Sold 1935 Auburn 851 2146367865 Tweet

Auburn the core of E.L. Cords automotive and industrial empire confidently weathered the shocking October 1929 stock-market crash and the early stages of the Great Depression to become Americas 13th largest automobile manufacturer by 1931. While the marques success was well-deserved based on Cords proven formula combining great styling and solid engineering at a surprisingly affordable price plummeting sales for 1932 and 1933 and management issues were compounded by Cords waning interest in his core automotive businesses.In 1934 Cord handed leadership of Auburn to Duesenberg president Harold T. Ames who brought designer Gordon Buehrig along with him to update the styling of the existing Alan Leamy-designed Auburn models. In addition to Auburns foundational 6- and 8-cylinder model lines versatile array of open and closed body styles and progressive trim and equipment levels a flashy new Auburn 851 Speedster was released to drive showroom traffic and hopefully improved sales now that the mighty Auburn Twelve line was to be discontinued after 1934.Working with tight funding and little time Buehrig and his skeleton crew performed a minor miracle by concentrating on judicious styling updates while conserving the best aspects of Alan Leamys 1934 Auburn body designs. Auburn engines were of course supplied by Lycoming one of the many transportation-related companies owned at the time by E.L. Cord. Always offering more value for money than the competition Auburn offered the innovative Dual Ratio two-speed rear axle on all but its Standard lines. Supplied by Columbia yet another Cord subsidiary it effectively provided six forward speeds and uncanny driving flexibility on command.Representing the high end of Auburns 8-cylinder model lines for 1935 this dashing Salon Dual Ratio Phaeton continues to benefit very nicely from a quality older restoration with a CCCA (Classic Car Club of America) National First Prize to its credit and CCCA badge #9268 duly affixed to the Phaetons right cowl in confirmation of this high-level judged accolade. Colors are excellent comprising a beige main body accented by rich burgundy to the fenders side-mounted spare-tire cases and a snug convertible top. While upon closer inspection a few edge chips are visible the venerable Auburn features nice and shiny paint with consistent finish quality accented by good chrome notwithstanding some light polishing marks.Trimmed in supple burgundy leather upholstery the interior continues to display great character being nicely broken in and remaining most presentable with a pleasing patina. Well-equipped and elegant the Phaetons interior features Auburns visually captivating dash insert panels twin electric windshield wipers a locking glove box with an inset clock a tachometer rear-passenger robe/grab bar and even a very rare Auburn-Crosley AM radio. Wonderful design cues and period accessories exude sophistication including the gently curved V-shaped chrome front bumper Auburn Flying Goddess mascot twin Trippe Safety Lights sleek bullet-type chrome headlamps twin front-fender lamps and full-length hood louvers plus twin chrome side mirrors a folding windscreen roll-up windows and color-keyed integral trunk compartment.Recent maintenance work includes a top-end engine service and resealing of the 115-horsepower Lycoming straight-eight engine as well as attention to the Columbia 2-speed rear axle. Pleasingly mellowed in the time since its restoration this wonderfully stylish and well-equipped 1935 Auburn 851 Salon Dual Ratio Phaeton is a lovely and desirable CCCA Full Classic automobile very well suited to continued enjoyment on CARavan tours and similar classic events.Offers welcome and trades consideredFor additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7179-1935-auburn-851-salon-phaeton/