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1932 Auburn 12-160A

Born from the roots of the Eckhart Carriage Company, Auburn's history dates back to 1904. The early years were prosperous, but by the 1920s, the competition had become fierce and, by 1924, Auburn had fallen on hard times. Errett Loban Cord entered the scene and took the company to the pinnacle of its golden years. It became part of the Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg family and (without question) produced some of the finest cars of this era. They were not only fast, but they were also elegantly styled and among the very best in American automotive design.

The Auburn Twelve was produced for 1932 and 1933, with the unsold cars being re-titled and sold into the 1934 model year. It was a bold and daring move for Auburn, as automobile markets sank drastically in the wake of the declining economy. Built by Lycoming (another of Cord Corporation's companies), the twelve-cylinder engine, designed by chief engineer George Kublin, had a narrow 45-degree V-angle engine block and a displacement size of 391.6 cubic inches. The four main bearings supported the crankshaft and two carburetors metered fuel to the engine, one per cylinder bank. The engine offered 160 horsepower, which was the highest specific output per cubic inch of any of Detroit's multi-cylinder engines of the day. It had an ingenious combustion chamber with nearly vertical pockets. A single camshaft located in the engine's V drove the valves' horizontally located stems operated directly by rocker arms riding on the cam. The valves were enclosed in separate castings that could be removed without disturbing the cylinder heads, making service much easier than conventional setups.

To cope with the power produced by the engine, the Auburn was given a rugged X-braced frame with additional front members. Stopping power was courtesy of four-wheel internally-expanding Lockheed drum brakes. They had a newly developed Columbia 2-speed rear-end, effectively giving the car six forward speeds, as well as cockpit adjustable shock absorbers and a Startix system that automatically restarted the engine if it stalled.

The Auburn was stylish, modern, and powerful, built during a difficult period in history. To showcase the ability of the Auburn, factory driver Eddie Miller set 31 American stock car speed records at Muroc Dry Lake in December of 1932 in trials observed by the AAA, including covering 500 miles at an average of 113.57 mph, which was faster than Fred Frame's winning speed at the Indianapolis 500 that year. The car Miller chose to set those records as a 12-160 Speedster. Despite the proven performance and undeniable grace and beauty, the Auburn had a price tag that began at under a thousand dollars, which was less than half the price of a comparable Cadillac V-8 and more than $2,000 below a V-12. In other words - a bargain! However, this tactic was part of its downfall, as buyers wrongly assumed that such a low-priced V-12 could not be worth the price.

Among the memorable body styles was the Speedster, which was the work of Al Leamy, a young designer hired by Cornelius Van Ranst at E.L. Cord's suggestion in 1928. He was initially employed to work on the Duesenberg Model J and Cord Front Drive L-29 before being tasked with creating Auburn's 1931 and 1932 models.

The 1932 Auburn Twelve (12-160) rested on a 132-inch wheelbase and was available as a Speedster, coupe, cabriolet, brougham, sedan, and Phaeton. The 12-160 Coupe had a base price of $975 while the 12-160A sold for $1,105. The 'A' added upgraded options and trim.

by Dan Vaughan

Speedster

Frank and Morris Eckhart of the Eckhart Carriage Company were responsible for founding the Auburn Automobile Company in 1900, and by 1903, they produced their first car. It was a small center-engine chain-driven one-cylinder runabout with nothing but the basics, though it did ride on pneumatic tires. The company grew gradually going from two- to four- to six-cylinders, and by 1918, it offered four body styles, all six-cylinders. Hit hard by the post-War depression, Auburn was facing insolvency by 1924. Along came Errett Loban cord. Cord arrived in Chicago in 1919 with just $45 to his name. He was hired by the Quinlan Motor Company to sell Moon automobiles; quickly rising through the ranks becoming general manager and ultimately purchasing an interest in the company. Now with $100,000 in his pocket, he was hired by Auburn as general manager whereby he purchased a controlling interest in the company. By 1924 he became president of the company and bought the famous Duesenberg marque as his crowning jewel.

