1931 Auburn Model 8-98A

In the wake of the stock market crash, sales of Auburn vehicles initially dropped but drastically increased in 1931, thanks in part to the introduction of the 8-98, the only model offered that year. The Indiana-based company's storied past began in 1900 and they initially built singles and twins exclusively until 1909, when four-cylinder models became the foundation for the company going forward. Later, six- and eight-cylinder models were added to the lineup. Most automakers failed during these early years, but Auburn endured thanks to its solid engineering and the immense amount of capital, both a result of years in the carriage business.

Along with its well-engineered and attractive models, particularly the speedsters, Auburn is remembered for its association with several historical and prominent names in automotive history, including Duesenberg and Errett Loban Cord.

E.L. Cord arrived at Auburn in 1923 and helped the struggling marque regain its financial footing. He became President of the Auburn Automobile Company by 1926, establishing roots from which his empire would grow. One of the foundations of his success was hiring the best designers and engineers in the industry, resulting in the company achieving its highest sales during the late 1920s.

The 8-98 had a stiff X-braced chassis frame (the first use of X-bracing on a rear-wheel-drive car), Bijur lubrication which lubricated all major chassis points, a semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension with Lovejoy hydraulic shocks, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. L.G.S. Freewheeling was optional, as were dual side-mounted spare wheels, dual chrome horns, driving lamps, and an accessory trunk and rack. The use of the double-drop X-braced frame allowed the overall height to be three inches lower than previous models.

The Lycoming-developed eight-cylinder engine found under the bonnet had first been used by Auburn in the mid-1920s and became the basis for the Model 8-88, later replaced by the 8-115. The 268.8 cubic-inch engine powering the 8-98 was a more economical version of these Lycoming L-head straight-eight units, with a single Carter carburetor and developing 98 horsepower at 3,200 RPM (the '8' in the 8-98 represents the number of cylinders and the horsepower rating). Power was sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission.

The Auburn 8-98 (and 8-98A - the 'A' represented a custom-built model) rested on a 127-inch wheelbase platform except for the seven-passenger sedan which used a longer 136-inch platform. This body style was priced at $1,195 for the 8-98 and $1,395 for the 8-98A. The speedster and two-door brougham were priced at $945, the five-passenger sedan and coupe at $995, the cabriolet at $1,045, and the Phaeton at $1,145. The 'Custom / 8-98A' versions were approximately $200 higher, except for the Speedster, which was around $450 higher.

Auburn would later introduce the world's most affordable V-12 model, yet its fortunes continued to decline through the mid-1930s as Cord's business empire expanded to include Lycoming, Duesenberg, Columbia Axle, and Checker Cab, plus interests in shipbuilding and aviation. Auburn's eight-cylinder model reached its zenith in 1934 with the introduction of the Gordon Buehrig-styled 851. Two years later, Auburn closed its doors forever as E.L. Cord's empire crumbled after he was forced to give up control of his automobile holding company due to illegal stock manipulations. By 1937, all three marques - Auburn, Duesenberg, and Cord - had ended.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2022