Serial No. 35205H

The Auburn Automobile Company, founded in 1903, gained prominence under E.L. Cord in 1924, producing stylish and performance-oriented cars. By 1931, Auburn achieved its best sales year, but the Great Depression hit hard, and by 1933, sales plummeted. Despite this, Auburn launched the Auburn 851 in 1935, a striking model designed by Gordon Buehrig, featuring a sleek front end and an optional Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger that boosted engine output to 150 horsepower. The Auburn 851 Speedster gained fame after Ab Jenkins set multiple speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats, including a 12-hour, 100 mile per hour endurance run.

However, Auburn's financial troubles continued, and by 1936, it was clear the company could not survive. The Auburn 852 became the last model produced, carrying over the 851's design with minimal changes, including a new model number. Despite its elegant design and strong performance, the country's financial collapse led to the end of Auburn production by 1937.

This 1936 Auburn 852 Supercharged Phaeton Sedan was located in California prior to being acquired by The Academy of Art University Collection in 2006, as indicated by previous research. Presented in red with matching painted wire wheels wearing Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewall tires, this well-presented example is complete with a well fit Haartz convertible top. Showing attention to detail, the car is equipped with Stabilite headlamps, a rear mounted spare wheel under a hard cover, period-correct 1936 California black plates, and a striking Art Deco dashboard. The 276 cu-in Lycoming inline-eight is upgraded with the optional Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger.

The Auburn 851/852, particularly the Phaeton Sedan, is a highly collectible, CCCA Full Classic representing the pinnacle of Auburn's craftsmanship. The models are celebrated today for their engineering innovation, timeless styling, and the world- renowned legacy they left behind.