1931 Auburn 8-98 Aero Sports

• Built by an engineer and enthusiast
• WWI Sturtevant 9.8-litre V8 aero engine
• Ford five-speed all-synchromesh gearbox
• Servo assisted brakes
• Electric power steering
• Beaulieu concours winner 2020

Constructed by the vendor, an engineer and enthusiast, this unique special is based on a 1931 Auburn 898 chassis found in Ypres, Belgium where the car was being used as a farm trailer (it had Belgian registration documents). The front axle is Auburn and the chassis is now inverted and under-slung to achieve a low ground clearance. Bodywork is by Simon Parker in brushed aluminium, with all panels removable for ease of access, and it even has the luxury of a small luggage compartment, a rare feature indeed on a sporting special.

Dating from circa 1915, the power unit is a new-old-stock, never previously run Sturtevant Model 5A aero engine sourced from Auburn/Cord/Duesenberg specialist Glenn Pray in Oklahoma, USA. A water-cooled 9.8-litre 'flat head' V8 producing 140bhp at 1,400 revs and bags of torque, it has a pumped lubrication system that runs at 35psi and a Castrol R dripper to the upper cylinders. In common with all aviation piston engines, there are two ignition systems: magneto and battery/coil. The engine runs on ordinary pump fuel. There are two Kenlowe electric cooling fans and a standby electric water pump if required. The original compressed air starting system has been retained, fed by a bottle in the boot, while there is also an electric starter that works on the bespoke flywheel.

Drive is transmitted via a dual-paddle clutch to a Ford MT75 five-speed synchromesh gearbox. The final drive assembly is from a Jaguar E-Type; the inboard discs now converted to sprockets for the twin drive chains! The sprockets give a 2:1 step up ration to the bespoke rear axle. Brakes are Auburn drums with additional cooling fins and Land Rover hydraulics hidden within. The brakes are servo assisted. To give the car adequate ground clearance, 35" wheel rims (made in New Zealand) were spoked to the original Auburn hubs (drilled for additional spokes). There is electric power steering, while other notable features include a detachable steering wheel and a stainless steel exhaust.

This ambitious project took approximately three years to complete and in 2018 was shown at the opening of the new wing at the Sammy Miller Museum. The Auburn Aero went on to win the Beaulieu concours in 2020. Fewer than 2,000 miles have been covered since the project's completion. Looking like it has just come from the grid of a 1930s Indianapolis 500, this wonderful and unique Miller-style special is guaranteed to stop the traffic wherever it goes.