280ci Lycoming Straight 8-Cylinder Engine
Single Stromberg Duplex Downdraft Carburetor
115bhp at 3,600rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Semi Elliptic Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Bendix Hydraulic Internal Expanding Drum Brakes

*Rare example of the final year of Auburn production
*Powerful Lycoming straight eight engine
*Dual Ratio rear axle
*Attractive and adaptable Gordon Buehrig/Al Leamy designed Phaeton Sedan coachwork

THE AUBURN 852

It is indicative of just how hard times were during the Depression that the best, most powerful and most attractive automobiles the Auburn Automobile Company ever produced were sold in the final two years of the company's existence. Yet even the Auburn 851/852, even with a supercharger developed by Augie Duesenberg and Gordon Buehrig's coachwork, and even at a highly favorable price, wasn't enough to resuscitate Auburn's fortunes. Word of the company's deteriorating financial position spread, scaring off possible Auburn buyers who didn't want to be left driving an orphan marque.

1936's Auburn 852 was the final model built by the company. It was a great value with a strong Lycoming-built 280 cubic inch inline eight cylinder engine with a two-barrel carburetor producing 115 brake horsepower and 210 lb-ft torque. The three-speed manual transmission often drove though a 2-speed rear axle that leveraged the engine's ample torque for quiet high speed running and fuel economy. Gordon Buehrig updated the coachwork in 1935, adopting the existing passenger compartment but created a stylish new radiator surround in body color sheet metal and a revised hood to create an entirely new look that was, and still is, very successful. The only change Auburn could afford to make for 1936's model 852 was to change the model number on the radiator grille.

Each Auburn 851/852 came with an engraved brass dash plaque reminding owners of the marque's association with Ab Jenkins, who in 1935 set numerous American and world records with an Auburn 851 Speedster at the Bonneville salt flats including the first American stock car to complete a 12-hour endurance run at a speed over 100mph, 102.9mph, to be exact.

Auburn's convertible sedan, known in company literature as a "Phaeton Sedan", took full advantage of the refinements Gordon Buehrig worked on Al Leamy's basic design. It was exceptional adaptable, with rollup windows and a tight fitting top for bad weather but capable of being fully open to enjoy fair weather driving opportunities. It is one of the most rare and desirable automobiles of the Thirties.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This 1936 Auburn 852 Phaeton Sedan is a handsome older restoration finished in Cigarette Cream with a brown beltline accent, brown leather upholstery and a tan cloth top. It is fitted with Auburn's Dual Ratio two-speed axle, has brown wire wheels, wide whitewall tires, dual enclosed sidemounted spares, folding windshield and Trippe driving lights.

Paint, chrome and interior are good. The top is lightly soiled but otherwise sound, functional and presentable. There are, as usual for a restoration of this age, some chips at the hood edges. The center-hinged doors close tightly, easily and align well with the bodywork. Engine and chassis have been restored to show quality standards and now evidence some age and use but good care and attention.

It has been part of the Evergreen Collection for about ten years during which time it has been sparingly used but well maintained in climate controlled display by the collection's full time staff.

Rare and much appreciated for its combination of performance, style, adaptability and flair, this 1936 Auburn 852 Phaeton Sedan is a sound, attractive and highly presentable example of the quality and value on which Auburn built a deserved and continuing reputation. Whether on display or on tour, it will be a valued part of any collection and a car which will return many times its investment in enjoyment.