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 exceptional fully restored Auburn Boattail- the most legendary and stunning sports car of the 30's. Finished in a striking color combination the car looks fast sitting still. An ACD certified car with a known history going back many years, the car was discovered after WWII in the Channel Island of Jersey. Originally a Right Hand Drive UK delivery car it was converted to Left Hand Drive when restored, however all the parts to convert it back to RHD are still with the car. Out of long term collector ownership, the car is kept in a climate and humidity controlled environment. An AACA Senior car, while it's been few years since it was restored, it still presents in perfect Show ready condition. It is one of less than 12 known 1936 Speedsters remaining.

Of course the real special thing here is the supercharged motor with the sporting outside exhaust- only the most exciting cars from the classic era had outside exhausts- the Mercedes-the Bentley-and of course the Duesenberg. The 35-6 Supercharged Auburns are definitely the "Baby Duesenberg".

The Supercharged Speedster is a rare and exciting car that really has few peers. Featuring 150 HP, light steering, a fully synchronized and rather sweet gearbox, and a dual ratio rear end, these cars are quite capable of 100 MPH, and will travel comfortably at highway speeds all day long.

The Gordon Buehrig designed 35-6 Auburn is one of the most beautiful cars of the Classic Era, a car that made history, a car that rewards the driver in so many ways, a car you can drive and enjoy.

This car runs and drives very well and really needs nothing but a happy new owner. I would not hesitate to enter this car in the most demanding concours. This is a turn key example ready for anything.

Click on any image to enlarge it.