1936 Auburn 852 Supercharged Dual Ratio Speedster

Ab Jenkins took an Auburn to the Bonneville salt flats in July 1935, where he set 70 records, including posting a flying mile at 104.17 mph, 1,000 miles at 102.77 mph, and averaging 102.9 mph for 12 hours. In recognition of this accomplishment, Auburn affixed a plaque on the dash of every 851 and 852 Speedster stating that Jenkins had exceeded 100 mph with it.

The eye-catching styling and proven performance inspired more replicas and tributes than any other All-American automobile.

This example is a 1936 Auburn 852 Supercharged Dual Ratio Speedster. It has been in the care of its current owner for the past twenty-plus years, since the mid-Eighties. It has a Senior National First Prize badge dated from 1976. It is finished in bright red with beige leather upholstery. It rides on wide white wall tires on body-colored steel wheels with hubcaps and trim rings. It is well equipped with a beige cloth soft top and matching side curtains packed appropriately in the tiny trunk next to the matching spare wheel and tire.

The car has been restored since new. Power is from a 279.9 cubic-inch eight-cylinder L-head inline engine with supercharged, rated at 150 horsepower, and riding on a 127-inch wheelbase. There is a three-speed gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic brakes.

In 2009, this 852 SC Dual Ratio Boattail Speedster was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas, presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. The lot was estimated to sell for $360,000 - $390,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had failed to sell after achieving a high bid of $300,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009