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1933 Auburn Model 12-161 Navigation
Auburns were built by the Auburn Automobile Company, Auburn, Indiana, which also built Cords and Duesenbergs. Auburn built well-engineered classics and sold them for very competitive prices.
Harold Ames tried to bring Auburn back to its former glory and one of the first steps was the revitalization of the twelve-cylinder model that had been re-baptized as the 12-161A for 1933. Although the 851 is the most famous of all Auburn models, it was not enough to save the company from a second bankruptcy in twelve years.
In 1933 only 41 of these cars were produced and sold for $1,495. The low, sleek design was unique for an American-made car at that time. The Lycoming 12-cylinder engine was also unique for a car of this price range. Other features are free wheeling, dual ratio axle, and knock-off hubs.
This vehicle was restored to its original condition. It has scored between 99 and 100 points in judging and has been in the hands of the current owners since 2003.
Harold Ames tried to bring Auburn back to its former glory and one of the first steps was the revitalization of the twelve-cylinder model that had been re-baptized as the 12-161A for 1933. Although the 851 is the most famous of all Auburn models, it was not enough to save the company from a second bankruptcy in twelve years.
In 1933 only 41 of these cars were produced and sold for $1,495. The low, sleek design was unique for an American-made car at that time. The Lycoming 12-cylinder engine was also unique for a car of this price range. Other features are free wheeling, dual ratio axle, and knock-off hubs.
This vehicle was restored to its original condition. It has scored between 99 and 100 points in judging and has been in the hands of the current owners since 2003.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
1933 Auburn Model 12-161 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Auburn Model 12-161
(Data based on Model Year 1933 sales)
1933 Auburn Twelve Salon Speedster Chassis#: 2421 Sold for USD$385,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Hershey | ![]() ![]() |
1933 Auburn Twelve Salon Phaeton Chassis#: 12-165 1147 H Sold for USD$268,800 2022 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | ![]() ![]() |
1933 AUBURN 12 161A SALON PHAETON CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: 1156 Sold for USD$220,000 2022 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale, Arizona | |
1933 Auburn Twelve Salon Speedster Sold for USD$330,000 2020 RM Sothebys : Auburn Fall Auction | |
1933 Auburn 12-161A Cabriolet Chassis#: 12161BB2578 Sold for USD$126,500 2019 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale, Arizona | |
1933 AUBURN 12 161A SALON PHAETON CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: 1156 Sold for USD$165,000 2017 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale | |
1933 Auburn 12-161 Convertible Coupé Chassis#: 400 Sold for USD$161,061 2016 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais | |
1933 Auburn 12-161A Custom Speedster Chassis#: 160 1146E Sold for USD$451,000 2014 Bonhams - The Scottsdale Auction | |
1933 Auburn Twelve Custom Speedster Chassis#: 2119E Sold for USD$1,210,000 2013 RM Auction - Art of the Automobile | ![]() ![]() |
1933 Auburn Twelve Custom Phaeton Sedan Chassis#: 12161A21874 Sold for USD$275,000 2013 Worldwide Auctions - Auburn | |
1933 Auburn Twelve Custom Phaeton Sedan Chassis#: 1094H Sold for USD$203,500 2010 RM Auctions - Sports & Classics of Monterey | ![]() ![]() |
1933 Auburn Twelve Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2148H Sold for USD$156,750 2010 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Arizona | |
1933 Auburn Model 12-161A Conv. Sedan Sold for USD$214,500 2003 Carail Museum |
Auburn Model 12-161s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1933 Auburn Model 12-161's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1933 Auburn Twelve Salon Phaeton | 2023 RM Sothebys : Hershey | $225,000 | $275,000 | ||
1933 AUBURN 12-161A SALON PHAETON | 2156 H | 2016 Bonhams : Quail Lodge | $200,000 | $240,000 | |
1933 AUBURN 161 A PHAETON | 2001 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN | $120,000 |
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1933 Auburn Model 12-161
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