Victoria

Founded as Eckhart Carriage Company of Auburn, Indiana in 1875, the production of automobiles did not start until 1900. In 1924, the company turned to a successful salesman named E.L. cord to stimulate sales, who quickly succeeded in re-vitalizing sales. After a leveraged buy-out placing Cord in charge, he set a new focus for the independent manufacturer and put them on the road map as an industry leader. He aggressively purchased many companies, building an empire of nearly 150 corporations including the notable automobiles Cord and Duesenberg, Lycoming engines, Checker Cab, Stinson Aircraft Company, American Airways (later American Airlines), shipbuilding, and radio stations. The company continued to have success until the effects of the Great Depression forced them to close in 1937.

The American Automobile Industry produced more than five million vehicles for 1929, a record for would not be repeated for many years. Auburn produced more than twenty thousand Auburns in 1929 representing a 55 percent increase for the year. The company offered new body styles with various configurations including this four-passenger victoria. The Victoria was never a very popular body style among Auburn buyers, perhaps due to the relatively small passenger compartment. It was destined to be in production for only one model year. The car was produced in three series, this is the six-cylinder version. Only 202 Victoria's would be produced and this is the only known surviving example.

This Auburn 6-80 Victoria is powered by a six-cylinder engine that produces 60 horsepower. It has a 120-inch wheelbase and weighs 3295 pounds. When new, this Victoria sold for $1,095.

by Dan Vaughan