1933 Auburn Model 12-165 Speedster

In 1925, Errett Lobban Cord, an American who rose from used car dealer to industrial giant and at times possessed automobile, airplane and motor companies, took over the majority of shares of a previously unsuccessful automobile company by the name of Auburn.

By the 1930s, due to improved roads, speed truly was of the essence. The very talented designer Al Leamy created some of the most striking and sleek designs of the period, the pinnacle being the Auburn Boattail Speedster.

The 1932-1934 Auburn Twelve was the least expensive V-12 ever at $975 for the Standard coupe of $1,275 for the top-of-the-line Custom Speedster. The Twelve featured power by Lycoming in a huge double-braced frame. The V-12 set a number of records and won the America Stock Car Speed Championships for 1932 and 1933, with recorded times of up to 117mph. However, the Great Depression took its toll, and Auburn was dramatically affected.

Auburn is recognized as being one of the most balanced and best-engineered 1930s classics. It had a stunning design, especially the open models. Not surprisingly, the Auburn's value is still appreciating.

On the negative side, Auburn's operating costs were steep, and parts were extremely expensive.

This 1933 Auburn Salon Speedster V-12, built during the final years of the Auburn Motor Company, is one of the only 16 (possibly 19) Salon Speedsters produced in the year 1933 (just six Salon Speedsters exist). It was fully restored in 2000. The Salon, being the top-of-the-line model, features more attractive styling details. The Salon features include modifications to the grille, headlights, instruments, front bumper, and gas tank apron.