1935 Auburn Model 851 Boattail Speedster

Frank and Morris Eckhart of Auburn, Indiana, started the Auburn Motor Company in 1903. As their business grew, they acquired more dealerships to stay ahead of the competition, but by the mid-’20s size had caught up with them and they were in need of new leadership. In 1925 E. L. Cord became general manager. Under Cord the new Auburn became a very different company, emphasizing style when others in the industry concentrated on engineering.

By 1931 Auburn was able to sell their fully equipped V12 cars for well under $2,000 and the eights were cheaper still. By 1934 the depression had caught up and sales were falling. As a remedy, Auburn returned to the six-cylinder model and curtailed V12 production. In addition, the 1935 Model 851 Boattail Speedster was an effort to boost sales with a car that offered style, performance and a younger, sportier image.

With a new body designed by Gordon Buehrig, an optional supercharger was available for the...