1935 Auburn 851SC Speedster
As the Auburn Automobile Company nearly collapsed in the mid-1920s, company super-salesman E.L. Cord orchestrated a dramatic turnaround, and not only did he save the firm, but he wrested control of it from the board. Mr. Cord quickly set about creating a glamorous, sporty new image for Auburn, positioning the brand in the competitive mid-priced sporting car market.
Unfortunately for Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg, E.L. Cord rapidly lost interest in the car business, instead focusing on aviation. Sales slumped again and Auburn needed yet another revival. Celebrated designer Gordon Buehrig was brought in to redesign the line, including a new version of the famed Boattail Speedster, on the condition he first use up leftover 1933 Speedster bodies from Union City Body Company to save money. Buehrig utilized the mid-section of the cabin and top frame, while the fenders, tail, hood, and most of the cowl were all new. The shape was inspired by a Weymann-built Duesenberg J he had designed, however, the new Auburn Speedster was even better balanced and prettier than the Duesenberg that inspired it. Lycoming 8-cylinder engines were standard, packing an engine-driven Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger adapted by August Duesenberg. The Auburn 851/ 852 Supercharged Speedster, with its lightweight coachwork and 150-horsepower engine, could top 100mph, and each car was sold with a dash plaque emblazoned with the signature of the great racer Ab Jenkins proclaiming its performance. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to save the company, but the SC “Boattail” Speedster lives on as one of the greatest machines in the Auburn legacy.
Chassis number 33505E is car number 29 of 143 examples of the Auburn 851/852 Supercharged Speedster and is one of the 80 cars built using leftover Union City bodies from 1933, as noted by historian Randy Ema. This car, backed by Category 1 Auburn-Cord-Deusenberg Club certification and presented in a wonderful, understated livery of maroon over caramel leather, has an exceptionally well-documented history, having been in the care of a meticulous collector since 2017. Thanks to the efforts of the most recent owner, via interviews with past custodians, we can trace the ownership history of 33505E back to the late 1930s when it was owned by Donald Manss of Baltimore, Maryland, who is believed to have kept the car through the early-1940s. Thankfully surviving wartime scrap metal drives, the Auburn was photographed in 1955 by Jim Matthews sitting outside a Takoma Park, Maryland Amoco station, looking rather derelict but otherwise intact.
In 1961, Ray L. Brown of Washington D.C. purchased the Auburn from an unknown seller and commissioned the legendary ACD man Glenn Pray to perform a restoration to the standards of the time, photos of which, provided by Randy Ema, are on file. Thankfully, during the restoration, all the major components remained with the car, and it retains its original engine, gearbox, and rear axle.
In 1968, Brown sold 33505E to Dr. Alfred Frantz of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, who kept it for 10 years before he sold it to E. Sherwood Bridges, who kept it for a further 12 years. From Mr. Bridges’ ownership, it was acquired by Johnny Pascucci of Johnny P’s Classic Cars in Connecticut. Pascucci sold it to Rick Wilson of Greenwich, CT, who did little with the car during his four-year tenure, and Pascucci brokered a later sale to Jerry Vincentini of Omaha, Nebraska in 1996.
Finally, in Vincentini’s stewardship, 33505E received a much-deserved complete restoration. The work done by Glenn Pray in the 1960s was aging, and the car was overdue for a makeover. Much of the project was overseen and completed by Don Sears in Omaha, while the engine and gearbox were done by Engquist Tractor Service, and the body by John Legue of Restorations Unlimited in Blenheim, Ontario. The project lasted three years between 1997 and 2000, costing nearly $180,000 at the time.
Vincentini showed his freshly restored Auburn with great pride in numerous prestigious events. It was awarded 3rd in Class at the 2000 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (no mean feat on its first outing!), followed by a 1st Place, Primary Division at the ACD Meet in Auburn, Indiana – where it was honored with the Best Auburn award. At that event the following year, it earned its 1st Place, Senior award. It also scored 99.75 points at the CCCA Grand National in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is a CCCA Senior Premier and AACA National First Prize winner.
In 2005, Mr. Vincentini sold the Auburn to the prolific collector John O’Quinn of Houston, Texas, and following his death, it joined Rob Walton’s collection in 2010. Finally, in January 2017, the most recent owner acquired 33505E, joining other significant classics in his private collection.
The Auburn Speedster remains in superb condition with beautiful finishing and detailing throughout, belying the 25-year-old restoration. The body and paint are beautifully preserved, with only minor imperfections noted along the belt line. The maroon paint is complemented by wonderful caramel leather upholstery, a tan top, and period touches like natural leather mud guards. In the current owner’s care, it has been meticulously maintained, serviced, and painstakingly documented. An extensive history file covers the car’s ownership chain, show and event history, past restorations, and recent service. Additionally, there are numerous photos from throughout its life, and a copy of the ACD Certificate, verifying this as a Category 1 Original car.
The Auburn 851 SC Speedster is an American performance car icon, earning a place among the most collectible and desirable motorcars of the era. Many have copied its looks, but of course, nothing compares to the magic of the real deal – and this superb, lovingly maintained example will undoubtedly deliver on the road or show field.
Offers welcome, trades considered.
$ price on request.
Stock number 7956
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