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 |  | View more photos Boattail Speedster |
The 851 Series Speedster was powered by a 280 cubic-inch in-line, eight-cylinder engine fitted with a Schwitzer-Cummings blower developing 150 horsepower. The car sold new for $2,245 and could achieve 100 mph right out of the showroom. The car sits on a 127-inch wheelbase and weighs 3,706 pounds. This example has been restored to the original color and interior.
About 600 Speedsters were produced during the 1935-1936 model years before Auburn ceased operations.
 |  | View more photos Boattail Speedster Chassis Num: 33094E Engine Num: GH4309 |
This 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster has chassis number 33094E and engine number GH4309. It has a two-speed Columbia Rear-end, three-speed manual gearbox, and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. It sits atop a 127-inch wheelbase, right-hand drive configuration, which is propelled by a 150 BHP 279 cubic-inch supercharged L-head Inline eight-cylinder engine. It was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach where it was estimated to sell for $350,000-$425,000.
The car carries its original speedster body with matching engine and serial numbers. It has traveled minimal miles since new and is in concours award-winning condition, thanks to its recent comprehensive restoration.
On auction day, the car was left unsold.
 |  | View more photos Convertible Coupe |
The famous driver, Ab Jenkins, set a speed record driving an 851 at an average of 100 miles per hour for a 12 hour period.
 | | Boattail Speedster Chassis Num: 33222E |
This example is a 1935 Auburn 851 SC Boattail Speedster that has been dubbed 'The Arlington Speedster.' It was owned by Charles G. Arlington from 1905 through 1989. Arlington was from North Hollywood, California and was a prominent radio and television announcer in Los Angeles and San Francisco. He was the owner of this car, and its sibling, which was separated by only one digit on the serial number. Both cars were restored to high standards by Arlington while in his care.
Both of Arlington's cars appeared in many movies and magazines. Eventually, both cars were sold with one going to Phil Hedback of Indianapolis who kept the car for twenty years before donating it to the ACD Museum in 1987. The other car, this example with chassis number 33222E, used this car as a model for replicas that he produced. The replicas were built from 1967 through 1975 with a fiberglass body and a variety of Ford V8 engines.
The car was treated to a restoration in the mid-nineties and was later judged by the Classic Car Club of America as a 1st Place Price example.
This example was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Meadow Brook where it was expected to sell between $450,000 - $550,000. The restoration is still very fresh and it is one of the nicest, most original, and well preserved examples in existence. At auction, bidders felt the same way and energetically bid the selling price up to $506,000.
 |  | View more photos Boattail Speedster |
 |  | View more photos Boattail Speedster |
 | View more photos Boattail Speedster |
Only 146 of the Speedster model were produced in 1935.
The 2004 ACD Western Meet Best of Show, winner of the Ab Jenkens award for the Best Auburn, 1st place.
Division Primary and 1st place Division Senior, Multiple Award Winning 150 hp 280 cu. in. inline flathead eight-cylinder engine with Schwizer-Cummins supercharger, Columbia two-speed rear end and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 127'
Errett Lobban Cord knew humdrum cars would not cut it; if a car was to sell, it would need to have sizzle. When he stepped in to save the Auburn Motor Car Company in 1924, production and sales had fallen to a critical level and the company teetered on the verge of bankruptcy. Cord took a number of unsold Auburns being stored at the manufacturing facility, gave them stylish paint schemes and extra nickel plating and proceeded to watch sales recover.
This was the sizzle Auburn desperately needed.
On later model Auburns, engine horsepower was boosted which had the effect of creating excitement among Auburn dealers. In terms of sales, Auburn was soon taking on long-established marques like Packard, Peerless and Stutz. Unfortunately, the depression hit Auburn sales right where it hurt most, in the balance sheet.
It is ironic that the company produced what many consider to be its ultimate masterpiece in 1935, just as the end was drawing near: the 851 Supercharged Speedster.
As such, it is a testimonial to the fighting spirit of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company, and to the legendary talent of one of greatest designers of the time.
