Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Auburn

The Auburn Automobile Company was an American car manufacturer based in Auburn, Indiana, active from the early 1900s until 1937. Auburn became known for its stylish, performance-oriented cars, particularly during the 1920s and 1930s. Under visionary leadership and talented designers, Auburn produced some of the most beautiful and technically advanced vehicles of the era, including the legendary Auburn Speedster.

Founding and Early Years (1900–1924)

The company began in 1900 when brothers Frank and Morris Eckhart of Auburn, Indiana, started producing single-cylinder vehicles under the Auburn name. Initially, production was small, and the cars were conservative in design.

Growth Before World War I

Auburn expanded gradually, offering four- and six-cylinder cars by the 1910s. The company built a reputation for solid, dependable vehicles, but sales remained modest compared to larger Detroit-based manufacturers.

Challenges in the Early 1920s

By the early 1920s, Auburn struggled with slow sales and excess inventory. The post-war recession left the company in financial difficulty, and it looked for new leadership to revive its fortunes.

The Cord Era and Revival (1924–1930)

In 1924, entrepreneur E.L. Cord took control of Auburn. Cord was a dynamic salesman with bold ideas, and he quickly transformed the brand from a modest Midwestern automaker into a symbol of style and performance.

Stylish Makeovers

• Introduced two-tone paint schemes and chrome accents to make Auburns stand out.
• Cleared unsold stock by restyling and re-marketing older models.
• Emphasized performance and value — Auburns offered more horsepower for the price than many competitors.

Rising Popularity

Auburn sales climbed rapidly under Cord’s leadership, and the brand began attracting customers seeking affordable luxury.

The Golden Years and the Auburn Speedster (1931–1936)

Auburn’s most celebrated era came in the early 1930s, when the company introduced the Auburn Speedster — a sleek, high-performance car that remains an icon of pre-war American automotive design.

Auburn 8-98 and 12-160

Auburn offered a range of straight-eight and V12 models with advanced engineering. These cars were fast, stylish, and competitively priced, making Auburn a serious rival to more expensive marques.

The Auburn 851/852 Speedster

• Introduced in 1935, designed by Gordon Buehrig.
• Supercharged straight-eight engine with 150 hp.
• Famous for its boat-tail rear end and Art Deco styling.
• Certified to exceed 100 mph — an impressive feat for the time.

Innovation and Marketing

Auburn was known for clever marketing, offering performance guarantees and racing demonstrations. The cars combined speed, luxury, and affordability, attracting a loyal following.

Design Talent

Auburn benefited from designers like Gordon Buehrig and engineers like Augie Duesenberg, whose expertise brought advanced technology and striking aesthetics to Auburn cars.

The Great Depression and Decline (1930–1937)

Despite its engineering brilliance and strong designs, Auburn could not escape the effects of the Great Depression. Luxury and performance cars saw shrinking markets as economic hardship gripped the nation.

Falling Sales

By the mid-1930s, Auburn sales had dropped sharply. E.L. Cord shifted focus to other ventures, and the company’s resources were stretched thin by its involvement with Cord and Duesenberg operations.

End of Production

In 1937, Auburn Automobile Company ceased production. Its factory in Auburn, Indiana, was closed, and the brand disappeared from the market.

Legacy of Auburn

Although Auburn’s life was short, its impact was significant. The Auburn Speedsters of the 1930s are now considered among the most beautiful American cars ever made, commanding high prices at auctions and remaining popular in concours events.

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum

The original Auburn headquarters and showroom in Auburn, Indiana, now houses the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, preserving the history of these iconic brands.

Collector Popularity

• Auburn Speedsters are highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
• Replicas and continuations have been produced by specialty car builders.
• The Auburn name remains synonymous with pre-war American elegance and performance.

Conclusion

The Auburn Automobile Company embodied the glamour and innovation of America’s pre-war automotive golden age. Though it fell victim to the Great Depression, its bold designs, technical excellence, and marketing flair ensured that Auburn’s name would live on as a legend of classic motoring history.