1935 Auburn Model 653 Cabriolet

The Auburn Automobile Company sold far more sedans and coupes than Speedster, though the boattail speedsters were responsible for earning the company's reputation and popularity. The company also built sixes as well as eight-cylinder cars.

This Auburn 6-653 features the new Auburn look for 1935, which was a redesign by Gordon Buehrig, who had earlier designed Duesenberg bodies as well as the Cord 810. The first two series introduced to the public with the new design were the Auburn 653 Six and 851 Eight Standard models.

Five different body styles were available in the 6-653 series, including this sporty convertible coupe with a rumble seat. Selling for about $1,000 in 1935, this represented a lot of car for the money.

The Lycoming six-cylinder engine produced 85 horsepower with a three-speed transmission and a Columbia Dual-Ratio rear axle was available as optional equipment. The wheelbase measured 120 inches, and the suspension included a solid front axle, a live rear axle, and semi-elliptic leaf springs all around. Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes were also located front and rear.