Auburn 1929 vintage classic
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When I heard about the vintage vehicle for this month, the first thing I did was to refer Google for some info. I had no clue whatsoever about Auburn Automobile and for good reason too. This company was established sometime in the early 1900’s and they shut shop as soon as the 1930’s. And even in their thirty year tenure, the company had never once got praises such as ‘top in sales’ or ‘Car Of The Year’ or any such thing. So it was comforting that I did not know anything about this Boattail speedster. I guessed the fact that the car would have a rear end shaped like a Boat (and surprisingly I was right)
So with much plagiarism I type this article. So here goes.
The Auburn Automobile Company was founded in 1903 and ceased manufacturing automobiles in 1937. During its 34 year history its financial performance would best be described as tumultuous. Despite the economic effects of the Great Depression the company experienced periods of strong sales followed by years of dismal operating results.
The Auburn Automobile Company experienced its best year in 1929, just prior to the Stock Market Crash. Its sleekest model was the 8–90 Boattail Speedster. In the Model 8–90 Auburn offered a straight-eight at prices putting it within reach of thousands of people who had previously paid more for six-cylinder cars not comparable in size or performance. More then 2,000 of the two-seater speedsters with the boat tail-shaped rear-end were sold. An eight-cylinder, 4 liter Lycoming engine that produced 93 horsepower powered the Auburn 8–90 series.
The Auburn Boattail Speedster was not able to generate the necessary level of sales to keep the company afloat. At the end of 1937 the Auburn Automobile Company ceased manufacturing automobiles.
Whatever is indicated above could tell a non-auto enthusiast that the car was essentially a flop. However, when you look at the picture there is a different story to be told. Just look at the wheels which have the side-walls painted in white. This was a classic feature which was essentially kick-started in this period. And mounting spare wheels on either side of the frame is a classic indication of the American roots this car symbolizes. And somehow, in a little bit weird way, I fancy cars which have their windscreens partitioned. Then there is the extensive use of chrome which seems to give the impression that Auburn bought more chrome metal parts than they bought engines for the car itself. What stands out the most is the rear which I think looks stunning. The proportions are well thought off and somehow by aligning the number plate holder to the left, the car looks even better! Very few cars carry out this trait and for those ‘cool’ people who buy a modern 21st century car and modify it in such a way that your number plate is towards one side while your actual number plate reads something like ‘Speed Devil’ or some nonsense, who are you kidding? I think if the same car had been made by a more prominent marque such as GM, there would be people wiling to pay a good six-figure amount in an auction.
