One of the most beautifully designed automobiles of all time would have to be Gordon Buehrig's art deco styled masterpiece, the Auburn 851 Speedster. The undisputed American supercar of its day, an estimated 500 examples were originally built between 1934 and 1936.
The "Seabiscuit" Speedster
1935 Auburn 851
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The design was revived by the legendary Glenn Pray, who in 1960 purchased the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg name and leftover stock, and produced a total of 113 continuation cars.
The Speedster prominently featured here is was built over 40 years ago for Bob Bartell and later refined by Glenn Pray in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma with lots of original Auburn bits.
The car was on display for decades at a small, private car museum in Granada Hills, owned by a retired Hollywood stunt pilot. Better yet, this is the actual Speedster that was featured prominently in the 2003 blockbuster movie "Seabiscuit," the depression-era story of a famous race horse. An original poster from the movie is included in the sale of this vehicle.
Serial number *FOY81A835285* was based on 1970 Lincoln Town Coupe running gear and comes with a clear California Certificate of Title and a certificate of authenticity.
Motorvation comes from Lincoln's mighty 460 cubic inch V8 4-barrel engine, here coupled to a Ford C6 automatic transmission. The car starts on the button and idles, runs and drives like a champion race horse, indeed.
Finished in the iconic Speedster color of Butternut Yellow over genuine brown leather and equipped with chromed wire wheels fitted with Auburn center caps, the car's impact on other motorists and passers-by is truly mind boggling. Jaws drop, ladies swoon, kids wave and dogs bark wherever you show up with the mighty Auburn.
Genuine 1935 Auburn dashboard is only one highlight of the richly equipped cockpit. The level of attention to original detail is simply astonishing.
An exact replication of the original interior, the splendid leather bench seat has been covered in transparent vinyl decades ago to preserve its time-warp condition.
Notice the original Bakelite switch gear, oval rearview mirror, 1930s steering wheel and characteristic shift lever!
View of the famous - and very sexy - boat tail. Car features a pair of rare 1935 Auburn tail lamps.
Historical Vehicle license plate "555P" with frame and AAA license plate topper are all included in the sale.
Superb undercarriage is rust free and clean as a whistle.
Friday, September 1st, a perfectly sunny day in beautiful San Buenaventura, was ideally suited for a test drive and photo session. The Speedster performed flawlessly. All lights are functional, even the rare and expensive "Trippe" fog lights.
We can't think of another car in this price range that can create so much attention from such a wide array of people. The Speedster literally stops traffic!
There are a few Speedsters out there. Originals are valued @ $750,000.00 and up. Modern iterations usually lack all the bits and pieces that make the Speedster look and feel authentic. To find one that was built - or "breathed upon" - by Glenn Pray is exceedingly rare.
Original looks, provenance, value - the movie-star example offered here certainly could be the best Speedster deal, ever.
Opportunity calls, are you ready to answer?
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Addendum:
We sold this Auburn in Fall of 2017.
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