- One of the most collectable and desirable cars from the pre-war era
- Streamlined boattail styling finished in dramatic and elegant colors
- Ideal example for CCCA and ACD Club events
- Acquired by the Passport Collection over 17 years ago
LOT 366
Selling on Saturday
From the Passport Collection
1931 Auburn 8-98 Boattail Speedster
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
The Auburn Boattail Speedster captures the essence of a bygone era, evoking a deep admiration for its beauty and sophistication. To say, "They just don't make them like they used to," would be a vast understatement here. The Auburn Boattail is not just North America's most visually dazzling motorcar of the pre-WWII era, it is an Art Deco masterpiece.
When E.L. Cord took the reins of the Auburn Automobile Company, he breathed new life into their quality-made, reliable motorcars. When the Boattail debuted in 1928, it was situated as the focal point of the showroom and display window. Placed to draw in a crowd, customers often left with a more affordable and practical Auburn, but it was the Boattail Speedster that got them in the door. Today, Auburn Boattails are some of the most coveted pre-WWII cars that the United States has ever produced. No one else on our shores was manufacturing anything like it at the time and the performance matched its looks. The 8-98 model was named for its Lycoming eight-cylinder engine and its 98 horsepower. Performance that fits the elegant aesthetics, the Auburn Boattail Speedster was bound for greatness the day Al Leamy laid pen to paper.
Manufactured a mere three miles from our global headquarters, it is only fitting this 1931 Auburn Model 8-98 Boattail Speedster be sold in its birthplace of Auburn, Indiana. Acquired by the Passport Collection over 17 years ago, this Speedster has been nicely maintained and displayed next to its color-matched counterpart '31 Auburn Cabriolet, which is also selling in the Enthusiast Auction.
The boattail body is cloaked in a sleek, smooth, yet sinister black finish with flowing silver accents that harmonize for a truly captivating appearance. Further elevating its body are dual Pilot-Ray lights, dual cowl lights, dual enclosed side-mounted spares topped with sideview mirrors, a golf club door, a disappearing black soft top, and a streamlined raked V windshield. Trimmed in a red maroon leather, the interior is enhanced by an Art Deco dash with five gauges.
Praised for their drivability, this example would make a great choice to purchase and plan to use in the near future on the Hoosier Tour and at the annual ACD Club Reunion which both take place in Auburn, Indiana the week leading up to Labor Day. Recognized as a Full Classic® by the CCCA, it's also eligible for their annual events and tours.
Impressive from all angles, the '31 Boattail Speedster has placed itself on an exclusive list of being one of the most collectable cars from the pre-war era. A resident of the Passport Collection for the last 17 years and finished in a spectacular color combination, this Auburn Boattail Speedster would certainly be a welcome addition to tours and events around the country, or in one's pre-war automobile collection.
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