A young designer named Alan Leamy, himself arriving at Duesenberg when he was just 25 years old, was the man responsible for penning the Auburn Speedster just three years into his career at the age of 28. George Kublin, Auburn's chief engineer, designed the 160 horsepower Lycoming-built V-12 which powers this Speedster. Auburn built just 59 Speedsters, including 37 highly appointed 12-160A models like this at a base price of $1,425. Included was a newly developed Columbia 2-speed rear-end, effectively giving the car six forward speeds, as well as cockpit adjustable shock absorbers and Startix automatic re-start. Today it seems hard to believe that a car this stylish was America's lowest price V-12 when new.

Sedan

The group formed by Errett Lobban Cord was one of the most creative in American automotive history. They were responsible for the Duesenberg J in 1928, the Cord L-29 in 1929, and the Auburn V12 in 1932. The 391 cubic-inch V12 engine developed 160 horsepower and had a top speed of 93 mph. An Auburn V-12 set many speed records in 1932, some of which survived until after World War II.

The most distinctive characteristic of the new Auburn was its outstanding price, which is very affordable. They offered five versions: a coupe, cabriolet, brougham, sedan, speedster, and a phaeton. None of them cost more than $1,145 in 1932.

This vehicle is equipped with wood 'Artillery' wheels, which are somewhat unique as most 12-160As were purchased with wire wheels and dual side-mount spare tires. According to records, this is one of the few remaining (if not the only one) examples with these 'Artillery' wheels.

Phaeton Sedan
Chassis number: 1572

In the 1930s E.L. Cord's Auburns offered multi-cylinder performance and dramatic styling at a price that was noticeably lower than that of many other luxury cars. This V-12 convertible Phaeton, with a Lycoming-built V-12 engine and a 2-speed rear axle, is an excellent example of why the cars were such a success during the difficult economic times of the early 1930s.

Phaeton Sedan

This car is Adam Leam's design, known as the 'Baby Duesenberg.' It has a Lycoming twelve-cylinder overhead-valve engine with 160 horsepower and a Columbia two-speed differential. The price new in 1932 (during the height of the Great Depression) was $1,545.00.

Coupe

This Auburn Coupe is one of only four known to exist. The Auburn twelve cylinder line was introduced in 1932 and was the least expensive twelve-cylinder automobile ever marketed. The Auburn Company had hoped that marketing a twelve-cylinder vehicle in a price class of eights would be the key to its success. Unfortunately, the car never sold in sufficient numbers.

The current owner purchased this car in 1959.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan

This 1932 Auburn 12-160A Sedan has been driven only 8800 miles since new. It was purchased in 1932 by Mr. Robert Heinemann of Hamilton, Ohio. It was properly stored and maintained for several decades by the original owner. It is believed to be the lowest mileage Auburn twelve-cylinder vehicle to exist. This is a very complete vehicle, even retaining the operating instruction tag for the two-speed rear axle and free-wheeling device.

by Dan Vaughan

Speedster

Automobile enthusiasts Baron Jr., Miles, and Sam Collier of New York's Collier Advertising dynasty were instrumental in forming the Airmobile Racing Club of America in the 1930s. This 1932 Auburn Speedster was owned by Sam Collier who nicknamed the car Beelzebub. The vehicle was somewhat modified for racing by adding the small windshields, the large tachometer and the copper cooling coil. The vehicle was road raced in Europe in 1933 against smaller cars such as MGs, Bugattis, and Model A Fords. In 1936 Sam raced it at the Cotton carnival Road Race in Memphis, where he took top honors for the Touring Class. In 1937, Sam's brother Baron Jr., sped to a second-place overall victory in the Climb to the Clouds race held at Mt. Washington.

by ACD Museum

Phaeton Sedan
Chassis number: BB338

This Model 12-160A has a two-tone red color scheme with orange pinstriping and a tan canvas top and a matching cover for the rear-mounted trunk. The car is fitted with Trippe driving lights, and dual side-mount spares that carry mirrors at the top. The interior is upholstered in brown leather with tan contrasting tan carpets. The odometer currently shows 2,025 miles which may well be the mileage accumulated since the restoration. A Philco accessory radio is fitted, installed under the dashboard with the control head on the steering column.

