Description

The Auburn 852 Supercharged Speedster was one of the most iconic American automobiles of the 1930s, blending breathtaking design with exceptional performance. Powered by a 4.6-liter Lycoming inline-eight engine equipped with a Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger, it produced 150 horsepower, making it one of the fastest production cars of its time. Paired with a three-speed manual transmission and Auburn’s innovative Columbia dual-ratio rear axle, the Speedster offered impressive acceleration and effortless high-speed cruising, easily exceeding 100 mph—a feat proudly guaranteed by the factory.

Designed by the legendary Gordon Buehrig, the 852 Speedster featured a stunning boattail rear end, sweeping fenders, and a dramatically raked windshield, creating an aerodynamic and race-inspired look. The long, sculpted hood, signature chrome grille, and flowing lines made it a visual masterpiece, capturing the essence of Art Deco styling. The interior was equally refined, with luxurious leather upholstery, an engine-turned dashboard, and elegant instrumentation that reinforced its high-performance pedigree.

Despite being introduced during the Great Depression, the Auburn 852 Supercharged Speedster stood out as an attainable exotic, offering the thrill of a sports car at a fraction of the cost of European rivals. Today, it is considered one of the most collectible and revered pre-war automobiles, admired for its engineering brilliance, historical significance, and timeless beauty.