auburn automobile
8 Classic Auburn Automobiles Worth Collecting
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Auburn Automobile Company was a name that once echoed through the American automotive industry in the heyday of glorious car collecting. Founded way back in 1900, Auburn produced some of the most iconic and graceful vehicles of the early 20th century. The legacy of Auburn’s vehicles lies in the engineering, elegance, and luxury that the products represented. Today, many models of Auburn are collector gems, admired for their beauty and craftsmanship.
In this article, we shall discuss eight classic Auburn automobiles worth collecting, including their history, features, and why they are so highly sought after among car enthusiasts.
1. Auburn 851 Speedster (1935-1936)
The Auburn Automobile 851 Speedster is probably the most famous model in the company’s history. It was introduced in 1935 and was a bold step by the Auburn Automobile Company to make a style statement with its design and performance. It had an 8-cylinder, 4.5-liter engine that could produce up to 150 horsepower; it was a very impressive power output for the era. Its most defining feature, however, was its sleek, streamlined body, highly advanced for the era, which made it timeless.
Volkswagen Taos, The luxury appointments on the 851 Speedster consisted of an interior that was completely upholstered, a bespoke dashboard, and the possibility of rich colors for paint. This vehicle became very popular with the wealthy elite because of its performance and elegance. Nowadays, this 851 Speedster model is among the most sought after by Auburn collectors. Well-maintained specimens with original parts and low mileage can easily command significant prices at auctions, which makes them an excellent investment for enthusiasts of classic cars.
2. Auburn 8-1040 Phaeton (1937)
The Auburn Automobile 8-1040 Phaeton is another example of Auburn’s commitment to blending luxury with performance. The Phaeton model, introduced in 1937, is one of the most revered vehicles in the company’s lineup. This full-sized luxury automobile was equipped with an 8-cylinder, 4.0-liter engine capable of producing 125 horsepower, which allowed it to maintain excellent performance for long-distance cruising.
The 8-1040 Phaeton’s design was stunningly elegant, with a long, flowing body, raked windshield, and chrome accents that exuded sophistication. Its soft top could be raised or lowered easily, making it a versatile vehicle for both sunny and rainy days. Collectors appreciate the 8-1040 Phaeton for its timeless beauty and its representation of the elegance and refinement of pre-war American automobiles.
3. Auburn 851 Boat Tail Speedster (1935-1936)
The Auburn Automobile 851 Boat Tail Speedster is especially sought out by collectors since it has a boat tail rear that makes it all the more striking compared with other automobiles of its genre. Indeed, the boat-tail style was highly pioneering and really contributed to enhancing the car’s aerodynamics apart from how it looked like.
This model’s sleek, low-slung body combined with powerful engineering makes it a stunning example of Auburn’s ingenuity. The 851 Boat Tail Speedster was designed with performance in mind, and it featured the same 8-cylinder engine as the standard 851, ensuring it was just as fast as it was elegant. Due to the fact that only a few of these cars were manufactured, the Auburn 851 Boat Tail Speedster is among the most in-demand classic cars in the world today.
4. Auburn Automobile 12-1600 Custom Speedster (1933-1934)
The Auburn Automobile 12-1600 Custom Speedster is the epitome of luxury and performance for Auburn during the early 1930s. The model name, 12-1600, was indicative of the 12-cylinder engine that powered the model. Such an engine was only a few available in an American car at the time; it offered smooth and potent performance, with the potential to take the car to considerable speeds while keeping it quiet and riding comfortably.
The 12-1600 Custom Speedster was a real work of art, with sleek styling by the great stylist Gordon Buehrig-a long, flowing hood, and sweeping fenders on an elegant design. There is no doubt that the interior also represented luxury, with leather, plush carpeting, and beautiful wood accents. Only several dozen of these cars were ever built, making them very, very rare and extremely desirable among collectors. In relation to performance, luxury, and design, the Auburn 12-1600 Custom Speedster is one not to miss for a severe classic car collector.
5. Auburn Automobile 8-98 Sedan (1934)
The Auburn 8-98 Sedan is one of the examples of how the company could provide more affordable luxury vehicles without compromising on quality or style. Introduced in 1934, the 8-98 Sedan was powered by an 8-cylinder engine that offered smooth and reliable driving experience. It was a more affordable alternative to the high-performance models of the company, such as the Speedsters, but it still maintained the elegance of Auburn.
The 8-98 Sedan was elegant, with a long, graceful body and a well-appointed interior. The generous proportions of the sedan made it a comfortable choice for families, while its performance was more than adequate for long-distance travel. The Auburn 8-98 Sedan can be appreciated by the collectors for its ability to come together with luxury and the practicality that gives its owners a priceless car while not having to break a bank to get a model they want.
