
auburn automobile
7 Iconic Auburn Automobile Models You Should Know
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Auburn Automobile Company, founded in 1900, is an icon in American automotive history. Admired for its breathtaking designs, rich performance engines, and assemblage of a glorious past, Auburn evokes a name that spells luxury and innovation. The Auburn brand did pioneering work in automotive engineering, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s. They soon became famous for producing some of the most iconic automobiles ever made, many of which still remained to be highly sought after by collectors and car enthusiasts today.
We shall take you through seven iconic Auburn automobile models that have defined the legacy of the brand and continue to excite the passion of automotive enthusiasts all over the world. Each model represents a different aspect of Auburn’s engineering brilliance-from sleek designs to groundbreaking technology and performance. These cars are more than just automobiles; they are emblems of an era when American automotive manufacturing was at its peak.
1. Auburn Automobile 8-88 (1925-1930)
The Auburn 8-88, produced between 1925 and 1930, was the start of Auburn’s golden era. It was a luxury car for the middle class but did not compromise on style or performance. The 8-88 featured sleek and elegant design with long lines, making it one of the most stylish cars of its time.
Black Tesla Model Y, Under the hood, this Auburn 8-88 had an 8-cylinder engine providing a smooth ride for the extensive power. The car featured many luxury features, from plush upholstery, glamorous chrome arrangements, and custom bodywork. Its affordability and superior engineering helped make Auburn a brand that could offer both luxury and reliability.
The 8-88 model can be remembered for the easy ride and excellent handling with which it was praised during its time. Therefore, it became a favorite among many business professionals and families. During this period, the Auburn brand name was established as one of the high-quality American automobile manufacturers during the 1920s.
2. Auburn Automobile 12-160 Speedster 1932-1934
One of the most popular and sought-after models of Auburn is the 12-160 Speedster, which was manufactured between 1932 and 1934. It was a high-performance model designed for the luxury of wealthy car enthusiasts who wanted a car that would offer both luxury and speed. The Auburn 12-160 Speedster featured a powerful 12-cylinder engine that could deliver over 160 horsepower, which was quite significant at that time. The car could attain speeds of well over 100 mph, thus being one of the fastest cars of the early 1930s.
Beyond its stellar speed, the Auburn 12-160 Speedster is memorable for its breathtaking design. Its very long sweeping fenders low profile and dramatic art deco styling made it one of the finest-looking cars ever built. With its streamlined body designed for less drag and more aerodynamics, the car with its grille and luxurious inside was truly a work of automotive art.
The 12-160 Speedster is now one of the most sought-after Auburn models and often sells for millions of dollars at auction. Its timeless design and performance continue to capture the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide.
3. Auburn Automobile 851 Speedster (1935-1936)
The Auburn 851 Speedster, made between 1935 and 1936, is another of Auburn’s golden era iconic models. This car was a direct development of the earlier 12-160 Speedster and furthered the tradition of combining high performance with elegant design. The 851 Speedster was powered by a 4.5-liter supercharged eight-cylinder engine, capable of producing 150 horsepower. This made the engine a significant part of the car’s speed and performance, thus making it a competitor in both luxury and sports car categories.
The Auburn 851 Speedster was designed influenced by the Art Deco movement that dominated the automobile and design industries at that time. Its dramatic sweeping lines, distinctive grille, and low-slung profile made it one of the most stylish cars of the 1930s. The car was also fitted with luxury features such as leather upholstery, wood trim, and advanced engineering for its era.
The 851 Speedster is highly recognized due to its dual-cowl design, which gave protection against wind for the driver as well as the passenger. It was a true innovation in the design of automobiles and combined style with comfort while going at high speeds. Auburn 851 Speedster is considered to be one of the most iconic automobiles in history, as a symbol of luxury and performance in the 1930s.
4. Auburn Automobile 7-35 (1928-1929)
The Auburn 7-35 model, 1928 through 1929, best exemplified the Auburn style: one that combines the elements of performance with a certain measure of sophistication. The model would mark an era of transition within Auburn’s production of vehicles: less raw and boisterous and more refined with more horsepower. The Auburn 7-35 sported a 7.0-liter 8-cylinder engine and gave plenty of power while operating smoothly.
What made the Auburn 7-35 stand out among other vehicles in its class was the advanced engineering and design of the car. Its longer wheelbase than most of its competitors allowed for a smoother ride, and the chassis and suspension were very finely tuned to make the car comfortable for long-distance driving.
