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In spite of the lingering effects of the Great Depression that gripped the United States and most of the world car designers continued to find inspiration and hope and produced some of the most memorable and remarkable custom coachwork. This wasn't just relegated to the Bugattis, Duesenbergs or Mercedes-Benzes of the world, there would be others that offered some truly fantastic and provoking designs. One such company could be found in Auburn, Indiana.
Born out of the Eckhart Carriage Company, Auburn Automobile Company would begin producing automobiles as early as 1904. By the 1920s, the company would be partnered with the Duesenberg Corporation. Having such a partnership helped the company employ some of the best and most imaginative designers. Alan Leamy would be one of those. He would go on to produce the well-respected Auburn Speedster and the 654 Cabriolet.
Having a motor racing influence, Auburn's designs would be futuristic, sleek, and yet, very elegant at the same time. Perhaps no design better embodied this than the Boattail Speedster.
The brainchild of Gordon Buehrig, the Boattail Speedster would be nothing but a work of art from nose to tail, each and everyone that would be produced. It featured the Art Deco influences of the day, but also, the aerodynamic influences of tomorrow.
By the time the Boattail Speedster came onto the scene, Auburn was already barely standing on its final leg. Production would cease in 1937, and this meant the number of Boattails would be small. In fact, between 1935 and 1936 just a total of 147 examples would be built, each one pieces of art from a gallery that was soon to close its doors.
Chassis 33914E would be one of those 147 and would be completed in 1936. One of the options offered at the time was the car could be painted in nearly any conceivable finish. This particular car would virtually stand alone among the others of its day as it boasted a striking hue of maroon and dark brown that only became more and more intriguing with different levels of light. But the finish wouldn't be the only exciting aspect of the car. Only the 147 examples that would be built between 1935 and 1936 would make use of the EX-32 Stromberg carburetor. Inspection of the car would reveal it still had this uncommon feature. Complete with the dramatic shape, unique engine and carburetor, exquisite finish and the undeniable exhaust, this Boattail certainly demanded respect.
It would be out of respect for the design and its inspiration the car would undergo an extensive restoration beginning in 2002. One of only about 50 examples of the Boattail Speedsters, no expense would be spared and as much of its original qualities would be kept. This would include the deeply stunning exterior finish and many other details.
Upon completion, the car would take part in the 2003 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance. The work would be recognized and rewarded as the Auburn would come away with the People's Choice Award. This would attract the attention of the Petersen Automotive Museum and a deal would be struck sending the car to the museum for a period of about three years before it was again purchased, this time by Paul Petrovich of Sacramento.
The car would receive an invitation for the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and this would spark another, very detailed, restoration effort in which every small detail, even the original factory measurements of the splash pans, would be sought after and applied in order to make the Boattail as correct as possible. The efforts would be rewarded and the car would come away having earned the Editor's Choice award. This would lead to a Best in Show at the Niello Concours in El Dorado Hills, California.
A fine, award-winning example of the masterful Auburn Boattail Speedster, chassis 33914E would be made available for purchase as part of Gooding & Company's Scottsdale, Arizona auction in January of 2015. Striking and evocative from almost every angle, this Auburn would draw pre-auction estimates of between $700,000 and $850,000.By Jeremy McMullen
Born out of the Eckhart Carriage Company, Auburn Automobile Company would begin producing automobiles as early as 1904. By the 1920s, the company would be partnered with the Duesenberg Corporation. Having such a partnership helped the company employ some of the best and most imaginative designers. Alan Leamy would be one of those. He would go on to produce the well-respected Auburn Speedster and the 654 Cabriolet.
Having a motor racing influence, Auburn's designs would be futuristic, sleek, and yet, very elegant at the same time. Perhaps no design better embodied this than the Boattail Speedster.
The brainchild of Gordon Buehrig, the Boattail Speedster would be nothing but a work of art from nose to tail, each and everyone that would be produced. It featured the Art Deco influences of the day, but also, the aerodynamic influences of tomorrow.
By the time the Boattail Speedster came onto the scene, Auburn was already barely standing on its final leg. Production would cease in 1937, and this meant the number of Boattails would be small. In fact, between 1935 and 1936 just a total of 147 examples would be built, each one pieces of art from a gallery that was soon to close its doors.
