Auburn Speedster 851/852 Supercharged
The Auburn Speedster 851/852 Supercharged is one of the most visually stunning and historically significant American automobiles ever produced, though the timeline requires clarification. The listing indicates 1930, but the supercharged 851 was introduced for the 1935 model year, with the 852 following in 1936 as the final model year before Auburn ceased production. The supercharged Speedster, designed by the legendary Gordon Buehrig, remains one of the most beautiful automotive designs ever conceived.
The 851/852 Supercharged Speedster's engine was a Lycoming-built 279 cubic-inch (4,586cc) straight-eight with a Schwitzer-Cummins centrifugal supercharger producing approximately 150 horsepower. The supercharger was mounted on the engine's nose and driven by the crankshaft, providing a steady increase in boost as engine speed rose. The resulting power delivery was smooth and progressive, appropriate for a car that was designed more for high-speed touring than outright racing.
Gordon Buehrig's boattail Speedster body is one of the crowning achievements of American automotive design. The dramatically tapered tail, external exhaust pipes running along the hood sides, V-shaped windshield, and sweeping fender forms created a design that was at once modern and timeless. Each Speedster came with a dashboard plaque signed by Ab Jenkins, the famous speed record holder, certifying that the car had been tested at over 100 mph -- a remarkable speed for a production car in 1935.
The Auburn Speedster was part of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg empire led by E.L. Cord, one of the most colorful figures in American automotive history. Despite the extraordinary beauty and engineering of the Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg products, the Great Depression overwhelmed the company's finances. Auburn production ceased in 1937, making the 851/852 Supercharged Speedster the company's swan song -- a brilliant finale to a short but spectacular career.
Driving a Supercharged Speedster is a theatrical experience. The straight-eight engine is smooth and quiet for its era, the supercharger adds a distinctive whine that rises with engine speed, and the external exhaust pipes provide a mechanical soundtrack that is pure pre-war Americana. The car is surprisingly capable at speed, with its low center of gravity and substantial weight providing stability that belies its vintage.
Approximately 500 Speedster bodies were produced across the 851 and 852 model years, though exact production figures are debated. Today, the Supercharged Speedster is among the most valuable and recognizable pre-war American cars, with concours-quality examples regularly selling for seven-figure prices. The combination of Buehrig's breathtaking design, the supercharged performance, and the romantic story of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg empire creates a collectible of extraordinary emotional and financial value.
Authentication is critical as reproductions and re-bodies exist. Verify the chassis number against Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club records. The supercharger should be checked for proper operation and seal condition. The Lycoming straight-eight is a robust engine but requires specialist knowledge. Check the frame and body for rust and prior restoration quality. Provenance and documentation significantly affect value.
Built at the Auburn Automobile Company factory in Auburn, Indiana. Approximately 500 Speedster bodies were produced across the 851 and 852 model years (1935-1936) before Auburn ceased production.