1932 Auburn Boattail Speedster

The Auburn Speedster was an American car, manufactured by the Auburn Automobile Company of Auburn, Indiana and manufactured in Union City Indiana.

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.

In 1932, only 84 Auburn Speedsters were produced with the straight eight lycoming engine. V-12’s were installed for the remainder of 32 and all of 1933. Union City had to modify the  leftover 1933 bodies for the upcoming 1935 model year. The 1934 model Speedster was not well-received at the New York Auto Dealer Showing, Designer Alan Leamy had stayed with the same design for too many years. Carmakers were designing away from the 13” bucket headlight, Model-T look. Leamy was let go and Designer Gordon Buehrig was brought in for a re-design.

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.

From its sharp color scheme to its geometric styling, this car is Art Deco to its core. Its “boattail” was modeled after the styling of speedboats popular at the time. The sporty look was an intentional marketing tool designed to lure people to the Auburn salesroom. Once through the doors, customers could see and buy another—perhaps more practical—vehicle.