1935 Auburn Model 851 Boattail Speedster

A powerful Lycoming straight-8 engine, a Columbia two-speed rear axle, light body weight, and aerodynamic styling made the Auburn Speedster a snappy performer by any standard. E.L. Cord's automotive empire was built on niche marketing with a flair for the dramatic and an emphasis on innovation and high performance, all of which are certainly epitomized in this exquisite example.

The 1935 and 1936 Speedsters were designed by Gordon Buehrig and they featured curvaceous bodywork with a straight hood line traversing back from the radiator to a steeply vee'd windshield, down between pontoon fenders, over sloping doors, and descending to the rear bumper. The rear end outlined by chrome and striping was the source of its nickname, 'the Boattail.'

Beneath the bonnet was an Auburn straight-eight engine which initially developed 115 horsepower, but with the help of a Schwitzer-Cummins blower and chrome side exhaust pipes, output was boosted to 150 bhp. The power was handled by a Columbia dual-ratio rear axle which was standard equipment on the supercharged models. This setup allowed for two ratios for each gear, one lone and one high. The ratios could be changed as often as desired while at very low speeds or at a stop by moving the switch in the center of the steering wheel.

A plaque on the dashboard proudly declared, 'This certifies that this AUBURN AUTOMOBILE has been driven 100.8 miles per hour before shipment.' It was signed by David 'Ab' Jenkins, the speed-record driver who achieved some of his greatest successes at Bonneville behind the wheel of a late Auburn speedster.

The history of this Speedster dates back to the early 1950s when it was in the care of Dr. Fred Zaidan of Pennsylvania. It remained in the Zaidan family for 46 years, and from 1985 to 1988, it was exhibited, on loan, in the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana. In 1998, it was purchased by Hal Bjorklund of Castle Rock, Colorado, who undertook a complete restoration in the hands of noted Auburn specialist Mark Clayton. The work was rewarded in 2004 by its Primary First Place at the ACD Club National Reunion in Auburn, Indiana, followed by a Senior First Place and Best of Show at the Club's West Coast Meet that same year. It was also Certified Category 1 by the ACD Club.

Mr. Bjorklund sold the car in 2005 to James Covert of Florida, later selling it in 2008 to Robert Thayer. In 2009 it was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and a year later at the CCCA Grand National in Stone Mountain, Georgia, winning its Primary First Prize with a perfect 100-point score. In 2011, it was shown at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance where it was honored with Best in Class.