Chassis No. 33025E

Engine No. GH 5424

Body No. 47

Errett Lobban Cord transformed Auburn from a struggling automaker into a symbol of style and performance in the 1920s and early 1930s. Upon joining the company in 1924, he revolutionized its fortunes through an elegantly simple strategy: refreshing existing inventory with vibrant paint schemes and launching an aggressive marketing campaign. The company experienced significant growth under his direction, with sales doubling in both 1925 and 1926, leading to his appointment as President.

Under his leadership, Auburn vehicles became favorites among the who's who of Hollywood actors, athletes, and business executives. The company carved out a unique up-market position within Cord's expanding automotive holdings by delivering high-performance vehicles at more attractive price points than its Duesenberg division. The first Auburn Speedster, introduced in 1928, proved competitive in racing on both sides of the Atlantic and helped establish Auburn's performance-oriented image, but sold fewer than 350 units in the first two years of Boattail production. In 1931, despite challenging economic conditions, Auburn unveiled fresh styling influenced by Alex Leamy's work on the Cord L-29, including a new Speedster featuring a split radiator shell, an angled windscreen, and distinctive "boattail" design.

While the new Speedster was offered in both Eight and Twelve configurations across three trim levels, production continued to decline in 1933 and 1934. Leamy departed for Fisher, making way for Gordon Buehrig, who was recruited for his experience at Dietrich, Packard, Judkins, and General Motors to refresh the Auburn lineup. His modifications encompassed a substantial backswept radiator shell, straight hood design, side-threaded external exhaust pipes, and sweeping pontoon fenders. The updated Speedster incorporated a Lycoming eight-cylinder engine enhanced by a Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger, modified by August Duesenberg. This powerplant, combined with lightweight construction, enabled a top speed of 100.8 mph. Each 852 Speedster carried a dashboard plaque bearing Ab Jenkins' signature validating these performance capabilities.

Today, the Auburn 852 Speedster remains one of the most significant early American performance models, as well as one of the most beautiful designs of the Classic Era. Although many have attempted to replicate its distinctive Art Deco design, original 1935-36 Speedsters-with production estimated to be as few as 150 units-remain exceptionally rare and highly sought after.

Chassis number 33025E is one such survivor. According to ACD Club records, the Speedster's first documented owner was Bill Grams of Volo, Illinois, co-founder of the Volo Auto Museum, where the car was on display beginning in 1983. The car's recorded history resumes in 2006 when it was acquired by Mark Spandikow of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, who would retain the Speedster for a number of years. A pre-certification report on file shows that Spandikow showed the Auburn in September 2006 at that year's ACD Club Auburn Reunion, then finished in red over a tan leather interior and a matching tan top. At the meet, the Speedster was reviewed for ACD Club certification-with the judges noting that the car retained its original-type frame, body (number 47) and wood framing, engine, rare original supercharger, carburetor, and air cleaner, drivetrain, suspension, and running gear-and received its Category 1 certification two months later in November 2006.

In current ownership, the authentic Speedster was treated to a concours-quality, ground up restoration in its current grey color scheme with a black canvas top by Bob Lorkowski's L'Cars Automotive Specialties. Riding on 16-inch wire wheels with chrome wheel covers and Firestone blackwall tires, the restoration's stand-out features include its chrome Star Lite script headlamps, stainless steel external exhaust pipes, pristine engine compartment, rich black leather interior with correct grain, and dedicated dashboard plaque reading, "This certifies that this AUBURN AUTOMOBILE has been driven 101 miles per hour before shipment."

This magnificent Auburn Speedster now presents in show-ready condition and has never been shown since its completion, making it particularly well-suited for AACA and CCCA concours competitions and Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club gatherings under new ownership. With its immaculate restoration, correct dual ratio rear axle and supercharged engine, and ACD Club Category 1 certified status, chassis 33025E surely ranks among the most compelling examples of these celebrated motorcars currently available.