Auburn 851/852 Speedster (1935-1936)

In a time of unprecedented economic crisis, when the Great Depression had plunged the United States into uncertainty and most automakers were struggling to survive, an extraordinary creation emerged that defied all expectations: the 1936 Auburn Speedster. This car was not merely a means of transportation; it was a bold statement of beauty, speed, and engineering excellence in dark times.

The Auburn 851/852 Speedster represents the pinnacle of American automotive design from the Art Deco era. Born from the visionary mind of Gordon Buehrig, one of the most brilliant designers of his generation, this sports car captured the essence of American optimism in its purest form. With its sculpted lines that seemed to flow like liquid metal, its distinctive chrome exhaust pipes emerging dramatically from the fenders, and its unmistakable pointed boattail, the Speedster not only carried passengers but also carried the promise of freedom, speed, and distinction.

Produced by the Auburn Automobile Company in Auburn, Indiana, between 1935 and 1936, this magnificent vehicle arrived at a pivotal moment in automotive history. While other companies were building utilitarian and conservative cars for lean times, Auburn opted for the extraordinary. The Speedster combined revolutionary design with performance that left even skeptics speechless: each unit came with a certified plaque on the dashboard, signed by legendary test driver Ab Jenkins, guaranteeing that that specific vehicle had been driven at over 100 miles per hour. This speed guarantee was unique in the industry and made every Auburn Speedster a verifiable testament to excellence.

Today, nearly ninety years after its creation, the Auburn Speedster is still celebrated as one of the greatest masterpieces of automotive design. Its silhouette is instantly recognizable, its influence extends across generations of designers, and the few surviving examples are revered as national treasures. This is the legacy of a car that dared to be extraordinary when the world needed it most.

History and Context

The Auburn Automobile Company faced difficult times during the Great Depression. In a bold attempt to revitalize the brand, designer Gordon Buehrig created the Auburn 851 Speedster in 1935, a car that defied the conventions of its time. The model continued in 1936 as the 852 Speedster, with minor mechanical improvements but maintaining the revolutionary design that made it famous.

The Speedster was developed under the direction of Errett Lobban Cord, an automotive magnate who also controlled the Cord and Duesenberg brands. His vision was to create an affordable sports car that offered supercar performance at a price accessible to the American upper-middle class.

Revolutionary Exterior Design

The design of the Auburn Speedster was the work of the legendary Gordon Buehrig, who also designed the iconic Cord 810/812. The Speedster featured flowing, aerodynamic lines that seemed ahead of its time, with distinctive characteristics that made it instantly recognizable:

• Long, low hood: The hood extended majestically from the raked windshield, housing the powerful inline eight-cylinder engine.
• External fender fairings: The external chrome exhaust pipes, integrated into the front fenders, became the Speedster's most recognizable visual signature.
• Drop doors: Hinged at the rear, known as 'suicide doors', they added drama to accessing the cabin.
• Boattail: The pointed, tapered tail, inspired by racing yachts, housed the spare tire and gave the car its unmistakable profile.
• Split V-shaped windshield: The V-shaped, beveled windshield contributed to the vehicle's aerodynamics and distinctive character.

Engine and Performance

The Auburn Speedster was equipped with a 4.6-liter (279 cubic inch) Lycoming inline 8-cylinder engine. The real innovation lay in the Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger, which boosted power to approximately 150 horsepower, an impressive figure for the time.

The Speedster's performance was exceptional for its era. Auburn guaranteed that each vehicle had been tested to over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h), and each car came with a certified plaque signed by test driver Ab Jenkins on the dashboard, attesting that that specific vehicle had reached or exceeded 100 mph. This speed guarantee was unique in the industry and underscored the car's sporting capabilities.

The transmission was a Columbia 3-speed dual-ratio manual gearbox, which allowed for smooth and sporty driving. The chassis used independent front suspension, advanced for the time, providing superior handling compared to many of its competitors.

Interior and Comforts

The interior of the Auburn Speedster reflected the luxury and craftsmanship typical of premium automobiles of the era. The two-seat cabin was upholstered in high-quality leather, with bright chrome accents throughout the dashboard and controls. The instrument panel featured an elegant design with circular gauges that included a speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, and temperature gauge.

Despite its sporty nature, the Speedster offered modern comforts for its time, including a convertible top that could be deployed to protect the occupants from the elements. The adjustable seats provided comfort for both short trips and long road journeys.

Production and Rarity

Production of the Auburn Speedster was extremely limited. It is estimated that approximately 500 combined units of the 851 and 852 Speedster models were manufactured between 1935 and 1936. This scarcity, combined with the closure of the Auburn Automobile Company in 1937, has made the Speedster one of the most coveted classic cars in the world.

The original price of the Auburn Speedster was approximately $2,245, positioning it as an accessible luxury vehicle, costing significantly less than a Duesenberg but offering comparable performance and equally striking design.

Legacy and Current Value

The Auburn Speedster has transcended its status as a classic car to become an icon of Art Deco design and a symbol of pre-war American automotive excellence. Its influence can be seen in countless subsequent designs, and it continues to be celebrated at classic car shows worldwide.

In today's collector market, a concours-condition Auburn Speedster can fetch values ??exceeding one million dollars, reflecting its extreme rarity and historical significance. Professionally restored examples regularly sell for six-figure prices, and even unfinished restoration projects command substantial sums.

The Speedster has been honored with inclusion in numerous museums, including the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana, where visitors can admire these magnificent automobiles in the very place where they were manufactured.

Technical Specifications

• Engine: Lycoming supercharged inline 8-cylinder
• Displacement: 4.6 liters (279 cubic inches)
• Horsepower: Approximately 150 hp
• Transmission: Columbia dual-ratio 3-speed manual
• Top Speed: Over 100 mph (160 km/h) guaranteed
• Wheelbase: 127 inches (322 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 3,800 pounds (1,724 kg)
• Total Production (851 and 852): Approximately 500 units

Conclusion

The 1936 Auburn Speedster represents the pinnacle of pre-war American automotive design. Its combination of aesthetic beauty, technical innovation, and superior performance made it a timeless masterpiece. Although the Auburn Automobile Company disappeared nearly 90 years ago, the Speedster remains a shining testament to a golden age of creativity and excellence in automotive engineering.

Today, every surviving Auburn Speedster is a priceless treasure, not only for its monetary value but also for its cultural and historical significance. These magnificent automobiles continue to inspire designers, engineers, and enthusiasts, reminding us that true excellence transcends time and fleeting trends.