Auburn had invested heavily in the largely new Al Leamy designed 1934 models. Although they sold better than the 1933's had, they were not the salvation the company needed. Worse still, Harold Ames, E.L. Cord's right hand man, hated the look of the cars. As a result, Ames' boss, Lucius B. Manning, decided he was just the man to solve the problem, and sent him to Auburn, putting him in charge of the company.
Clearly, a new look was desperately needed. With little money available, a completely new car was out of the question. Once again, the Ames called upon Gordon Buehrig to pull the figurative rabbit out of the hat. And once again, he delivered. Buehrig redesigned the front end of the cars, with a new grill and hood line. Auburn's signature new feature for 1935 was supercharging on the top-of-the-line models. Buehrig incorporated the external exhaust, which the American public had come to identify with supercharged engines, largely because of the mighty Model SJ Duesenberg.
Although the new 851 (and the next year's 852) models were certainly flashy enough, the 'new' was more than skin deep. The chassis was mostly carried over, although some updates were made. The car was fitted with a Lycoming-built straight-eight engine equipped with a new supercharger designed by Kurt Beier from Schwitzer-Cummins. In addition, the trusted and durable Columbia two-speed rear axle was fitted, allowing lower gearing for quicker acceleration, combined with a higher final drive ratio for improved top speed.
Still, something dramatic was needed to stimulate traffic in the showrooms. Taking a page from the company playbook, and knowing that Central Body Company still had more than 100 bodies left over from the 1933 speedster program, Ames decided that a new speedster would be the perfect attention-getter for the new line.
Ames, again, tapped Gordon Buehrig to design the new speedster. Buehrig decided to base the new design on a Duesenberg speedster he had designed for Weymann. The top, doors, windshield, and cowl could be used as-is, but a new tail would have to be made and the cowl would require modification to blend with the new 1935 front end. Finally, he added a stunning new set of pontoon fenders made up from multiple stampings of earlier Auburn front fenders.
The result was breathtaking, and the new car was soon seen everywhere from auto shows to newspapers to spark plug ads. To a public weary of the Depression, the new Auburn Speedster was automotive hope personified. Here was a car everyone could identify with, dream about, and wish for. It became, in many ways, the rolling icon of the art deco era.
Oddly enough, it was not a big seller, and dealers resisted taking the speedsters. While they proved to be excellent for public relations, in a sense they did their job too well, as the customers who were drawn to the showroom bought the more practical sedans or convertibles.
Auburn 851 Speedsters did not just look fast, they were fast! To prove this, famed race driver Ab Jenkins sat behind the wheel of an 851 Speedster and was the first American to set a 100 MPH average for a 12-hour period endurance record in a completely stock 851SC speedster. As a result, each Speedster built carried a dash plaque attesting to its over l00 MPH capability, bearing Ab Jenkins' signature.
Priced at $2,245 when new, estimates peg Auburn's loss per speedster at about $300 for every car built. But the logic behind Cord's decision was that this sleek model attracted customers to come in and purchase less expensive, but more profitable models. As a consequence, very few speedsters were built, making them highly prized today.
The current owner purchased the car from long time owner Fred Zaidian through Stan Gilliland of Auburn Cord Parts Company in Wellington, Kansas.
Notably, Mr. Zaidian owned the car for some 46 years before the Auburn was sold to the current owner.
The Auburn was on display at the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg museum during much of the 1980's before being moved on to Auburn-Cord Parts for a much needed restoration. Unfortunately, financial difficulties befell the Zaidian estate, requiring the sale of this automobile.
When the current owner purchased the Auburn it was complete, but quite unpresentable. It carried a certification (# A-150) from the A-C-D club as being a No. 1 - authentic Auburn Speedster with all numbers matching. In 2001, the current owner commissioned a show quality restoration by noted restorer Mark Clayton of Clayton Restorations of Castle Rock, Colorado.
The results - in black - are stunning, and at one of the car's first showings it won the prestigious Best of Show award at the annual West Coast meet of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club held in October 2004.
