1936 Auburn 852 Phaeton Fresh Restoration Award Winner Show or Tour with Pride

The Auburn Automobile Company grew out of the Eckhart Carriage Company, founded in Auburn, Indiana, in 1875 by Charles Eckhart (1841–1915). Eckhart's sons, Frank and Morris, began making automobiles on an experimental basis before entering the business in earnest, absorbing two other local carmakers and moving into a larger plant in 1909. The enterprise was modestly successful until materials shortages during World War I forced the plant to close. In 1919, the Eckhart brothers sold out to a group of Chicago investors headed by Ralph Austin Bard, who later served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and as Under Secretary of the Navy for President Roosevelt and for President Harry S. Truman. The new owners revived the business but failed to realize the profits that they hoped for.

In 1924, they approached Errett Lobban Cord (1894–1974), a highly successful automobile salesman, with an offer to run the company. Cord countered with an offer to take over completely in what amounted to a leveraged buyout. The Chicago group accepted. Cord aggressively marketed the company's unsold inventory and completed his buyout before the end of 1925. In 1926, he partnered with Duesenberg Corporation, famous for its racing cars, and used it as the launching platform for a line of high-priced luxury vehicles. He also put his own name on a front-wheel-drive car, the Cord, later referred to as "L-29".. Employing imaginative designers such as Alan Leamy and Gordon Buehrig, Cord built cars that became famous for their advanced engineering as well as their striking appearance, e.g., the 1928 Auburn Boattail Speedster, the Model J Duesenbergs, the 1935–1937 Auburn Speedsters and the 810/812 Cords.

We are very pleased to offer this nicely restored Phaeton. Finished in a striking color combination with the clean lines of no external spare tire, and integrated trunk. The car has recently been completely rebuilt mechanically from Stem to Stern by Marque Expert Janousek Classic Restorations; including: New Radiator Core, New Eaton Detroit Springs, New Apple Hydraulic Shocks, Rebuilt Steering Linkage, Complete Brake System overhaul, Rebuilt Engine, Gearbox, Clutch, and Columbia Rear End, New Driveshaft Bearings, New Windshield Wiper Motors and Vacuum Lines.

A new Custom Top was installed by Andrew Larder Upholstery including a Top Boot, Carrier, and custom weather vinyl cover and carrier; and a new set of Diamond Back Blackwall Auburn Deluxe Radial Tires were installed.

In short this car is ready for the road! If you are looking for a dependable Tour car that you can immediately press into service-this is your car! The car is also quite ready for the Show field and in fact was exhibited at the 2021 Concours D'Elegance of America-one of the most prestigious Shows in the Country.