- Supercharged eight-cylinder engine
- Just three owners since 1961
- 34 years of single ownership by the Passport Collection
- Eligible for a myriad of events including ACD Club, CCCA, and AACA
LOT 346
Selling on Saturday
From the Passport Collection
1935 Auburn 851 SC Cabriolet
America had many automobile companies in the early 1930s, and Auburn left its mark as one of the greatest. Although long gone, it is affectionately remembered for its incredible cars and interesting history and was originally started by Charles Eckhart who moved to Auburn, Indiana in 1874. Following the move to Indiana, Charles started the Eckhart Carriage company. After many years it was time to retire and the company was left to his sons. Around the turn of the century, the two brothers built the Auburn Automobile Company, making it one of the first automobile companies. In 1919, the Eckhart brothers sold their controlling interest in the company to a group of wealthy businessmen from Chicago, including William Wrigley, Jr., the owner of Wrigley Chewing Gum. In 1924, the group approached the soon-to-be legendary Errett Lobban Cord, a highly successful automobile salesman, with an offer to run the company. Through his ingenuity and titan-like business skills, Cord was able to quickly sell off all of Auburn's unsold inventory and turn the fortunes of the company around. By 1926, Cord had taken control of the business and became the president of the Auburn Automobile Company.
Throughout the 'Roaring Twenties' and into the early '30s, Cord quickly grew the business and began building his automotive empire through acquisition after acquisition of rival companies. In 1935, the Auburn 851 Cabriolet was produced with a beautiful design by Gordon Buehrig. This new design featuring a new very powerful fascia and broad fenders, really made a high impact on the car industry during the '30s, forever leaving an imprint of being one of the prettiest cars of its era.
The Auburn 851 SC Cabriolet is a very usable, attractive, and rare automobile, such as this example. Though the exact number is unknown, many enthusiasts suggest few of these 1935 851 Cabriolets survive today. This particular example has history that can be traced back to 1961 when it was acquired by an Ohio resident. It was then purchased by a Michigan collector in 1983, who then sold it to the current owner, the esteemed Passport Collection in 1991, where it has since been maintained for the last 34 years. Sporting an older 1980s bare metal restoration documented by a handful of photos; this 851 Cabriolet is draped in a delightful two-tone yellow and black color scheme with ever so subtle red pinstriping that runs the beltline of the body. Perched on top of color-matched wire wheels and wide whitewall tires, the body and menacing supercharged pipes are further highlighted. The cabin is trimmed in a black leather upholstery with matching yellow piping and features an elegant dash and under the dash heater. Matching that of the cabin, the rumble seat offers room for two more lucky guests.
Equipped with the proven Lycoming straight-eight engine, three-speed manual transmission, and dual-ratio rear axle, it has been rightfully upgraded with a correct supercharger, which is believed to been done in the '80s, and adds to its driving capabilities. Recognized as a Full Classic® by the Classic Car Club of America, it is eligible for an array of their events and tours. It is also granted access to AACA events and the various ACD Club tours and gatherings, such as the annual ACD Reunion that takes place Labor Day weekend in Auburn, Indiana.
Enjoyed by just three owners since the 1960s, this supercharged Auburn 851 Cabriolet will offer its next owner a fun and thrilling opportunity to gain access to a wide range of classic car events.
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