Chassis no. 851-1047

Engine no. GG1717

280-cid, 115-hp inline L-head eight-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission with Columbia Dual-Ratio axle, solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 127-inches.

Auburn’s attractive boat-tail speedsters have become icons in the collector community. The first of these debuted in 1928 and became an instant hit. After a one-year hiatus, the speedster returned for 1931, with new styling by Alan Leamy. Auburn sales had steadily grown since E.L. Cord took over as general manager in 1923. Although there was a fall-off after the 1929 stock market crash, Auburn had the happy distinction of improved sales in 1931, when the industry as a whole continued to lose ground. Customers appreciated not only Leamy’s fresh new style, they were also attracted by prices starting under $1,000. A V-12 model for 1932, also available for under a thousand, made Auburn exceptionally good value. Performance was further enhanced by availability of a Columbia Dual Ratio rear axle, which had the effect of providing six speeds forward.

By 1933, however, the Depression had deepened, and production fell off to barely 5,000 cars, just a sixth of 1931’s record tally. The company tried an austerity retrenchment, re-introducing a six-cylinder line, which had been dropped after 1930. Styling became more streamlined, but sales were stagnant.

For 1935, Auburn pulled out all stops. A mild restyle freshened the cars’ appearance, and a new supercharged speedster, designed by Gordon Buehrig, became the flagship model. What is often forgotten is that there were five other body styles, which, when counted through permutations of six and eight cylinders, Standard, Custom or Salon trim, gave a surprising 35 different cars. After the Speedster, the most distinctive of these is the Phaeton Sedan, a four-door convertible with roll-up windows, available in all seven lines.

This Auburn 851 is the desirable Salon Phaeton Sedan, equipped with Dual Ratio Columbia rear axle and dual sidemount spares, the latter a hallmark of the Salon series. Restored in an interesting color combination, it has a maroon canvas top over dark blue body, with brown leather seats. The carpet matches the maroon top. Contours, paint and brightwork are all excellent, as is the damascened dashboard. The engine compartment and undercarriage are correctly painted and detailed, without being overdone.

Recognized by the Classic Car Club of America as a Full Classic, it is eligible for all club activities, including Grand Classics and CARavan tours. The long-legged Dual-Ratio axle, snug passenger compartment and capacious integral luggage compartment, the latter another of the Salon features, make it fun to drive and ideal for touring.