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1932 Auburn 8-100A

At the tender age of fifteen, Errett Lobban Cord, commonly known as E.L. Cord, left school in pursuit of a job as a car salesman. After a successful stint in that profession, he began working as a mechanic in a service station located in Los Angeles. This led to modifying his Model T's to include bodywork and engine modifications. He later moved to Chicago where he went back to selling vehicles. He moved to Milwaukee where he opened his own car distributor company and by 1924 was looking to purchase his own manufacturing company.

1932 Auburn 8-100A photo
Speedster by Union City
View info and history
When the Auburn Automobile Company prompted him with an offer Cord a top-level management position, he accepted but under conditions. He demanded that he be given 20% of the profits and complete control of the company. He also stated that he wanted the option to buy the company once it recovered. The partners, at this point, were on the verge of bankruptcy, so they accepted the offer.

E.L. Cord had a profound knowledge of marketing and was very business savvy. During his career, he purchased Duesenberg, cab companies, Aircraft Company, and a New York shipyard. By 1932 he purchased controlling interests in the Aviation Corp, which later became American Airways and is currently known as American Airlines.

His fortunes turned during the mid-1930s as the stock market crashed and the Great Depression brought many of his business to a bitter end.

The Auburn Company had turned a considerable profit during the 1920s but keeping up with the changing market was difficult. The cylinder wars of the early 1930s sent many companies struggling to keep up with the changing technology and mechanical advancements. Auburn answered this challenge in 1932 with the creation of its twelve-cylinder engine in 'Vee' configuration. To stimulate even more interest, the 12-160A was offered at an incredibly low price, at just under a thousand dollars. At that price, it has remained in history as the lowest 12-cylinder vehicle ever produced. Many people feared that the quality of the engine, or the vehicle, was reflective of the price. This mindset backfired and as a result, did not sell as well as intended. By years end, the company had lost more than a million dollars.

The 6.5-liter Lycoming engine produced a respectable 160 horsepower and enough torque to propel the vehicle to around 100 mph. One of the most ingenious components of the vehicle was the 'Dual Ratio' differential which was operated by a dashboard lever. There were high and low ratios available for each of the three gears which improved fuel and oil consumption. The end result was less strain and wear-and-tare on the engine.

E.L. Cord had encountered problems with the Securities and Exchange Commission and fled to England in 1933. Harold Ames was left in control, though times were difficult since production had fallen nearly 85%. The 12-161A was introduced in 1933 though it never achieved the desired success. The Great Depression, struggling economy, and the near-bankrupt company was part of the problems.

1932 Auburn 8-100A photo
Speedster by Union City
View info and history
The Auburn 12-160A Speedster body was the most exclusive of the offering. With its low price tag, the vehicles were a bargain. Tough times and consumer fears were its ultimate demise and its potential was never realized.


by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2006

Related Reading : Auburn 8-100 History

In 1932 a total of 11,347 Auburns were shipped from their factory. Sometimes referred to as a Baby Duesenberg, the Model 8-100A Auburn is a masterpiece of automotive design excellence. Auburn strove to provide a stylish and innovative automobile to the public at an affordable price. Despite the depression, the talent of designers Gordon Buehrig and Alan Leamy inspired the designs of E.L.....
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Related Reading : Auburn Model 8 History

In 1928 Auburn introduced two Lycoming-powered eight-cylinder engines, one rated at 88 horsepower and the other at 115 horsepower. These became the bases for the 8-88 Model and the 8-115 Model their designation obviously in reference to the engine. These new models were given hydraulic drum brakes to aid in stopping power and to help keep the Speedsters in the drivers control. The styling was....
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1932 Auburn 8-100A Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1932 8-100A
$1,005-$8,125
1932 Auburn 8-100A Price Range: $805 - $1,005

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1932 Auburn Models
$975 - $1,275
$1,105 - $1,295

8-100

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
11,145
127.00 in., 136.00 in.
8 cyl., 268.00 CID., 100.00hp
12 cyl., 391.00 CID., 160.00hp
$675 - $875
127.00 in., 136.00 in.
8 cyl., 265.00 CID., 101.00hp
$805 - $1,005

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