The following is a roster of the car's awards:
--West Coast - Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club 2004 Best of Show
--West Coast - Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club 2004 Best Auburn
--Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club 2004 1st Place, Primary, Speedster
--Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club 2004 1st Place, Senior, Speedster
Today the car is in pristine, show condition.
Paint, chrome, and upholstery are perfect, and engine bay and chassis detailing is exemplary.
Accordingly, the Speedster must be seen to truly appreciate the quality and correctness of it in its presentation and overall condition.
This car runs as it did when first off the assembly line in Auburn, Indiana. The engine, transmission and two-speed rear axle all perform in perfect harmony.
The odometer shows less than 100 miles from the time the restoration was completed in August 2004.Source - Vehicle Owner
Division Primary and 1st place Division Senior, Multiple Award Winning 150 hp 280 cu. in. inline flathead eight-cylinder engine with Schwizer-Cummins supercharger, Columbia two-speed rear end and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 127'
Errett Lobban Cord knew humdrum cars would not cut it; if a car was to sell, it would need to have sizzle. When he stepped in to save the Auburn Motor Car Company in 1924, production and sales had fallen to a critical level and the company teetered on the verge of bankruptcy. Cord took a number of unsold Auburns being stored at the manufacturing facility, gave them stylish paint schemes and extra nickel plating and proceeded to watch sales recover.
This was the sizzle Auburn desperately needed.
On later model Auburns, engine horsepower was boosted which had the effect of creating excitement among Auburn dealers. In terms of sales, Auburn was soon taking on long-established marques like Packard, Peerless and Stutz. Unfortunately, the depression hit Auburn sales right where it hurt most, in the balance sheet.
It is ironic that the company produced what many consider to be its ultimate masterpiece in 1935, just as the end was drawing near: the 851 Supercharged Speedster.
As such, it is a testimonial to the fighting spirit of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company, and to the legendary talent of one of greatest designers of the time.
Auburn had invested heavily in the largely new Al Leamy designed 1934 models. Although they sold better than the 1933's had, they were not the salvation the company needed. Worse still, Harold Ames, E.L. Cord's right hand man, hated the look of the cars. As a result, Ames' boss, Lucius B. Manning, decided he was just the man to solve the problem, and sent him to Auburn, putting him in charge of the company.
Clearly, a new look was desperately needed. With little money available, a completely new car was out of the question. Once again, the Ames called upon Gordon Buehrig to pull the figurative rabbit out of the hat. And once again, he delivered. Buehrig redesigned the front end of the cars, with a new grill and hood line. Auburn's signature new feature for 1935 was supercharging on the top-of-the-line models. Buehrig incorporated the external exhaust, which the American public had come to identify with supercharged engines, largely because of the mighty Model SJ Duesenberg.
Although the new 851 (and the next year's 852) models were certainly flashy enough, the 'new' was more than skin deep. The chassis was mostly carried over, although some updates were made. The car was fitted with a Lycoming-built straight-eight engine equipped with a new supercharger designed by Kurt Beier from Schwitzer-Cummins. In addition, the trusted and durable Columbia two-speed rear axle was fitted, allowing lower gearing for quicker acceleration, combined with a higher final drive ratio for improved top speed.
Still, something dramatic was needed to stimulate traffic in the showrooms. Taking a page from the company playbook, and knowing that Central Body Company still had more than 100 bodies left over from the 1933 speedster program, Ames decided that a new speedster would be the perfect attention-getter for the new line.
Ames, again, tapped Gordon Buehrig to design the new speedster. Buehrig decided to base the new design on a Duesenberg speedster he had designed for Weymann. The top, doors, windshield, and cowl could be used as-is, but a new tail would have to be made and the cowl would require modification to blend with the new 1935 front end. Finally, he added a stunning new set of pontoon fenders made up from multiple stampings of earlier Auburn front fenders.
The result was breathtaking, and the new car was soon seen everywhere from auto shows to newspapers to spark plug ads. To a public weary of the Depression, the new Auburn Speedster was automotive hope personified. Here was a car everyone could identify with, dream about, and wish for. It became, in many ways, the rolling icon of the art deco era.
