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 |  | View more photos Speedster Chassis Num: 2914E |
Though these vehicles were the complete package, encompassing a daring style, durable engine, and superior performance, they failed to amass a profit. It is estimated that at the $2245 sticker price, the company lost $300.
This 1936 Auburn 852SC Boattail Speedster with chassis number 2914E was estimated to fetch between $350,000 - $450,000 at the 2006 RM Auctions at Meadow Brook. After some interest from buyers, the bid achieved $240,000. This was not enough to satisfy the reserve and the vehicle was not sold.
It is equipped with a 280 cubic-inch side valve eight-cylinder engine with Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger that produces 150 horsepower. It sits on a 127 inch wheelbase and is suspended in place by leaf spring and solid axle front suspension. In the rear are leaf springs and a live rear axle. Brakes are four-wheel hydraulic drums.
In 2003 it was entered in the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance where it received the coveted Peoples Choice Award. It has also been awarded an AACA National First Prize.
 |  | View more photos Speedster |
| | View more photos Speedster Chassis Num: 852-34631E Engine Num: GH4742 |
The Art Deco designed 852 was a flamboyantly designed vehicle that featured a racked windshield and tapered tail, accented with chrome trim throughout.
A.B. Jenkins drove a stock Auburn on the Bonneville Salt Flats to an American class speed record and proving the vehicles potential. Sadly, the company officially closed its doors in October of 1937.
This turquoise Speedster has been treated to restoration, though it was completed in the 1980s. The restoration still appears very fresh in modern times. At auction the car was offered without reserve and estimated to fetch between $250,000 - $450,000. That estimate proved to be accurate, as a willing buyer was found. Including the buyer's premium, the car found a new owner for the price of $423,500.
This year marked the end of the Auburn automobiles. The Auburn line for 1936 consisted of three six-cylinder models and four eight-cylinder models. This 1936 Auburn 852 Supercharged Dual Ratio speedster is an extraordinary example of the most significant pre-World War II automobiles built.
While little is known of its early history, the vehicle was part of the famous Blackhawk Collection in the late 1990s before being sold to a European collector. The vehicle remained in the European collection until August of 2007 when it was sold to its current owner.
Chassis number 34631E ahs been expertly and correctly restored from an excellent and original example. It is fitted with engine number GH4742 which retains its original Columbia two-speed, dual ratio rear end.
The original wire wheels have been fitted with appropriate polished wheel disc and whitewall tires.
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.
1936 Auburn 852 Supercharged Eight |
|
| Year | 1936 |
| Make | Auburn |
| Model | 852 Supercharged Eight |
| Body Style | Speedster |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Production Years for Series | 1936 |
| Price | $2,245.00 |
| Weight | 3715 lbs | 1685.1 kg |
| Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown | |
| Chassis Number | 2914E |
| Chassis Number | 852-34631E |
| Engine Number | GH4742 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | S |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Aspiration/Induction | Supercharged |
| Displacement | 280.00 CU IN. | 4589.2 cc. | 4.6 L. |
| Valves | 16 valves. 2 valves per cylinder. |
| Valvetrain | SV |
| Horsepower | 150.00 BHP (110.4 KW) |
| HP to Weight Ratio | 24.8 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio) |
| HP / Liter | 32.6 BHP / Liter |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Petrol |
| Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight | |
| Standard Transmission | |
| Gears | 3 |
| Transmission | Manual |
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| Other models by Auburn |
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| 1936 Auburn models |
| 654 |
| 852 Speedster |
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