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1908 Auburn Model G

Tourer

The 1908 Auburn was 'The Most for the Money,' according to the Auburn Automobile Company's latest slogan. Their 1908 models sold for twice the average American worker's annual income. The 1908 Auburn introduced a new hood profile and body moulding. Note the 'razors edge' motif on the doors and the rear compartment.

Power was provided by a 215.5 cubic-inch, horizontally-opposed two-cylinder, 24-horsepower engine. It is chain driven with rear wheel brakes and has a 100-inch wheelbase.

This Auburn Model G was purchased in the fall of 1907 by the Vehslage family of Seymour, Indiana. They purchased three new Auburns in an attempt to become Auburn dealers and to get a discount from the factory. They were able to sell two of the Auburns and retained the third for themselves, thus ending their careers as Auburn dealers.

The Vehslage family maintained the Auburn in running condition until 1971, when a tornado hit the barn in which the Auburn was stored. Part of the barn collapsed and the upper floor fell in on the car. The remains were dug out of the barn and were stored until 1984 when the vehicle was donated to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum. The vehicle was placed on exhibit until 1993, when it was put into storage. In 1997, a restoration was begun and the car was brought back to life. The restoration was finished in the spring of 2002.

About the Auburn Automobile Company

The Auburn Automobile Company was established in 1903 by Frank and Morris Eckhart in the city of Auburn, Indiana, as an outgrowth of the family carriage business. In 1925, a young entrepreneur named E.L. Cord brought new life to the company through marketing, styling, and performance. By 1936, production had ceased, and it declared bankruptcy the following year.

by ACD Museum

The Model G Touring Car, a two-cylinder automobile, was one of the most popular vehicles in the Auburn line. Production of the Model G began in 1908 and continued until 1911. Through all these years, the 2-cylinder water-cooled engine produced 24 horsepower.

For 1909, the company cut the price on the two-cylinder line by $100. Sales for the year tripled and, for the first time, Auburn exceeded the 1,000 mark. A total of 1,018 Auburns in all models was produced for the year. This upsurge in sales prompted Auburn to plan a plant expansion to increase production capabilities.

1909 was also the same year the company introduced its first line of four-cylinder automobiles. In addition to the larger engine, the four-cylinder line was built on a larger chassis.

The Auburn Automobile Company of Auburn, Indiana, was founded in 1903 by Frank and Morris Eckhart, sons of a successful carriage maker. The automobiles produced by the young brothers soon gained a loyal following and by 1909, they were able to build a foundry and machine works to facilitate the manufacturing of their Auburn cars. Production would continue until 1937.

by Dan Vaughan