Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
1929 Auburn 8-120 Speedster-"the Boxer's Speedster" Fascinating History
We are very pleased to offer this exceptional fully restored Big 8 Auburn Boattail Speedster-one of the most legendary and stunning sports cars of all time. This car has a remarkable history. It was purchased new by Cleveland Boxer Johnnie Risko after he famously wrecked the 1928 Auburn Speedster that had been awarded to him by the Cleveland Sports Association for bringing worldwide attention to the burgeoning Cleveland Boxing Scene. The Accident had been covered in newspapers nationwide. He would keep the car the rest of his life. Johnnie took his new wife on a 4 state honeymoon in the car shortly thereafter, and was regularly cited for speeding in the car, again garnering considerable publicity. Johnnie Risko was a very successful Boxer and hung out with the likes of Bob Hope, who was a childhood fan, and became a lifelong friend.. He had a very long career for a boxer spanning 17 years and while never Heavyweight Champion, he came as close as one could besting Jack Sharkey and Max Baer, both of which later ascended to that title. His freewheeling lifestyle led to a divorce in 1941 after his final bout, and finding himself newly single at age 39, he had his beloved Speedster customized to a more modern appearance in the early 40s. Overlaying a 1939 Chrysler Grill Shell and adding Chevrolet Fenders to mimic the more pontooned styled cars coming out of Detroit, the rakish windshield and Boattailed body were left undisturbed. Johnnie would regularly chauffeur visiting celebrities around Cleveland in his flashy Speedster, including reportedly Norma Jean Baker (Marilyn Monroe) who frequented Cleveland did later marry Baseball Star Joe DiMaggio. Johnnie willed the car along with all his possessions to his second wife who passed 3 years later. Harvey Mace of Lodi Ohio purchased the car in September, 1956 and continued the tradition by courting and marrying his wife in the car. Harvey amassed a varied collection of Classics over his lifetime but refused to part with the Speedster due to the many happy memories he had with the car. The Seller was finally able to acquire the car only after Harvey had passed but only after having to better an offer from the American Pickers, who had later been contacted by Harvey's heirs as well.
After acquiring the car, the Seller-not knowing exactly what he had just bought-immediately took the car to Auburn Expert Stan Gilliland who identified the car as one of the 8 or so remaining Big 8 Speedsters out of the 100 made. He then took the car to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company of Broken Arrow, OK for a complete restoration to original specification. Remarkably the original Speedster body was in excellent condition, with all its original components, data plates, and body tag. He also embarked on extensive research into Johnnie Risko and has compiled a fascinating treasure trove of Documentation that accompanies the car, including period photos of Johnnie Risko in the car..
The restoration was completed in August 2018. The car received a First Junior at the ACD Fall Meet that year and a First Senior in 2021. It received a First Junior at the 2021 AACA Fall Hershey Meet and First Senior at the AACA 2024 Western Fall Nationals at the AACA Saratoga Springs Spring National earlier this year. The car is now eligible for Grand National Competition in the AACA, not to mention the numerous Concours appearances still yet to occur. The car runs and drives perfectly, and needs absolutely nothing. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a car so soon after the long effort of restoration has been undertaken.