1974 Auburn Speedster Replica

• Stunning replica of an American automotive icon
• 5.7-litre Ford V8 engine
• Automatic transmission
• Benefiting from considerable recent expenditure

When Errett Lobban Cord joined Auburn as general manager in 1924 the company was in the doldrums, making more cars than it could sell and heading for bankruptcy. From the moment Cord arrived however, the company's fortunes improved markedly. After some Cord-inspired re-styling, Auburn sales picked up and the stage was set for the creation of a new automotive empire.
Despite the introduction of the world's cheapest-ever V12, Auburn's fortunes declined through the mid-1930s as Cord's business empire expanded to include Lycoming, Duesenberg, Columbia Axle and Checker Cab plus interests in shipbuilding and aviation. Against this background Auburn's eight-cylinder line reached its zenith in 1935 with the introduction of the 851. One of the truly great American automobiles of the 1930s, the Auburn 851 offered breathtaking performance - 100 miles an hour was guaranteed - courtesy of its 4.6-litre, supercharged straight-eight, plus sensational looks in the form of a streamlined, boat-tail speedster body created by Duesenberg designer Gordon Buehrig. Sadly, just two years later Cord's empire had crashed and Auburn was gone for good, but few automobile manufacturers can have bowed out with anything approaching the style of the glorious 851 speedster.
Given its pedigree, not to mention the cost of the genuine article, it is not surprising that the fabulous Auburn 851 Speedster has been a popular subject for the replica-building industry. This Auburn Speedster replica was manufactured in 1974 by the Auburn Speedster Co Inc of Buffalo, New York, whose client list included Sammy Davies Jr. The company's advertising stated: "Classic Auburn Speedster ownership distinguishes you among fine car owners. A motor car that stands apart from all other cars." Manufactured with a 126" wheelbase on a custom boxed chassis, the Speedster's features include a 351ci (5.7-litre) Ford V8 engine; Ford C4 automatic gearbox; power steering and brakes; and Dayton wire wheels shod with wide whitewall tyres. Recent expenditure includes a new brake booster kit; gearbox overhaul; B&M QuickSilver automatic six-speed shifter; modern radiator core; new water pump; and updated air conditioning for the car's use in the South of France. Currently showing a total of only 209 miles on the odometer, the car is described by the private vendor as in good condition throughout and offered with a V5C Registration Certificate.