Though the Auburn Automobile Company was established in 1903 and matured into a well-respected builder of reliable cars, it was not until E.L. Cord assumed the company’s presidency in 1924 that its prestige grew. In fact, as the auto market collapsed during the Great Depression, Auburn’s sales continued to increase. By 1931, Auburn was the 13th largest American automaker. The success was short lived, as sales fell drastically in 1932 and 1933. Despite Herculean effort, great styling, good performance, and bargain pricing, the combined effects of the Great Depression, management turmoil, and E.L. Cord’s complex business affairs led to Auburn’s demise in 1937, just two years after the car offered here left the factory.

Many cabriolets seen today are simply altered Auburn coupés, but the example offered here is known to be a genuine and authentic cabriolet. Attesting to this is its long-term ownership by well-known and knowledgeable Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club members, amongst them the late Jim Miller, of Baden, Ontario, as well as the Blackhawk Collection. The gentleman who sold the car to the penultimate owner, an ACD Club member for many years, owned the car for nearly a decade and he had it refinished in its striking black and red color scheme around 2013. The polished disc wheels are correct, rare and valuable, and the red leather interior is in the correct pattern. Most importantly, the correct “Dual Ratio” rear axle, a standard feature of the supercharged cars, still functions properly. In addition, the AM radio, wipers, gauges, and turn indicators all function properly.

The car won numerous trophies in local showings and was driven reliably in the club’s 2010 Can-Am Meet tour in the Detroit area, prior to its purchase in 2014 by the penultimate owner. After this acquisition, the car was sent to France and ultimately sold at auction in Germany to the most recent owner, who subsequently brought the Auburn back to the United States.