1936 Auburn 654 Cabriolet

For 1936, the Auburn Company produced two series, the six-cylinder 654 and the eight-cylinder 852. Each series was available in standard, custom and salon trim levels. In addition, there was the supercharged series in the 852 line which included the speedsters. During the course of the 1936 model year, Auburn added additional models to the lineup, including an ambulance, a hearse, a limousine, and an airport limousine. Even with this broad lineup of vehicles, total sales for the year were a mere 1850 units. With annual losses totaling more than one million dollars, the Cord Corporation, which was the parent company of the Auburn Automobile Company, decided to discontinue the Auburn line.

The Auburn 654 was powered by a 210 cubic-inch in-line six-cylinder Lycoming engine that produces a respective 85 horsepower. The wheelbase measured 120 inches and the Cabriolet body style weighed 3180 pounds. As the least expensive open-bodied Auburn, the 654 Cabriolet cost $954. In comparison, a Chevrolet Cabriolet was priced at $595.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2010