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1931 Auburn Model 8-98 A news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Brougham |
Six different body styles were available on the 8-98-A Custom 127-inch wheelbase chassis, including this two-door brougham. The inline eight motor, which offered 98 horsepower, was built by Lycoming Motors, another subsidiary of the Cord Corporation.
This Auburn was completely restored by its owner, with the exception of the upholstery and chrome.
 | Phaeton Sedan Chassis Num: 10761 H Engine Num: GU 46684 Gearbox Num: 3M-1-E | |
| Sold for $92,000 at 2013 Bonhams. | ||
By the close of the 1920s, the eight-cylinder Auburns were becoming 'America's fastest' automobile. Al Leamy drove an 8-115 Speedster at 108.46mph over the measured mile at Daytona and going on to take the 24 hours record at Atlantic City Speedway.
Not only were the eight-cylinder Auburns encroaching on Stutz's speed accolade territory, they were also exceptional value for money. The top-of-the-line 1931 Speedster sold for $1,395 which was less than half the price of the equivalent Stutz.
For 1931, the Auburns were given sweeping fenders and long hoods, a design which was used through 1933. The double-drop X braced frame allowed the overall height to be three inches lower than previous models.
The Convertible Phaeton Sedan model was priced at $1,345 and featured exclusive options including roll-up windows and removable center pillars for a tight seal with the top raised. This example is a CCCA Grand Caravan tour car for many years. It has been restored and preserved for two decades and was in the same ownership for more than a quarter-century before, during and after its concours-correct restoration. The Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club has given this car a Category 1 Certifications as an original and unmolested example of its type.
Options on this car include dual side-mounted spare wheels, an accessory trunk and rack, dual chrome horns and driving lamps. The interior has recently been re-trimmed in new and correct black leather. The exterior is finished in black and silver and accented by chrome bumpers, chrome spoke wheels with wide whitewall tires, factory-applied custom trim and tan cloth convertible top.
In 2013, the car was offered for sale at Bonhams Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $92,000 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013
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 was 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 unchaged; 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 drivers 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 better 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
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 was 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 unchaged; 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 drivers 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 better 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
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 1931
Auburn
models |
| Auburn 8-100A |
| Auburn Model 8-98 |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Daimler | Delage |
| Delahaye | Duesenberg |
| Hispano Suiza | Hudson |
| Isotta | Packard |
| Peerless | Pierce Arrow |
| Talbot-Lago | Voisin |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1931 |
| Auburn Model 8-98 ($945-$1,195) |
| Chrysler Series 70 ($1,295-$1,295) |
| Hupmobile Century Eight ($1,295-$1,375) |
| Buick Series 60 ($1,285-$1,355) |
| Willys Knight Model 66D ($1,095-$1,195) |
Average Auction Sale: $74,900 |
| Auburn: 1931-1940 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Other models by Auburn |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| Bonhams - The Scottsdale Auction |
| Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles |
| Keels & Wheels Concours d'Elegance |
| 2006 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance |
| 12 | 6-39 | 6-51 | 654 | 850 Series | Beauty-SIX | Model 8 | Model G |
