1936 Auburn 852 Supercharged Phaeton Award Winner Excellent Running Condition

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 Supercharged Phaeton. Finished in a striking color combination with Dual Side Mounts, Wheel Disks, and integrated trunk. The subject of a comprehensive restoration some years back, car has recently had extensive mechanical work including a New Radiator Core, Rebuilt Water Pump, Rebuilt Fuel Pump, Rebuilt Carburator, as well as all fluids changed. Owned by a seasoned collector who likes to drive his cars, he wanted the car to be ready to drive on a long tour without concern.

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 won a prestigious award at the 2023 Mara Lago Concours, and was in the inner circle presentation at the Stan Hywet Show as well.