1929 Auburn 8-90 Speedster

The Speedster was one of the Auburn Automobile Company's most famous body style. It was introduced in 1928, and it was the first of three generations that were built by the company as name-building products. The Speedster was successful at attracting buyers, setting both speed and distance records for stock cars, and for boosting the reputation of the marque. In 1929, speedsters were offered in two lines, the 8-90 and the 120. At midyear in 1929, Auburn announced its progress since Mr. Cord had come to the company in 1924. In just five years total sales had jumped from 2 million dollars to a projected 80 million dollars.

Auburn expanded its operations to Connersville, Indiana, where production began on January 15th, 1929.

This 8-90 Speedster is powered by a Lycoming eight-cylinder engine that produces 90 horsepower. The wheelbase measures 125 inches and the car weighs 3,245 pounds. In 1929, the car cost $1,495.

This Auburn has an 'S' on its serial number plate, denoting the body style. It is believed that this was a 1928 model that was subsequently renumbered by the factory to sell in 1929.

During the early 1950s, this Speedster was owned by Bob Graham of California, and then by the Harrah Automobile Collection. While there, it was refinished but otherwise remained an original car. In 1985, at the Harrah's dispersal auction, the car entered the custodianship of Sally Cord Hummel, daughter of its manufacturer, E.L. Cord. She placed the car on anonymous loan to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in its hometown of Auburn, Indiana, where it was exhibited for 14 years. During this time, the speedster was inspected by the ACD Club and Certified as a Category 1 Original Car.

Edward Herrmann acquired the car in 1999 and commissioned RM Auto Restoration to undertake a complete restoration. The Harrah's inventory tag, number 186, was preserved and remains present on the firewall. Upon completion, the car wore a two-tone paint scheme of green and was presented in 2001 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and won its class. At that year's Michigan Grand Classic, it scored a perfect 100 points.

In 2011, the car was sold to Terence Adderley.