Auburn’s Apex: A 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster’s Iconic American Performance Imagine a classic American masterpiece, its curvaceous lines and chrome accents gleaming, and the supercharged straight-eight engine ready to roar. This 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster, one of the most sought-after cars of its generation, is a testament to the golden age of American automotive design and engineering. Featuring a meticulous restoration, a well-documented history, and ACD Club certification, it’s a true collector’s dream.
Supercharged Symphony: A Straight-Eight Powerhouse At the heart of this Auburn lies a supercharged straight-eight engine, delivering 150 horsepower and a distinctive exhaust note. The Schwitzer-Cummins blower boosts the engine’s performance, while the Columbia dual-ratio rear axle provides exceptional flexibility, allowing for both smooth city driving and exhilarating country road experiences. The glistening chrome side exhaust hints at the power within, a true symbol of the car’s performance capabilities.
Boattail Elegance: A Design Ahead of Its Time Designed by the legendary Gordon Buehrig, the 1935-1936 Auburn Speedsters are renowned for their elegant and aerodynamic design. The “boattail” rear, with its gracefully tapering lines and chrome accents, is a defining feature. The curvaceous bodywork, straight hood line, and pontoon fenders create a visually stunning profile. Each speedster bears a dashboard plaque certifying its 100.8 mph speed, a nod to the car’s performance prowess, signed by speed-record driver David “Ab” Jenkins.
A History of Preservation: From Ohio to Concours Glory Serial number 851 33833 E has a rich and well-documented history. Originally owned by William Ryan in the 1940s, the car was later acquired by Don Ohnstad, who undertook a complete, concours-quality restoration. Mr. Ohnstad meticulously restored the car to its original specifications, including matching the finish to the original Cigarette Cream. The restoration was completed in 2009, and the car achieved ACD Club Category 1 Original Car certification, confirming its authenticity. It has since garnered numerous awards, including Senior Emeritus status and the 1st Place People’s Choice Award at the Art of the Car Concours.
Concours Quality: A Timeless Classic The car’s finishes remain in excellent, concours-quality condition, reflecting the care and attention it has received. It is an ideal candidate for concours competitions and ACD Club events, where its exceptional restoration and iconic design will undoubtedly impress. This Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster, with its blend of performance, elegance, and history, is a true automotive masterpiece. The estimated value of this vehicle is between $900,000 and $1,000,000 USD.
Summary:
- 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster.
- Supercharged straight-eight engine with 150 horsepower.
- Columbia dual-ratio rear axle.
- Iconic “boattail” design by Gordon Buehrig.
- Concours-quality restoration.
- ACD Club Certified Category 1 (A-502).
- Well-documented ownership history.
- Ideal for concours competitions and ACD Club events.
- Estimated value: $900,000 – $1,000,000 USD.
*Disclaimer: The content presented here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of this specific vehicle. Considering the age, rarity, and nature of classic vehicles, we highly recommend a thorough inspection and independent verification of all specifications before any purchase.
Source: rmsothebys.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
