This 1932 Auburn 8-100A Boattail Speedster is a lovingly restored vehicle of award-winning excellence. The vehicle took home second in class at Pebble Beach in 1997.
One of only about 75 Speedster models built by Auburn in 1932, the car has been certified as Category One by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club, as it has an original 8-100A chassis, engine, transmission, axles, body, and all other major components. With the exception of urethane paint that was selected for its durability, the Auburn meets original factory specifications completely. The body even retains the lion’s share of its original woodwork that was installed in Indiana in 1932. Making it even more special, this body is a boattail.
The care shown to this 8-100A Speedster has earned the auto many accolades. It was shown at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club’s 1995 reunion in Auburn, Indiana, where it earned Best Auburn and Best in Show. The vehicle was again judged the Best Auburn in 1996 and 2002.
The Antique Automobile Club of America later named it a Senior Grand National winner, and the Speedster has reached Senior Premier Status in the Classic Car Club of America.
The 8-100A was even an award winner at the Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s in 2012, fully 18 years after the Speedster’s restoration.
Duly Documented
The extensive work completed on this 8-100A Speedster was detailed in the September-October 1995 issue of Antique Automobile magazine. The feature showed the vehicle before, during, and after the restoration process.
Divine Design
Occasionally referred to as a “Baby Duesenberg,” the Model 8-100A Auburn – so named for its eight-cylinder engine producing 100 horsepower – is top-tier in terms of design. It was equipped with a two-speed rear axle, automatic starting (“Startix”), shocks that were adjustable from the driver’s seat, automatic chassis lubrication, cigar lighter (it was a different era), and six chrome wire wheels.
The freewheeling unit of the rear of the gearbox enabled the driver to “coast” when the operator’s mood and road conditions were suited to it. With the two-speed rear end, the driver could select economy or acceleration modes with either a 3.4 or a 5.1 gear reduction. The Speedster’s brakes, including the parking brake, operated on all four wheels. The auto also included dual sidemounts, a folding windshield, and full instrumentation on the dashboard.
1932 Auburn 8-100A Boattail Speedster Specs:
- 100 hp
- 268.6 cubic-inch, L-head, inline 8-cylinder Lycoming engine
- Three-speed transmission with Columbia two-speed
“Dual Ratio” rear axle - 127-inch wheelbase
- Solid front and live rear axles with semi-elliptic leaf springs
- Four-wheel Steeldraulic drum brakes