In 2010, this Phaeton Sedan was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook event presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $150,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $110,000, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Phaeton Sedan
Chassis number: 1572

The V-12 engine found in the 1932 Auburn was designed by chief engineer George Kublin. It had a narrow 45-degree 'vee' and an unusual combustion chamber, which was set on an angle to the cylinders. The valves were in the heads, but they were horizontal, and they were operated by a single camshaft through the rockers. The 391 cubic-inch engine offered 160 horsepower. Though the engine was smaller than its competitors, it was no less powerful. Standard equipment on the Custom models included the famous Dual-Ratio rear axle, allowing the car to be driven in either high gear ratios, for open country roads, or in a lower ratio, for city driving.

At Muroc Dry Lake, Eddie Miller drove a Speedster model to 31 American speed records from flying starts and nine international records from standing starts.

These cars were produced for only a short period, lasting from 1932 to 1934. They were the first 12-cylinder car to have a starting price under $1,000.

This Auburn Twelve Custom Phaeton model 12-160A was formerly owned by Larry Dorcy who displayed it at the 2009 edition of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The car was restored several years ago in a two-tone blue, using shades similar to the factory-correct Auburn Blue. There is a leather interior, a canvas top, and blue Wilton wool carpets. During restoration, the car was upgraded with the Salon model trim, including chrome inserts below the windows, Salon door handles, and polished stainless trim on the hood louvers. It has chromed headlamps, headlights, and wire wheels with covered side mounts. The engine was fully rebuilt during the restoration, and given an American-LaFrance V-12 engine block.

by Dan Vaughan

Speedster
Chassis number: 12-160A 1991 E
Engine number: BB 1216

Alan Leamy designed the Auburn speedster at the young age of 28, and George Kublin, Auburn's chief engineer, designed its 160 horsepower Lycoming V12 engine. The engine featured dual Stromberg downdraft carburetors and dual exhausts. To highlight the new engine, an October 26, 1931 announcement heralded the revival of the Auburn Speedster. In V-12 guise, lightweight speedsters could reach 110 mph, helped along by a 'dual-ratio' two-speed rear axle from Cord's Columbia Axle Company, which enabled the engine to cruise along with little effort at speeds far above the legal limit.

Twelve new records were set, including the fastest speed recorded by any strictly stock American car at 100.774 mph for one mile and an average 88.953 mph for 500 miles. Fitted with a sharply raked V-shaped windshield, a boattail deck, and a top that disappeared behind the cockpit, the Speedster was sleek in an era when most cars weren't.

The car was very advanced for its day, yet it was quite reasonably priced at $1,425. It featured Auburn's newly developed Columbia 2-speed differential, which effectively gave the car six forward speeds as well as cockpit-adjustable shock absorbers and a Startix system that automatically restarted the engine if it stalled. Auburn reportedly built 84 Speedsters for 1932, of which less than 20 were equipped with V-12 engines like this example.

This car's history can be traced back to the late 1950s, but it has recently been restored.

Speedster

The Auburn automobile is often referred to as an automotive bridesmaid. The cars offered beguiling good looks, spirited performance, sterling reliability, and great value. But the car always existed in the shadows of its brother companies Cord and Duesenberg.

The speedster coachwork was E. L Cord's answer to the Stutz Black Hawk. It carries a supercharged 12-cylinder Lycoming engine producing 160 horsepower from its 391 cubic inches. This combination could propel the Auburn to speeds in excess of 100 mph.

This is one of the few 1932 Boattail Speedsters to survive. It has a three-speed transmission and features freewheeling. Its coachwork consisted of 22 sections that were hand fitted and filled.

Phaeton Sedan

In 1932, E.L. Cord's Auburn Automobile Company launched a luxurious V12-engined car to compete with offerings from Lincoln, Pierce-Arrow, and Cadillac. Designed by chief engineer George Kublin, the narrow 45-degree V12 produced 160 horsepower from 391 cubic inches. And the car was fitted with Auburn's famous Dual-Ratio rear axle, which allowed it to be driven either in high-gear ratios for open country roads or in a lower ratio designed for city driving. The coachwork styling from Alan Leamy made these Auburns some of the most beautiful cars of the classic era. Built from 1932 to 1934, Auburn was listed at a very reasonable $1,795, but due to the economic climate of the time, this price was reduced to an almost cheap $1,295. Recently restored by its current owner, this Auburn 12-160A Phaeton is the earliest surviving example from the seven listed in the Auburn Cord Duesenberg directory.