Oddly enough, it was not a big seller, and dealers resisted taking the speedsters. While they proved to be excellent for public relations, in a sense they did their job too well, as the customers who were drawn to the showroom bought the more practical sedans or convertibles.
Auburn 851 Speedsters did not just look fast, they were fast! To prove this, famed race driver Ab Jenkins sat behind the wheel of an 851 Speedster and was the first American to set a 100 MPH average for a 12-hour period endurance record in a completely stock 851SC speedster. As a result, each Speedster built carried a dash plaque attesting to its over l00 MPH capability, bearing Ab Jenkins' signature.
Priced at $2,245 when new, estimates peg Auburn's loss per speedster at about $300 for every car built. But the logic behind Cord's decision was that this sleek model attracted customers to come in and purchase less expensive, but more profitable models. As a consequence, very few speedsters were built, making them highly prized today.
The current owner purchased the car from long time owner Fred Zaidian through Stan Gilliland of Auburn Cord Parts Company in Wellington, Kansas.
Notably, Mr. Zaidian owned the car for some 46 years before the Auburn was sold to the current owner.
The Auburn was on display at the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg museum during much of the 1980's before being moved on to Auburn-Cord Parts for a much needed restoration. Unfortunately, financial difficulties befell the Zaidian estate, requiring the sale of this automobile.
When the current owner purchased the Auburn it was complete, but quite unpresentable. It carried a certification (# A-150) from the A-C-D club as being a No. 1 - authentic Auburn Speedster with all numbers matching. In 2001, the current owner commissioned a show quality restoration by noted restorer Mark Clayton of Clayton Restorations of Castle Rock, Colorado.
The results - in black - are stunning, and at one of the car's first showings it won the prestigious Best of Show award at the annual West Coast meet of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club held in October 2004.
The following is a roster of the car's awards:
--West Coast - Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club 2004 Best of Show
--West Coast - Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club 2004 Best Auburn
--Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club 2004 1st Place, Primary, Speedster
--Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club 2004 1st Place, Senior, Speedster
Today the car is in pristine, show condition.
Paint, chrome, and upholstery are perfect, and engine bay and chassis detailing is exemplary.
Accordingly, the Speedster must be seen to truly appreciate the quality and correctness of it in its presentation and overall condition.
This car runs as it did when first off the assembly line in Auburn, Indiana. The engine, transmission and two-speed rear axle all perform in perfect harmony.
The odometer shows less than 100 miles from the time the restoration was completed in August 2004.Source - Vehicle Owner
| | View more photos Phaeton |
Started in 1903 by Frank and Morris Eckhart of Auburn, Indiana was the Auburn Motor Company. With E.L. Cord the general manager in 1925, the Auburn Motor Company made a change concentrating on style while other car manufacturing companies were devoting time to engineering. It was a very good choice for Auburn, with Cord increasing their sales 15 times as much as they were in 1924.
1935 marked the year Auburn would produce the 8-851, an eight-cylinder, 115 horsepower vehicle. With the body designed by Gordon Buehrig, a supercharged version of the Boattail Speedster was also created to attract newer customers. But with the depression, Buehrig returned to General Motors and Auburn would have to stop production and finalize its closing in the next 2 years.Kyle McMullen
1935 marked the year Auburn would produce the 8-851, an eight-cylinder, 115 horsepower vehicle. With the body designed by Gordon Buehrig, a supercharged version of the Boattail Speedster was also created to attract newer customers. But with the depression, Buehrig returned to General Motors and Auburn would have to stop production and finalize its closing in the next 2 years.Kyle McMullen
The success of the vehicles and the survival of the company up to this point were due mostly to Erret Lobban Cord. The Auburn Company had come into existence in 1877 producing wagons. In 1903 the direction of the company switched to creating automobiles, their first being a one-cylinder chain-driven runabout. The styling and diversity of the vehicles evolved over the years, as did the mechanical capabilities and technological innovations. The Great Depression had taken its toll on the Auburn Company and was headed to receivership when it was rescued by William Wrigley. Cord was recruited to assume the duties of general manager. This fast-talking, energetic, sales man, though less than thirty years old, was the right man for the job. By applying new paint to a parking lot of excess vehicles, Cord was able to sell over 750 cars in just a few months. This earned him the title of vice president and in 1926 he became president and primary stockholder of the Auburn Company.
