Model 8-105. 100 bhp, 268.6 cu. in. L-head inline eight-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission and Columbia electric overdrive, solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 127"

- Offered from the Estate of John O’Quinn

- Elegant Cord-inspired design

- Dual-ratio axle

Auburn’s success is attributed to Errett Lobban Cord, whose first order of business at the company was sprucing up the accumulated inventory of unsold cars with bright paint jobs and nickel trim and selling all of them. He also bought some eight-cylinder engines from Lycoming Manufacturing Company and for 1925 introduced the Auburn 8-63 and 8-88 with prices starting at $1,895, quite a bargain for an eight-cylinder car. By 1926, Cord was president of the company and held a controlling interest. He readied new models and positioned Auburn as a performance car at a low price, which further enhanced sales.

For 1932, Cord and his Auburn team came up with a V-12 engine as well as a Columbia two-speed rear axle, enabling a choice of drive ratios, effectively six speeds ahead. Eight-cylinder cars continued to be offered. In 1933, a new Salon trim level was introduced for both the Twelve and eight-cylinder cars, the latter now designated 8-105. Salon cars had painted grille bars, horns set low in the catwalk, new-design fenders, a front splash apron and a gently-curved “wing spread” bumper.

Brilliant in yellow with black fenders, this 8-105 Salon Convertible Sedan presents well. An older restoration, the engine compartment is correctly outfitted, with green engine and black valve chamber cover. The tan leather interior is nicely done and shows little wear, and the damascened instrument panel is very attractive. It was acquired by the current collection in 2005 and has remained in climate-controlled storage ever since. Offering tremendous value both then and now, the event possibilities for this Auburn are numerous, and as it offers Salon trim and attractive coachwork, it could be driven with pride for years to come.