1933 Auburn Model 12-161 Phaeton Sedan

Auburn's glory years were those in which Errett Loban Cord was in charge from the mid-Twenties to the end of production in 1937. The Auburn 165hp V-12 was the least expensive V-12 ever offered to the American public. The special Salon series was offered for 1933 only as an attempt to increase sales. They were denoted by a specially strengthened chassis, adjustable vacuum-boosted brakes, a veed grille, unique headlamp lenses, extra chrome trim added to the edges of the fenders and hood louvers and ribbon bumpers. Inside the instrument panel was unique to the model as were two front bucket seats. Auburn produced just 5,038 new cars in 1933. This rare Auburn was one of the first Auburns to have its body built by the Limousine Body Company, supplier of the company's convertible coachwork after the firm was relocated to Connersville, Indiana.

This 1933 Twelve Salon Phaeton was one of the first Auburns to receive a body built by the Limousine Body Company, supplier of the company's convertible coachwork, after the firm was relocated to Connersville, Indiana.

The ownership history of this vehicle is known from the late 1940s when it was owned by Arthur Patterson of Daly City in Northern California. The car later passed to Marshall Hughes of Kansas City and then to Richard Carrington of Nebraska. It was then traded, through Mort Kresteller, to the late Dr. Elwood 'Bud' Greist of Livermore, California. While in his care, the car received a restoration that began in the late 1970s and continued through the late 1980s. At its completion, the car was an award-winner at Pebble Beach in 1987 and subsequently judged Best Auburn at the West Coast Meet in 1990 and Best of Show at the annual Silverado Concours.

In 1991, Dr. Greist sold the Auburn to Andy Granatelli of STP and Indianapolis racing fame. Later it passed to Richard Scott of Ohio and finally to the present owner in 2000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2022