1935 Auburn Eight Custom Speedster
The Auburn Eight Custom Speedster stands as a timeless icon of automotive design and engineering, blending bold aesthetics with innovative performance features that set it apart in the golden age of American motoring. Manufactured by the Auburn Automobile Company of Auburn, Indiana, this vehicle epitomizes the luxury, speed, and innovation of its era, leaving an indelible mark on the automotive landscape.
The Auburn Speedster’s design was a collaborative effort of visionary stylists Alan Leamy and Gordon Buehrig, with the latter responsible for the 1935–1936 models. The hallmark of these models, particularly the 851 Speedster, is the stunning “boattail” rear design. Inspired by Duesenberg’s show cars, the sweeping body lines evoke a sense of speed even at a standstill. The sharply vee’d windshield, elongated hood, and pontoon fenders create a dramatic profile that captured the glamour of 1930s Hollywood.
Chrome detailing and pinstriping accentuate the graceful tapering of the rear, giving the vehicle its nickname, the “Boattail.” This aesthetic has influenced subsequent automotive designs, including the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (1963–1967) and Buick Riviera (1971–1973). Its cinematic appeal has made appearances in films like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Love Is News, as well as in the TV series Remington Steele.
Beneath its captivating exterior lies a mechanical marvel. Powered by a supercharged flathead inline-eight engine, the Speedster delivers 150 horsepower, a remarkable figure for its time. The inclusion of a Schweitzer-Cummins centrifugal supercharger ensures reliable and robust performance, propelling the car to speeds exceeding 100 mph. Auburn’s engineers paired this power with advanced features such as a Columbia dual-ratio rear axle, which allowed for seamless transitions between high and low gearing. This innovation effectively provided a six-speed experience, enhancing the car’s versatility for city driving and high-speed cruising.
A three-speed synchromesh manual transmission, hydraulic brakes, and a robust steel chassis with X-bracing underscore the Auburn Speedster’s commitment to cutting-edge technology. Even its suspension system, featuring semi-elliptic leaf springs with hydraulic dampers, prioritized ride comfort without compromising performance.
The Auburn Speedster’s performance credentials were validated by Al Jenkins, a speed-record driver who achieved numerous American speed records behind the wheel of an Auburn 851. Every 851 Speedster came with a dashboard plaque certifying that the car had been driven at 100.8 mph before shipment, a testament to its engineering excellence. Although these plaques were symbolic, they spoke to the vehicle’s inherent capability,a fact no Auburn driver has contested.
The Auburn Speedster’s luxury matched its performance. The two-seat configuration emphasized exclusivity, while the elegantly appointed interior invited occupants to indulge in its refinement. The design of the steering wheel-mounted lever for axle ratio adjustments exemplified driver-focused innovation, ensuring seamless control at any speed. Its hydraulic drum brakes and reliable ignition system highlighted Auburn’s dedication to safety and dependability.
From 1928 to 1936, the Auburn Speedster embodied the spirit of American automotive ingenuity. The 1935–1936 models, including the iconic 851 and its successor, the 852, marked the final chapter of Auburn’s storied production history. Despite its brilliance, the company ceased operations in 1937, leaving behind a legacy immortalized in its most celebrated creation.
The Speedster’s cultural resonance extends beyond its production years. Its silhouette graced early Batman comics, and its presence in Hollywood films further cemented its status as a symbol of style and performance. As a collector’s treasure, the Auburn Speedster continues to command admiration and reverence, representing an era when automotive design was as much an art form as a means of transportation.
Today, the Auburn Speedster remains a coveted classic, celebrated for its groundbreaking design and engineering. Its enduring appeal lies not just in its stunning aesthetics but in its ability to merge elegance with functionality seamlessly. As a testament to the innovative spirit of the Auburn Automobile Company, the Speedster remains an enduring icon of American automotive history, a vehicle that continues to inspire and captivate enthusiasts worldwide.