6. Auburn Automobile 12-1600 Salon (1932)
The Auburn Automobile 12-1600 Salon is a special version of the series of 12-cylinder variants. It’s particularly attractive and luxurious. Released in 1932, the 12-1600 Salon was designed at a time when American manufacturers were pulling all stops to fulfill their automotive engineering and style pursuits. Compared to other Auburn models, this car had a long wheelbase.
It is mechanially advanced with high quality, carefully tuned suspension and offered comfort beyond the speeds for riding; the interior features high-level luxury by Auburn. From the seats and fine wooded paneling that surrounded every space; the Auburn 12-cylinder models, particularly for collectors, are greatly admired. Collectors seek after its scarcity together with exceptional workmanship: these are some features associated with the 12-1600 Salon.
7. Auburn 8-1000 Cabriolet (1934-1935)
Auburn’s lineup has one of the cheaper models, the Auburn 8-1000 Cabriolet, but is highly sought after because it is beautiful and historic. This was made between 1934 and 1935, when the 8-1000 Cabriolet was provided with an 8-cylinder engine, which gave it ample power while keeping the machine as smooth as possible. Its sleek design featured a two-door body and a convertible top, meaning it could be raised up or lowered down depending on the weather.
The 8-1000 Cabriolet is particularly popular among collectors because of its timeless design and relatively lower price compared to other Auburn models. It’s not as rare as some of the higher-end models, but its visual appeal and enjoyment behind the wheel make it a favorite among collectors seeking a car that’s collectible and fun to drive.
8. Auburn Automobile 8-125 Speedster (1931)
The Auburn Automobile 8-125 Speedster, unveiled in 1931, is one of the most beautiful cars in the entire Auburn range. Even from a standing position, parked, the long sweeping curves lend the car an appearance that seems to be fast even when it is not in motion. With an 8-cylinder engine, it really was a performer at this time, with its maximum speed reaching approximately 90 miles per hour.
The interior of the 8-125 Speedster was equally luxurious, with leather seats, rich carpeting, and a stylish dashboard that exuded the craftsmanship for which Auburn was known. The car’s low production numbers and its status as one of the last truly great models produced by the company before the Great Depression make it an extremely rare and desirable piece for collectors.
Conclusion
Auburn automobiles are legendary for combining performance, luxury, and design. The cars above listed are some of the best expressions of American automotive engineering produced in the early 20th century. They are truly the best of Auburn’s legacy and are much cherished by collectors today. From the stunning lines of the Auburn 851 Speedster, the powerful and luxurious Auburn 12-1600 to the versatile 8-1000 Cabriolet, each of these Auburn classic automobiles is worth collecting.
For the enthusiasts, this is the ultimate dream-to own a piece of Auburn history while being able to experience the golden age of American automotive design. This would mean that an individual has the rarest piece of history with him that can be sold anytime. Though the Auburn brand might have died out in the world, the cars of the brand still signify style, performance, and craftsmanship that will always be in demand in the classic car-collecting world.
FAQs?
What is Auburn Automobile?
Auburn Automobile was a luxury automobile manufacturer founded in 1900 in Auburn, Indiana. It became known for producing stylish and high-performance cars, particularly during the 1920s and 1930s. Auburn was known for combining cutting-edge technology with elegant designs, often creating cars that were as much about style as performance.
What types of cars did Auburn produce?
Auburn produced a range of luxury cars, including:
Luxury cars: Auburn vehicles were high-end, with features aimed at providing comfort and style.
Sports cars: Known for models like the Auburn 851 Speedster, which was both powerful and beautifully designed.
Custom-built cars: Auburn often collaborated with famous coachbuilders such as Duesenberg to create custom designs and special edition cars.
Sedans and convertibles: Various models catered to different customer needs, from the Auburn 12 series to luxury sedans and sporty models.
What is the Auburn 851 Speedster?
The Auburn 851 Speedster is one of the most iconic models ever made by the brand. Produced between 1935 and 1937, it featured a supercharged inline-8 engine, giving it excellent speed and performance. Its streamlined, Art Deco-inspired design and luxurious features made it a highly collectible and prestigious car.
Why did Auburn Automobile go out of business?
Auburn Automobile struggled during the Great Depression, which severely impacted the luxury car market. Despite producing well-regarded cars, the company faced financial difficulties due to declining sales. After a series of ownership changes, the brand ceased production in 1937, and the assets were absorbed by the Cord Automobile Company.
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