James Cagney’s A.C.D. Certified, Award-Winning, One-of-a-Kind 1250 Salon Cabriolet
Celebrated actor James Cagney owned this car and drove it in the 1933 film The Mayor of Hell.
There were only four 1934 Auburn 1250 Salon Cabriolets made and the other three had a side-mounted spare. Cagney’s was the only one with a rear-mounted spare. This car is truly one of a kind.
Over the two and a half years Auburn produced V12s, only about 2,250 were made in total featuring six different body styles. Of all the ‘34 Cabriolets made, Salons and not, there are only two A.C.D.-certified, and this is one. An A.C.D. certification means the chassis matches the body as part of the original automobile. This unique auto has won several awards at shows and Concours dating back to 1987.
An Engine to Compete
The engine compartment of the 1934 Auburn 1250 Salon Cabriolet cradles a V12 made to compete in the “Multi-cylinder War” and remains the most inexpensive V12 ever produced. It was originally sold at under a grand.
What’s in an Engine?
Weighing in at 1,096 pounds and measuring 391 cubic inches, this engine’s 160 horsepower matched that of larger engines from Cadillac and Packard and propelled the car at speeds over 100 mph at its top end.
All of that power was backed with a three-speed manual transmission, hydraulic brakes, and a controllable Dual Ratio rear axle from Columbia Axle that was operated via the dashboard.
Exterior Details
1934 Auburn 1250 Specs:
- 160 hp
- 391 cubic inch, V12 engine
- Three-speed manual transmission
- 127-inch wheelbase
- Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes
- Dual ratio rear axle from Columbia Axle
- Leaf springs with sliding covers to ensure lubrication and quiet
- 17” chrome wire wheels with Firestone whitewall tires
- Owned and driven by James Cagney
- One of one with a rear-mounted spare tire
- A.C.D. certified
Interior Details
