Search

My Account

Subscribe

1934 Auburn 1250 Salon Cabriolet

John Apen
Chassis Number: 1187F

Even at $253,000, this car is still less than half the price of some Packard V12 Cabriolets



{vsig}2009-7_2340{/vsig}


This 1934 Auburn 1250 Salon Cabriolet was driven by James Cagney in the 1930s film “The Mayor of Hell.” It was restored over 20 years ago, and it’s been certified by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club, which means it has its original chassis, engine, and drivetrain.

The Salon model was the top of the line. It’s powered by a 391-ci 160-hp Lycoming V12 and equipped with a 3-speed transmission, power hydraulic brakes, shocks adjustable by the driver, and a unique and desirable dashboard-controlled Dual Ratio rear axle.

The Dual Ratio provides good acceleration and an overdrive for today’s freeways. With less than 350 miles since the 1986 restoration, it still has a nicely detailed undercarriage. According to the ACD, from 1934 to 1941, it was owned by Warner Brothers Studio, which produced “The Mayor of Hell.” It was then sold and ended up at the Cars of the Stars Museum from 1959 to 1976.

After its restoration, it won multiple awards, scoring 100 points at the 1987 Dearborn CCCA Grand Classic, and a 1st at the 1987 Meadow Brook Concours. This is one of two 1934 Auburn V12 Cabriolets certified by the ACD.

John Apen Avatar
John Apen
John holds degrees in engineering and operations research from the University of California-Berkeley, New York University, and Johns Hopkins. He vintage raced a Ferrari TdF for 13 years and has been restoring old cars for nearly 50 years. He owned the Atlanta Ferrari-Maserati dealership, FAF, for 17 years. He’s always had an affinity for obscure American cars, and in high school, he drove a 1936 Packard convertible coupe, followed by a 1949 Olds Holiday hardtop that got him through college. Today his garage includes 11 cars, including a Top Flight 1960 Corvette he’s owned since day one, a 1957 T-Bird, and several vintage Ferraris. His automotive library contains over 5,000 magazines and books and 1,800 auction catalogs. He has contributed to SCM since 1996.
×