Chassis 33914E would be one of those 147 and would be completed in 1936. One of the options offered at the time was the car could be painted in nearly any conceivable finish. This particular car would virtually stand alone among the others of its day as it boasted a striking hue of maroon and dark brown that only became more and more intriguing with different levels of light. But the finish wouldn't be the only exciting aspect of the car. Only the 147 examples that would be built between 1935 and 1936 would make use of the EX-32 Stromberg carburetor. Inspection of the car would reveal it still had this uncommon feature. Complete with the dramatic shape, unique engine and carburetor, exquisite finish and the undeniable exhaust, this Boattail certainly demanded respect.
It would be out of respect for the design and its inspiration the car would undergo an extensive restoration beginning in 2002. One of only about 50 examples of the Boattail Speedsters, no expense would be spared and as much of its original qualities would be kept. This would include the deeply stunning exterior finish and many other details.
Upon completion, the car would take part in the 2003 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance. The work would be recognized and rewarded as the Auburn would come away with the People's Choice Award. This would attract the attention of the Petersen Automotive Museum and a deal would be struck sending the car to the museum for a period of about three years before it was again purchased, this time by Paul Petrovich of Sacramento.
The car would receive an invitation for the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and this would spark another, very detailed, restoration effort in which every small detail, even the original factory measurements of the splash pans, would be sought after and applied in order to make the Boattail as correct as possible. The efforts would be rewarded and the car would come away having earned the Editor's Choice award. This would lead to a Best in Show at the Niello Concours in El Dorado Hills, California.
A fine, award-winning example of the masterful Auburn Boattail Speedster, chassis 33914E would be made available for purchase as part of Gooding & Company's Scottsdale, Arizona auction in January of 2015. Striking and evocative from almost every angle, this Auburn would draw pre-auction estimates of between $700,000 and $850,000.By Jeremy McMullen
2022 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $800,000-USD $1,000,000
Sale Price :
USD $692,500
2015 Gooding & Company - Arizona
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $700,000-USD $850,000
Sale Price :
USD $770,000
2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $525,000-USD $575,000
Sale Price :
USD $605,000
1936 Auburn 852 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Auburn 852
(Data based on Model Year 1936 sales)
1936 Auburn 852 Supercharged Cabriolet Chassis#: 35263M Sold for USD$114,800 2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center | |
1936 Auburn 852 SC Phaeton Chassis#: 34630H Sold for USD$84,000 2022 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1936 AUBURN 852 SC BOATTAIL SPEEDSTER Chassis#: 33914-E Sold for USD$692,500 2022 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster Chassis#: SMS109089 Sold for USD$126,500 2021 RM Auctions : Auburn Fall | |
1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster Chassis#: GH5425 Sold for USD$880,000 2020 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale Arizona Auction | |
1936 Auburn 852 SC Phaeton Convertible Sold for USD$88,000 2019 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale, Arizona | |
1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster Chassis#: 35364E Sold for USD$1,017,500 2018 Mecum : Monterey | |
1936 Auburn 852 Cabriolet Sold for USD$121,000 2018 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1936 Auburn Eight Custom Cabriolet Chassis#: 852 5992 F Sold for USD$93,500 2017 RM Sothebys : Hershey | |
1936 Auburn Eight Custom Phaeton Sedan Chassis#: 852 4688 H Sold for USD$99,000 2017 RM Sothebys : Hershey | |
1936 Auburn Eight Supercharged Speedster Chassis#: 852 35209 E Sold for USD$1,017,500 2017 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1936 Auburn Speedster Sold for USD$45,000 2017 GAA : July | |
1936 Auburn 852 Supercharged Phaeton Sedan Sold for USD$90,750 2016 Auctions America : Auburn Spring | |
1936 Auburn 852 Speedster Replica Sold for USD$70,400 2015 Auctions America - Auburn Fall | |
