prior years, plus the Lockheed Hydraulics were replaced by Midland 'Steel-draulic' mechanical brakes. Still, Fortune reported the Auburn Model 8's as 'the biggest package in the world for the price.'

In 1932, the Styling remained mostly unchanged; mechanically, things were different. A new Startix automatic starter was added; Custom models were fitted with Delco ride regulations which were shock absorbers that were adjustable from the driver's compartment. This allowed a softer or firmer ride depending on the driver's needs at the time. Custom models also were given a vacuum-controlled two-speed axle known as Dual Ratio. This also gave drivers the freedom of selecting a 4.54:1 or 3.00:1 gear ratio. The 4.54 offered better performance while the 3.00:1 had a better fuel economy.

The Free-wheeling option, which had previously cost $85, was now standard on both the Custom and Standard models.

With all these mechanical improvements to the vehicle, it was amazing that prices continued to decrease. The Speedster sold for $845, a full $100 from the previous year.

In 1933, a Salon version was added to both the 8- and 12-cylinder series.


By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2008

1931 Auburn Model 8-98 Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1931 Model 8-98
$1,195-$18,000
1931 Auburn Model 8-98 Price Range: $945 - $1,195

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1931 Auburn Models

8-98

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
34,228
127.00 in., 136.00 in.
8 cyl., 268.00 CID., 98.00hp
$945 - $1,195
34,228
127.00 in., 136.00 in.
8 cyl., 268.00 CID., 98.00hp
$1,145 - $1,395

Related Automotive News

Bonhams|Cars Offers Maranello Masterpiece At The Quail Auction

Bonhams|Cars Offers Maranello Masterpiece At The Quail Auction

BonhamsCars is pleased to present the 1967 Maranello Concessionaires Ferrari 412P, Chassis 0854, the most important sports-racing Ferrari...
Gooding & Company Presents the Best of American Motoring, from Brass Era Legends to Postwar Sports Cars, at Its Pebble Beach Auctions

Gooding & Company Presents the Best of American Motoring, from Brass Era Legends to Postwar Sports Cars, at Its Pebble Beach Auctions

An incredible 1912 Simplex 50 HP Toy Tonneau, offered for sale from 111 years of single family ownership, will come to market for the first time, alongside motoring icons from the greatest eras of American automotive history. The official auction...
Gooding & Company Looks Toward Pebble Beach with Stunning Selection of Historic Prewar Classics

Gooding & Company Looks Toward Pebble Beach with Stunning Selection of Historic Prewar Classics

Highlights include a top-of-the-line 1930 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe, a Grand Prix-winning 1929 Bugatti Type 35B, a well-documented 1914 Stutz 4E Bearcat, and an opulent 1910 Rolls-Royce 4050 HP Silver Ghost Pullman Limousine. As...
Auburn Is 'The Amelia's' Honored Classic In 2018

Auburn Is 'The Amelia's' Honored Classic In 2018

Auburns fabled boattail speedster is the car everyone pictures when the classic Indiana marque is mentioned. Only in the Jazz Age lubricated by the social privations of the Eighteenth Amendment could such an exquisitely and outrageously shaped automobile...
RM Auctions Amelia Island Preview - 2014

RM Auctions Amelia Island Preview - 2014

0 RM Auctions, the worlds largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles, will hold its Amelia Island, Florida, sale on March 8th at the Ritz-Carlton. As the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours dElegance, RMs...

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.