The design of the Auburn 7-35 was elegant and stately, with a focus on creating a balanced and symmetrical appearance. The car’s wide grille, flowing fenders, and luxurious interior materials showcased the brand’s dedication to beauty and craftsmanship.
5. Auburn Automobile 851 Boattail Speedster (1935-1936)
Among the models launched in 1935, the Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster stands out as one of the most iconic cars to be ever manufactured by the company. The boattail design set it apart from other Auburns of the time because it was a tapering rear end that gave it the car its distinctive shape. In addition to the streamlined profile of the car, the design added some aerodynamic benefits.

The Boattail is powered by the same supercharged 8-cylinder engine from the 851 Speedster and delivers a thrilling performance. The car accelerates briskly and reaches high speeds to become one of the luxuries sought after by collectors of such automobiles. The Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster design was quite ahead of time, featuring art-deco elements and sleek lines along with curves.
The 851 Boattail Speedster is now one of the most collectible American cars from the 1930s. Rarity, beauty, and performance have made it a symbol of the golden age of American automobiles.
6. Auburn Automobile 115C Salon (1935)
Another stand-out model is the Auburn 115C Salon, embodying the spirit of innovation and luxury for which Auburn was known. Released in 1935, the 115C Salon was a large, luxury car with a refined, elegant design. It was built to compete with other luxury automakers like Packard and Cadillac, offering a combination of powerful performance and comfortable driving.
The engine powering the Auburn 115C Salon was a 4.5-liter 8-cylinder, churning out 115 horses of energy and producing smooth and safe riding during long drives and other inter-country journeys. Its features epitomize classic and stately with elements of symmetry, luxuriness, and comfort, bringing to mind the term grandeur.
The interior of the 115C Salon was rich, with high-quality materials such as leather upholstery and fine wood trim. This model epitomized the luxury and sophistication that Auburn was known for, offering both beauty and power in a single package.
7. Auburn Automobile 8-1000 (1930)
Another stand out model that showed the commitment to performance and luxury was the Auburn 8-1000 produced in 1930. Powered by an 8-cylinder engine, the 8-1000 produced 100 horsepower, putting it into one of the more powerful vehicles at that time. It had a very good handling ability and smooth performance with a ride that was quiet and comfortable, surpassing many of its competitors.
The Auburn 8-1000 was an eye-catching, bold car, with the focus placed on modern lines and aerodynamics. Its wide, imposing grille and beautifully sculpted fenders make it immediately recognizable. Plush upholstery and wood accents are but some of the luxurious features fit into the inside of the car, ensuring that passengers ride in comfort and style.
The Auburn 8-1000 is a symbol of the brand’s peak years, representing the height of American automotive engineering in the early 1930s. It was a car that combined power, elegance, and luxury in a way that few others could match at the time.
Conclusion
Auburn Automobile Company’s legacy is defined by its craftsmanship, innovation, and beauty. The seven iconic models mentioned above are only a small sample of the groundbreaking work produced by Auburn in the early 20th century. From the sleek and stylish Auburn 8-88 to the high-performance 12-160 Speedster, these cars showcase the company’s dedication to building vehicles that were not only powerful and reliable but also stunning works of art.
Auburn’s golden age car finds an important place in the hearts of its collectors and enthusiasts, regardless of how advanced automobile technology has become. The legacies of the 851 Speedster, 8-1000, among others, live on through this reminder of the epoch when American car makers ruled the world with its design, engineering, and innovative ability. These cars are a great achievement if you are an automobile enthusiast or just an admirer of beautiful automobiles by the car makers at Auburn.
FAQs?
What is Auburn Automobile?
Auburn Automobile was a luxury car manufacturer founded in Auburn, Indiana, in 1900. Known for producing high-quality and stylish vehicles, Auburn gained fame in the 1920s and 1930s for its innovative designs, performance, and luxury features. The company ceased production in 1937 after being affected by the Great Depression.
What is the Auburn 851 Speedster?
The Auburn 851 Speedster is one of the most famous models produced by the company. Introduced in 1935, it featured a supercharged inline-8 engine, giving it impressive performance for its time. The model became iconic due to its streamlined design, powerful engine, and stylish presence, often considered one of the most beautiful American cars ever made.
Who designed Auburn automobiles?
Auburn cars were known for their innovative designs, often influenced by notable automotive designers like Alfred M. G. (Gus) O’Donnell and Dusenberg. The cars were often designed with a focus on performance, aerodynamics, and luxury. In the 1930s, famed designer Raymond Loewy was involved in designing the styling for some Auburn models.