Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: GU72708
Mot Expiry: None

Hired as general manager of the Auburn Automobile Co. in 1924, Errett Lobban Cord made an immediate impact. Faced with a daunting stockpile of unsold cars, he gave orders that they be roof-chopped, painted bright colours and adorned with extra nickel trim. The image revamp worked and the backlog disappeared to be replaced with a handsome profit. Reinvesting his share in the company, Cord duly assumed control in 1926. A firm believer in the selling power of speed and performance, he oversaw the introduction of the first Auburn Boat-Tail Speedster in 1928. Styled by Al Leamy (whose other credits included the Duesenberg Model J and Cord L29), it was aimed squarely at the Stutz Black Hawk. Powered by a big capacity straight-eight sidevalve Lycoming engine mated to three-speed manual transmission, its prodigious performance was used to capture a host of publicity generating records. Thus, 1928 Auburn Speedsters were variously timed at 108mph on Daytona Beach, averaged 84.7mph for 24 hours at Atlantic Speedway and won the prestigious Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Some $3,000 cheaper than its Stutz rival ($2,000 versus $5,000), the Auburn was a strong seller in its own right. Successor to the 8-98, the 8-100 range boasted 100hp from its 269ci (4.4litre) straight-eight powerplant. Available in sedan, brougham, coupe, phaeton, cabriolet or boat-tail speedster configurations, it could be specified with an 'A' custom pack that included the desirable dual ratio Columbia back axle and a chrome lighting set etc. Equipped with four-wheel drum brakes as standard, the entire range sat on the same 127inch wheelbase leaf-sprung ladder frame chassis (except for the 7-seater sedan).
Finished in yellow with red accent moulding and tan upholstery, this particular Auburn has been part of the collection since the mid 1990s. Apparently purchased by its last American keeper - a Mr Howard Baumgartner of Indiana - in 1972, it is currently undergoing some refurbishment. Whether or not it will be in working order by the time of sale is unclear and as such it is being sold strictly as seen. Furthermore, the documentation accompanying the vehicle is somewhat sparse and does not contain for example a certificate of authenticity / inspection from the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club. As such, we would urge potential purchasers (as with all the cars in this or any other sale) to make their own investigations as to provenance / history. A mere 11,347 Auburns of all descriptions are thought to have left the factory during the 1932 calendar year.

PLEASE NOTE: The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club have informed us that this car was fitted with a replica steel body by John Russo while in the ownership of Mr Howard Baumeartner. However, Mr Van Dijk believes the wings to be older.