The Auburn Automobile Company of Auburn, Indiana, was created in 1903.The factory was known for producing touring cars. In 1928 Auburn introduced a boat-tail body style car called the speedster. During the Great Depression, the “Speedster 851” was introduced in 1934. Following two years later, in 1936, saw the creation of the “Speedster 852”. Sadly, 1937 was the final year of production for Auburn automobiles.
The ultra-strong chassis stretched 127 inches at its wheelbase. The body was stunning. There was a big hood ornament sculpted in the shape of a cormorant with wings spread.
This beautiful Auburn 852 Supercharged Boattail Speedster, was just one of many designs created by Gordon Buehrig. A famed automobile designer whose stunning creations included many Duesenberg’s and Cords, as well as Auburns.Buehrig’s 1936 Auburn Speedster masterpiece, a cost-effective build, became the automotive icon of the Art Deco era.
Equipped with a Lycoming 280-cubic-inch engine and Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger, this fast car could move from 0 to 60 in fifteen seconds, thanks to the 150 horsepower. Every car off the assembly line was speed tested. As a result, each Speedster mounted a dash plaque, signed by the great racer Ab Jenkins, guaranteeing the new owner’s car had been clocked at over 100 miles an hour. Not bad for 1936.
Every detail of this automobile, including the Flying Goddess hood emblem is stunning.
One of the fastest cars produced in the1930’s, this1936 Auburn 852 Speedster is now on display in the Cussler Museum.
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