Speedster
Chassis number: 12-160A 1991 E
Engine number: BB 1216

This Auburn 12-160A Boattail Speedster has a history that dates back to 1957, when it was owned by Earl Grey of Columbus, Ohio. He later sold it to Frank Cek, who owned it for nearly four decades. It received Category 1 Certification in 2000 and was soon after acquired by Ron Monte of New Jersey, with whom it remained until the current owner acquired it in 2015. A restoration began not long after, with the work commissioned to Steve Babinsky's Automotive Restorations of Lebanon, New Jersey. After the work was completed, it was shown at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it received a class award in the American Classic Open class, and received the Briggs Cunningham Trophy, recognizing it as the Most Elegant Open Car. It also received the Roy Faulkner Trophy for Best Auburn and the Harold Ames Trophy for Best of Show at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club's 2016 National Reunion; scored at a perfect 100 points at the Classic Car Club of America's Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada, in early 2017; and achieved a Junior First Prize and the National Auburn Cord Duesenberg Trophy in Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) competition.

by Dan Vaughan

Speedster
Chassis number: 655
Engine number: BB 1521

The stunning Auburn 12 Speedster was produced from 1932 to 1934. Often referred to as a 'boattail' for its superbly fluid lines, the Speedster was created by celebrated designer Alan Leamy. These cars featured the impressive V12 Lycoming engine, displacing 392 cubic inches and developing 160 horsepower - which was much appreciated by top racers of the day, such as the Collier Brothers, who raced their 'Beelzebub' in various Automobile Club of American events. The Speedster was a limited edition built for aerodynamic efficiency and power with several innovative features, including hydraulic brakes, Columbia two-speed differential, three-speed synchromesh transmission with free-wheeling, adjustable shocks, knock-off wheels, and automatic chassis lubrication. In 1932, a 12-cylinder Speedster set a speed record of 115 mph at Indianapolis, outperforming the top speed of the winning car at the Indy 500 that year.

Speedster
Chassis number: 655
Engine number: BB 1521

This 12-cylinder Auburn 'boattail' Speedster is finished in a two-tone color scheme with Art Deco detailing. Harold A. Smith 'Smitty' of Westlake, Ohio assembled this particular Twelve speedster (according to a 1968 Cleveland Plain Dealer article) using a frame he discovered in Pennsylvania, a motor located in Greenfield, Mass., a body found in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and parts sourced from within the United States. While many of these cars wear reproduction bodies, it is believed that the body on this Auburn is authentic. The restoration (assembly) was done over a five-year period. Custom level trim was fitted, including chrome wire wheels, chromed headlights and driving lights, and Auburn's Flying Man mascot.

This Auburn Twelve was advertised for sale in the May 1968 ACD Newsletter where it was described as having '600 miles since restoration.' It was later featured in a 1969 Timken advertisement printed in Business Week magazine.

Don Screes of Indiana acquired the Auburn in 1971 at the first Kirk F. White auction. Mr. Screes exhibited it in CCCA judging, earning Senior badge number 533, and would own the car for many years. In 1994 it was sold to Jim Steichen who later sold it to Frank Kleptz of Terre Haute, Indiana. David Kane of Bernardsville, New Jersey purchased the speedster from Mr. Kleptz in 2002, and began a full restoration at Stone Barn of Vienna, New Jersey which was completed under the ownership of Ray Scherr. Mr. Kane would later re-purchase the car from the estate of John O'Quinn.

In 2014, the Auburn earned a 99.5 and a perfect 100-point scores in CCA judging, elevating it to Premier status. It then received an Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Senior First Place Primary award along with the People's Choice Award at the Lehigh Valley ACD meet in May of that year.

Mr. Kane sold the car to its current caretaker, who consigned it to RM Sotheby's auction at Amelia Island in 2023.

by Dan Vaughan

Speedster
Chassis number: 12-160A 1705E

This example of Art Deco styling was produced by Auburn while E.L. Cord was at the helm. Known as the 'Playboy Special,' the Auburn 12 featured the panache of a speedster coupled with the performance of the Lycoming V12 engine - all at a reasonable price. While some cars of the period focused on the luxury of comfort and amenities, this car offered the luxury of speed. Auburn's Speedster garnered 12-speed records, including the fastest speed recorded by any stock American car at over 100 mph for one mile and an average of 89 mph for 500 miles - underlining its pace and its stamina. The Auburn 12 Speedster is highly sought after today and remains one of the most outstanding examples of classic 1930s styling and engineering.

