1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster

• Special Story: The Auburn 851 Collection
• One of only 146 examples made
• One of only handful of Speedsters in Europe!
• Currently after a complete restoration with a new paint
• FFVE certification (pdf)
• Valued by Hagerty at 825.000 USD (good condition)
• All documents were checked and the car was photographed personally by Auctomobile
• Other features: possibility of assisting with registration, transport, insurance, storage and Trusted Checkout payment
• Please note that this car will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Hradec Kralove, Czechia

The Auburn 851 Supercharged is a classic car that represents the pinnacle of American engineering and design. Produced by Auburn Automobile Company from 1935 to 1936, the 851 was a high-performance car that was designed to appeal to discerning car enthusiasts of the time.

The Auburn 851 Supercharged was equipped with a powerful eight-cylinder engine that was capable of producing up to 150 horsepower. The engine was mated to a three-speed manual gearbox that provided smooth and precise shifting. 

The exterior of the Auburn 851 Supercharged was designed with elegance and style in mind. It had a long and sleek hood that was accented by a distinctive grille and a set of chrome headlights. The body was aerodynamic and well-proportioned, with sweeping lines that gave the car a sense of speed and grace.

The interior of the Auburn 851 Supercharged was equally impressive. It was a spacious and comfortable car that was upholstered in high-quality leather and finished with polished wood trim. The seats were designed to provide maximum comfort and support, and the dashboard was fitted with a range of gauges and instruments that provided the driver with all the information they needed.

The Auburn 851 Supercharged was not just a luxury car, it was also a high-performance machine. It was equipped with advanced suspension and steering systems that made it a joy to drive. The car was nimble and agile, and it handled well on all types of roads.

The Auburn 851 Supercharged remains a highly sought-after classic car today. It is prized by collectors for its elegant design, exceptional performance, and outstanding craftsmanship. Owning an Auburn 851 Supercharged is not just about owning a car, it is about owning a piece of automotive history that represents the best of American engineering and design.

The 851 was to be Auburn's greatest success. Its design was the result of a long study from the end of the 1920s until it was revealed to the public in 1935. In the midst of the Great Depression, it was a risky gamble to offer a top-of-the-range or even very top-of-the-range car, but Auburn took the risk and rightly so. Like many other cars of the time, it was offered in several body styles: Speedster, Sedan, Phaeton and Roadster. The car was able to drive more than 160 km/h (100 mph), an unthinkable feat in 1935. Designed by Gordon Buehrig, the Speedster stands out from the rest of the 851 range thanks to its characteristic "cuttlebone" or Boattail lines. The nose and the whole car in general are stretched forward to give the car a bouncy, aggressive, very sporty effect. The interior, typical of the art-deco style of the 1930s, shines with luxury but also with simplicity, with the main information in front of the driver and an elegant clock in front of the passenger.
Mechanically, apart from the unusual engine, the 851 speedster features a mechanical 3-speed gearbox operated by a first lever on the driver's right thigh. The rider behind the wheel will find a second lever that allows him to change gears, a short range for sport and a long range that multiplies the gears to create a 6-speed gearbox.
To slow down the 1700 kilos of the machine, 4 drum brakes helped by a Bendix hydraulic pump is necessary.
Guided by an elegant mascot reminiscent of the Spirit of Ecstasy, the 851 could not save Auburn from imminent bankruptcy and the end of production marked the death of the brand in 1937.

This is one of only handful of Speedster Boattail examples in Europe!
It was bought by its previous French owner in 1987. At that time, it joined the family museum composed of very nice models. The car spent the last year with a complete mechanical restoration with a brand new paint.

The most recent auction result of this exact model was on the 4th of March 2023 for 791.500 USD (link)!

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