85 hp, 210 cu. in. L-head six-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 120 in.

• Attractive Phaeton Sedan from the last year of production

• Final Auburn redesign by Gordon Buehrig, who created the Cord 810

It was not until 1924, when E.L. Cord was invited by a group of bankers to assume the presidency of the failing company, that Auburn’s fortunes improved. Cord immediately hired J.M. Crawford to redesign the Auburn model line, which formed the basis of the massive Cord Corporation. While the Great Depression resulted in the collapse of the once-buoyant auto market, Auburn sales increased considerably, yet corporate profits fell substantially. In 1931, Auburn produced 32,301 cars, making the firm the 13th-largest producer of automobiles in America. This triumph, however, was short-lived, as sales declined in both 1932 and 1933.

For 1934, the Auburn line-up was restyled by Al Leamy. The styling was not well received, and by mid-1934, the assembly lines were halted so that the much improved, face-lifted 1935 model could be rushed into production. Designer Gordon Buehrig was allotted a $50,000 budget to improve the styling, and he succeeded with such changes as a handsome grille, semi-pontoon front fenders, and an enlarged hood. Auburn sales brochures declared the latest Gordon Buehrig design as being “Exclusive-Distinctive-Individual”, and notably, Hollywood stars such as Mary Astor and George Murphy drove 1935 Auburns. Moreover, the 1935 Auburn models were praised for their improved ride and handling, thanks to a lowered center of gravity, a reduction of unsprung weight, and lower seat placement.

An older cosmetic restoration, this example is finished in a lovely shade of red with a tan cloth top. The interior is a sumptuous chocolate brown, which is invitingly worn. The exterior is adorned by a set of Trippe Safety Lights and body-color wire wheels, including a rear-mounted spare, with wide whitewall tires. This is one of the most stately yet least expensive ways to enter the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg family and holds the promise of driving enjoyment and camaraderie.