This 1935 Auburn Model 851, Supercharged, Boat Tail Speedster was purchased over 50 years ago. The 1935-36 Speedster was designed by Gordon Buehrig and is recognized as one of the outstanding designs of the 20th Century.
The Speedster is powered by a supercharged Lycoming Straight-8 engine and is capable of speeds over 100 miles per hour.
Overview
- Production Year: 1935
- Manufacturer: Auburn Automobile Company
- Class: Luxury car
- Body Style: Various, including convertible, speedster, sedan, and phaeton
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The Auburn 851 was equipped with a 4.6-liter (280 cubic inches) straight-eight engine.
- This engine was capable of producing around 115 horsepower.
- A supercharged version of the engine was also available, which increased the output to approximately 150 horsepower.
- Transmission:
- The car featured a 3-speed manual transmission.
- An optional Columbia dual-ratio rear axle was available, providing additional gearing for improved performance.
- Chassis:
- The 851 utilized a robust and well-engineered chassis, designed to handle the power and enhance the driving experience.
- Suspension:
- Front: Independent front suspension with transverse leaf springs.
- Rear: Live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, ensuring a balance between ride comfort and handling stability.
Performance
- Top Speed: The supercharged version of the Auburn 851 could achieve speeds of up to 100 mph (161 km/h), making it one of the fastest cars of its era.
- Acceleration: The car was known for its impressive acceleration, particularly the supercharged model, which could go from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 15 seconds.
- Handling: The 851's advanced suspension system and balanced weight distribution contributed to its excellent handling characteristics.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The Auburn 851 was designed by the renowned automotive stylist Gordon Buehrig, known for his ability to blend elegance with aerodynamics.
- The car featured flowing lines, a long hood, and a distinctive grille, embodying the Art Deco design language of the 1930s.
- Notable design elements included the "pontoon" fenders, external exhaust pipes on the supercharged models, and a raked windshield on the speedster variants.
- Interior:
- The interior of the 851 was luxurious, with high-quality materials such as leather upholstery, wood trim, and chrome accents.
- It featured a comprehensive set of gauges and controls, providing the driver with all necessary information and a sense of sophistication.
- Customization:
- Various body styles and custom coachwork options were available, allowing buyers to tailor the car to their preferences.
Legacy
- Historical Significance:
- The Auburn 851 is an iconic model that reflects the peak of the Auburn Automobile Company's achievements in the 1930s.
- It represented a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced engineering, setting new standards in the automotive industry.
- Cultural Impact:
- The car's sleek design and high performance made it a favorite among celebrities and affluent individuals during its time.
- It was often featured in magazines and advertisements, symbolizing wealth and prestige.
Taken at the Amelia Concours.
The car was restored to its original maroon paint formula in 2010 and 2011 by Brian Joseph at Classic & Exotic Service, Inc.
You may purchase a print of the 1935 Auburn 851 in our dElegance 2012 online gallery.