The 391 cubic-inch Lycoming V-12 engine produced 160 horsepower and there is a three-speed manual transmission with electric overdrive. Amenities include the Bijur chassis lubrication system, adjustable shocks (from the dash), and a single Pilot Ray light. This example was given a full restoration in 2023.

This example has been in the stewardship of its current owners for over two decades.

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.

When the Auburn Automobile Company prompted Cord with 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.

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-1930's as the stock market crashed, and the Great Depression brought many of his businesses 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 their 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 year's 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.

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 never achieved the desired success. The Great Depression, a struggling economy, and near-bankrupt companies were part of the problems.

The Auburn 12-160A Speedster body was the most exclusive of the offering. With their low price tag, the vehicles were a bargain. Tough times and consumer fears were its ultimate demise, and its potential was never realized.

by Dan Vaughan

An exceptional value for their day, the Auburn was the least expensive marque in the Cord Empire that also comprised Duesenberg. Priced at $1,250, the Auburn was a spectacular value for a twelve-cylinder automobile. From 1927 to 1938 the Auburn/Cord/Duesenberg Company manufactured hand-built custom vehicles of the highest quality in Auburn Indiana. Rated at 160 horsepower, the 1932 Auburn 12-160A featured a twelve-cylindered Lycoming engine. The car weighed 4,165 lbs and had a wheelbase measured at 132 inches.

From 1900 through 1937 Auburn was a brand name of United States automobiles. The Auburn Company was grown out of the Eckhard Carriage Company which was started by Charles Eckhart. On an experimental basis, Eckhart's sons, Morris and Frank began building vehicles before entering the business in earnest. In 1909 they moved into a larger plant. Modestly successful, the company did well until World War I forced the plant to close due to material shortages.

A touring car model, the 1904 Auburn was equipped with a tonneau that could seat 2 or 4 passengers. The touring was priced at $1000. Producing 10 hp (7.5 kW) the flat-mounted single-cylinder engine was placed in the center of the vehicle. Weighing 1500 lbs, the angle-steel-framed vehicle used half-elliptical spring and was fitted with a 2-speed planetary transmission.

The Eckhart brothers sold their company to a group out of Chicago investors in 1919 headed by Ralph Austin Bard. Though the business was revived, the new owners failed to produce the profits that they had hoped for. The new owners approached Errett Cord in 1924, a successful automobile salesman, with an offer to run the company. In an offer that amounted to a leveraged buyout, the Chicago group accepted the offer.

Before the end of 1925 Cord completed his buyout and aggressively marketed the company's unsold inventory. In 1926, Cord partnered with Duesenberg Corporation and used it as the launching platform for a line of high-priced luxury cars. Cord built vehicles that became famous both their advanced engineering and their striking experience. He also employed imaginative designers such as Gordon Buehrig and Alan Leamy.

Unfortunately Cord's vehicles were priced too expensively for the Depression-era market and Cord's stock manipulation eventually forced him to give up control of his car companies. Cord was forced to refrain from further violations by injunctions from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He sold his shares from his automobile holding company and in 1937 all production of Auburns, Duesenbergs and Cords ended.

The Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum is now housed in the company's art deco headquarters in Auburn and was made a National Historic Landmark in 2005.

The last few cars that made the Auburn Company famous before it the factory was shut down were the 851 and 852 Speedsters, and the Aubern 12.

The Auburn Twelve was produced in the early 1930's and was designed with innovation, elegance, power, style and speed. The Auburn Model 12 – 165 was introduced in 1933. The 1931 Auburn came with a 127 inch wheelbase, 98HP straight 8, and a long large roomy car that came with a door so wide that rear seat passengers could enter without disturbing those in front. The price was $945. The 1934 Auburn 12 Cabriolet came with a 12-cylinder engine and had wide whitewall tires and wire wheels. The 1934 model also came with an auxillary trunk that was mounted on the back.

by Jessican Donaldson