1936 Auburn 852 Phaeton Sedan Chassis#: 4652H Sold for USD$67,100 2015 Bonhams : Greenwich Concours | |
1936 AUBURN BOATTAIL SPEEDSTER CUSTOM RE-CREATION Chassis#: AZ290583 Sold for USD$121,000 2015 Barrett-Jackson - Scottsdale | |
1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster Chassis#: 33914E Sold for USD$770,000 2015 Gooding & Company - Arizona | |
1936 AUBURN BOATTAIL SPEEDSTER CUSTOM RE-CREATION Chassis#: AZ290583 Sold for USD$93,500 2014 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas | |
1936 AUBURN BOATTAIL SPEEDSTER CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: 535263E Sold for USD$67,100 2014 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas | |
1936 Auburn 852 Supercharged Phaeton Sedan Sold for USD$95,700 2014 Auctions America - Auburn Fall |
Auburn 852s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1936 Auburn 852's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1936 Auburn 852 Phaeton Sedan | 2022 Mecum Indy | $120,000 | |||
1936 Auburn 852 Cabriolet | 2017 Mecum : Las Vegas | $120,000 | |||
1936 Auburn Boat Tail Speedster | 2017 Carlisle Auctions : Lakeland Fall | ||||
1936 Auburn 852 Phaeton | 5817 H | 2017 The Finest : Boca Raton | $110,000 | $140,000 | |
1936 Auburn 852 Convertible Sedan | 2017 Mecum : Kissimmee | $90,000 | |||
1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster | 35364E | 2015 Mecum : Monterey | $700,000 | $800,000 | $1,000,000 |
1936 Auburn 852SC Phaeton Sedan | 2014 Auctions America Auburn Spring | $90,000 | |||
1936 AUBURN BOATTAIL SPEEDSTER REPLICA | 2014 Mecum Houston | $29,000 | |||
1936 Auburn 852 Supercharged Phaeton | 2013 Auctions America Auburn Fall | $130,000 | |||
1936 Auburn Speedster Replica | 2013 Auctions America Auburn Fall | ||||
1936 Auburn Roadster | 4SM7380 | 2013 Russo & Steele Newport Beach | $185,000 | ||
1936 AUBURN SPEEDSTER | 2013 GPK Auction Atlantic City | ||||
1936 Auburn 852SC Boattail Speedster | 85235209E | 2012 RM Auctions London | $290,000 | $340,000 | $390,000 |
1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster 2007 AACA Senior National 1st Prize | 35364E | 2012 Mecum Monterey, CA | $625,000 | ||
1936 AUBURN BOATAIL REPLICA | 2009 Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions February 2009 | $22,000 | |||
1936 AUBURN BOATTAIL SPEEDSTER | 2007 Silver Auction Sun Valley | $70,000 | |||
1936 AUBURN BOAT TAIL SPEEDSTER | AZ276020 | 2007 Silver Auction Hot August Nights | $65,000 | ||
1936 AUBURN BOAT TAIL SPEEDSTER | AZ276020 | 2007 Silver Auction Hot August Nights | $65,000 | ||
1936 AUBURN BOAT TAIL SPEEDSTER | AZ276020 | 2007 Silver Auction Hot August Nights | $65,000 | ||
1936 AUBURN BOATAIL SPCON | AZ264443 | 2004 Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions November 2004 | $32,000 | ||
1936 AUBURN (REPLICA) BOATAIL SPEEDSTER | 2003 Kruse Auction Denver, CO | $27,000 | |||
1936 AUBURN 852 CONVERTIBLE SEDAN | 2001 Kruse Auction Santa Clara, CA | $65,000 | |||
1936 AUBURN 852 SPEEDSTER | 2001 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN | $140,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $199,841 range.
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2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 Chassis#:2c3cdzl92ph102751 Sold for $198,000 2024 Mecum : Houston | |
1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible Chassis#:5662028758 Sold for $198,000 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Chassis#:194377s109368 Sold for $198,000 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Chassis#:124379n705427 Sold for $198,000 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
2002 BMW Z8 Chassis#:WBAEJ13462AH61832 Sold for $201,600 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435HP Convertible Chassis#:194677S119348 Sold for $201,600 2024 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | |
1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Roadster Chassis#:875256 Sold for $199,739 2024 RM Sothebys : Paris | |
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2023 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT DEMON 170 Chassis#:2C3CDZL98PH101460 Sold for $198,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#:194377S112425 Sold for $198,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
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1956 CHEVROLET NOMAD CUSTOM WAGON Chassis#:B56B123518 Sold for $198,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
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1936 Auburn 852
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