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1931 Auburn Model 8-98A Phaeton Sedan

  • Chassis Number: 10761 H
  • Engine Number: GU 46684
  • Gearbox Number: 3M-1-E
  • Body Number: L-28 2008
Errett Lobban Cord joined Auburn as general manager in 1924. Cord quickly set about restyling the cars, increasing sales, and diverted the company's path away from bankruptcy. In 1925 Cord arranged for Lycoming straight-eight engines to be installed in the existing six-cylinder chassis. In 1925, Auburns featured two-tone color schemes and a novel beltline that swept up over the bonnet. For three consecutive years, sales doubled. In 1926, Cord became president of the Auburn Automobile Company.

By the close of the 1920s, the eight-cylinder Auburns were becoming 'America's fastest' automobile. Al Leamy drove an 8-115 Speedster at 108.46mph over the measured mile at Daytona and went on to take the 24-hour record at Atlantic City Speedway.

Not only were the eight-cylinder Auburns encroaching on Stutz's speed accolade territory, but they were also exceptional value for money. The top-of-the-line 1931 Speedster sold for $1,395 which was less than half the price of the equivalent Stutz.

For 1931, the Auburns were given sweeping fenders and long hoods, a design that was used through 1933. The double-drop X-braced frame allowed the overall height to be three inches lower than previous models.

The Convertible Phaeton Sedan model was priced at $1,345 and featured exclusive options including roll-up windows and removable center pillars for a tight seal with the top raised. This example is a CCCA Grand Caravan tour car for many years. It has been restored and preserved for two decades and was in the same ownership for more than a quarter-century before, during and after its concours-correct restoration. The Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club has given this car a Category 1 Certification as an original and unmolested example of its type.

Options on this car include dual side-mounted spare wheels, an accessory trunk and rack, dual chrome horns, and driving lamps. The interior has recently been re-trimmed in new and correct black leather. The exterior is finished in black and silver and accented by chrome bumpers, chrome spoke wheels with wide whitewall tires, factory-applied custom trim, and a tan cloth convertible top.

In 2013, the car was offered for sale at Bonhams Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $92,000, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013

2013 Bonhams - The Scottsdale Auction

Sale Price :
USD $92,000

1931 Auburn Model 8-98A Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Auburn Model 8-98A

(Data based on Model Year 1931 sales)
1931 AUBURN 8-98A CABRIOLET
Chassis#: 898A10173F
Sold for USD$154,000
  2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ
1931 Auburn Model 8-98A image  1931 Auburn Model 8-98A image  
1931 Auburn 8-98A Custom Cabriolet
Chassis#: 8-98A 10173 F
Sold for USD$86,900
  2023 RM Sothebys : Hershey
1931 Auburn Model 8-98A image  1931 Auburn Model 8-98A image  
1931 Auburn 8-98A Boattail Speedster
Sold for USD$271,600
  2022 Bonhams : Amelia Island Concours
1931 Auburn Model 8-98A image  
1931 Auburn Fooserati Custom
Sold for USD$39,600
  2022 Mecum : Kissimmee
 
1931 AUBURN 8-98A CABRIOLET
Chassis#: 898A13046F
Sold for USD$112,000
  2021 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction
1931 Auburn Model 8-98A image  1931 Auburn Model 8-98A image  
1931 Auburn 8-98A Sedan
Chassis#: 8-98 35388-A
Sold for USD$19,800
  2019 RM Sothebys : Hershey
 
1931 Auburn Eight Custom Speedster
Chassis#: 8-98A 16951 E
Sold for USD$190,400
  2018 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island
1931 Auburn Model 8-98A image  1931 Auburn Model 8-98A image  
1931 Auburn Eight Phaeton Sedan
Chassis#: 898A 15822 H
Sold for USD$117,000
  2017 Auctions America : Auburn Fall
 
1931 Auburn 8-98A Convertible
Sold for USD$85,000
  2016 Mecum - Indianapolis
 
1931 Auburn 8-98A Phaeton Convertible Sedan
Chassis#: 10761 H
Sold for USD$92,000
  2013 Bonhams - The Scottsdale Auction
1931 Auburn Model 8-98A image  
1931 Auburn 8-98A Cabriolet
Sold for USD$108,000
  2012 Branson Auction - Spring 2012
 
1931 Auburn 8-98A Cabriolet
Sold for USD$75,000
  2011 Leake Car Auctions - Tulsa - 39th Annual Leake Auto Auction
 
1931 Auburn Boattail Speedster Custom
Chassis#: 2885349A
Sold for USD$137,500
  2004 The Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction
 
1931 Auburn 8-98A Boattail Speedster
Sold for USD$72,600
  2003 JEM Museum Collection
 
1931 Auburn 8-98A Cabriolet
Sold for USD$60,000
  2003 Vintage Motor Cars at Amelia Island
 

Auburn Model 8-98As That Failed To Sell At Auction

1931 Auburn Model 8-98A's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1931 AUBURN 8-98A CABRIOLET898A11832F2011 Worldwide Auctions The Auburn Auction $110,000$130,000

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1931 Auburn Model 8-98A Vehicle Profiles