Throughout the next few years, the Auburn/Cord Company would experience highs and lows. The L-29 featured front-wheel drive, a first in the industry.
Designer Gordon Buehrig and engine designer Augie Duesenberg were tasked with creating a new design for 1935. A V-12 Speedster was used as a starting point. The front-end, cowl, and bonnet were completely reworked. It was given a convertible body-style that was low and complimented its small side windows. The masculine look of the Auburn 851 was due in part to its teardrop headlamps, chrome exhaust pipes, pontoon fenders, and newly styled grille and hood.
Under the hood lurked a 279 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine. An existing six-cylinder engine had been outfitted with two additional cylinders while keeping the bore and stroke the same. The result was a 115 horsepower in natural aspiration form and 150 when outfitted with the Schwitzer-Cummings supercharger.
The vehicle was put through its paces at a 24-hour endurance run in the Bonneville Salt Flats with driver, Ab Jenkins proving the vehicle was capable of exceeding 100 miles per hour.
The car was introduced in 1935 and expectations were high but sales were low. Just over 5,000 examples were sold during its initial production year. For 1936 the name was switched to 852 and this did nothing to help sales, with just 1850 vehicles sold.
Unfortunately, in 1936 the Auburn Company went out of business. The Auburn 851's exclusivity is guaranteed by it limited production. It is a wonderful creation and hinted at what might have been if the company would have stayed in business. It was unique and distinctive.
Throughout the next few years, the Auburn/Cord Company would experience highs and lows. The L-29 featured front-wheel drive, a first in the industry.
Designer Gordon Buehrig and engine designer Augie Duesenberg were tasked with creating a new design for 1935. A V-12 Speedster was used as a starting point. The front-end, cowl, and bonnet were completely reworked. It was given a convertible body-style that was low and complimented its small side windows. The masculine look of the Auburn 851 was due in part to its teardrop headlamps, chrome exhaust pipes, pontoon fenders, and newly styled grille and hood.
Under the hood lurked a 279 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine. An existing six-cylinder engine had been outfitted with two additional cylinders while keeping the bore and stroke the same. The result was a 115 horsepower in natural aspiration form and 150 when outfitted with the Schwitzer-Cummings supercharger.
The vehicle was put through its paces at a 24-hour endurance run in the Bonneville Salt Flats with driver, Ab Jenkins proving the vehicle was capable of exceeding 100 miles per hour.
The car was introduced in 1935 and expectations were high but sales were low. Just over 5,000 examples were sold during its initial production year. For 1936 the name was switched to 852 and this did nothing to help sales, with just 1850 vehicles sold.
Unfortunately, in 1936 the Auburn Company went out of business. The Auburn 851's exclusivity is guaranteed by it limited production. It is a wonderful creation and hinted at what might have been if the company would have stayed in business. It was unique and distinctive.
1935 Auburn 851 |
|
| Year | 1935 |
| Make | Auburn |
| Model | 851 |
| Body Style | Convertible Coupe |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Production Years for Series | 1935 |
| Weight | 3750 lbs | 1701 kg |
| Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown | |
| Chassis Number | 33094E |
| Engine Number | GH4309 |
| Chassis Number | 33222E |
| Chassis Number | 851-2631F |
| Performance | |
| Top Speed | 165 km/h | 102.5 mph Similar top speeds |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | V |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Aspiration/Induction | Supercharged |
| Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger | |
| Displacement | 279.00 CU IN. | 4572.8 cc. | 4.6 L. |
| Valves | 16 valves. 2 valves per cylinder. |
| Horsepower | 150.00 HP (110.4 KW) @ 4000.00 RPM |
| HP to Weight Ratio | 25.0 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio) |
| HP / Liter | 32.6 BHP / Liter |
| Compression Ratio | 6.50:1 |
| Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight | |
| Standard Transmission | |
| Gears | 3 |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Final Drive | 3.00 |
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Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com