During the height of the classic automobile era, few companies could match the elegance and style of the E.L. Cord motoring empire, manufacturer of the esteemed Cords and Duesenbergs. Alongside these venerable names stood another equally worthy marque - the Auburn.

The Auburns of the 1931 to 1933 period are among the most stylish and sporty cars of their time and, with the addition of a dual-ratio rear axle in 1932, these rare models are considered the most desirable of the series.

Dual-Ratio offered drivers the choice of a high or low variant of any of the three forward gears. In essence this created a very rudimentary, and possibly the earliest, six-speed transmission. By adjusting a lever mounted on the steering wheel, the driver could select high or low range as long as the car was moving at speeds lower than 40 miles per hour. The system functioned via a vacuum-actuated clutch that locked or released a planetary gear set housed in the rear differential, which created the two possible output ratios.

In 1932, E.L. Cord was featured on the cover of Time Magazine. It was a tribute to the success he had achieved by seizing the Depression as an opportunity to sell better automobiles at a lower price than his competitors. Over 1,000 new dealers joined the company between 1929 and 1931, enabling the company to rise to 13th in national sales. Despite this success, fortune would quickly turn, forcing the company to cease production in 1936.

The 1932 Auburn 8-100 A Custom Cabriolet presented here has been with the same owner for over 30 years. Powered by the Lycoming 268-cid, 100-hp straight eight-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed manual transmission and the very desirable dual-ratio rear end, the car is reported to have experienced an engine rebuild in 2013 and at the same time had the radiator properly flushed, as well as the gas tank removed and cleaned. Presented in two-tone blue with a blue interior and light yellow wire wheels and trim accents, the Auburn is standing by for an attentive new owner.

Distinctive and stylish, this Custom Cabriolet is desirably equipped with a cabin heater, rumbleseat, luggage rack, dual side-mounted spares with covers and whitewall tires. The attention to styling details can be readily seen in something so unassuming as the elegant belt molding that wraps the upper and lower body and neatly bisects the rumbleseat bodywork. Full Classic status is recognized by the esteemed Classic Car Club of America, and the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club would also be most welcoming of this sophisticated cabriolet.