The 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster is not just a vintage car—it is a symbol of American automotive ambition during the Great Depression. With its dramatic boat‑tail design, supercharged straight‑eight engine, and record‑setting performance, the Auburn 851 Speedster remains one of the most celebrated classics ever produced in the United States. Today, it is admired by collectors, historians, and enthusiasts worldwide for its beauty, rarity, and engineering brilliance.
This in‑depth guide explains everything you need to know about the Auburn 851 Speedster, including its history, design philosophy, engine specifications, real‑world performance, current market value, and why it still commands respect nearly a century later.
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History of the 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster
Auburn Automobile Company was part of the legendary Cord–Auburn–Duesenberg (C.A.D.) empire, led by visionary entrepreneur E.L. Cord. During the early 1930s, Auburn needed a bold car to restore excitement and sales during one of the toughest economic periods in American history.
The Auburn 851 Speedster evolved from the earlier Auburn 851 and 852 models but reached its peak in 1935, when styling, performance, and marketing aligned perfectly. Auburn promoted the car with dramatic headlines, claiming it was capable of exceeding 100 mph, a claim that was proven publicly at Daytona Beach.
Despite its excellence, Auburn’s success was short‑lived. Financial difficulties led to the company’s closure in 1937, making the Auburn 851 Speedster one of the last and finest achievements of the brand.
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Design & Styling: Ahead of Its Time
The Auburn 851 Speedster’s design is widely credited to Gordon Buehrig, one of the most influential automotive designers of the era. Even today, the car’s proportions feel modern and elegant.
Key Design Highlights
Iconic boat‑tail rear inspired by European racing cars
Long hood with dramatic horizontal louvers
Low‑slung stance with flowing fenders
External exhaust pipes (optional on some versions)
Minimal windshield for a true speedster feel
The design was not just beautiful—it was functional. The low profile reduced aerodynamic drag, helping the car achieve its impressive top speed. Few American cars of the 1930s could match its combination of luxury and aggression.
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Engine & Performance Specifications
At the heart of the Auburn 851 Speedster lies its most impressive feature: a supercharged straight‑eight engine.
Engine Specifications
Engine: 280 cubic inch (4.6‑liter) inline‑8
Induction: Schwitzer‑Cummins centrifugal supercharger
Power Output: Approximately 150 horsepower
Transmission: 3‑speed manual
Drivetrain: Rear‑wheel drive
In an era when most cars struggled to produce 80 horsepower, the Auburn 851 Speedster’s output was extraordinary. The supercharger provided smooth, linear power delivery, making the car fast yet refined.
Performance Figures
0–60 mph: Approximately 10 seconds
Top Speed: Over 100 mph (verified)
These numbers placed the Auburn 851 Speedster among the fastest production cars in the world during the mid‑1930s.
Interior & Driving Experience
While the Auburn 851 Speedster was performance‑focused, it did not sacrifice comfort. The interior featured high‑quality materials and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Interior Features
Leather bucket seats
Engine‑turned dashboard panels
Classic round gauges with elegant typography
Wood‑rim steering wheel
Driving the Auburn 851 Speedster is a visceral experience. The long hood stretches ahead of the driver, the supercharger whine is audible under acceleration, and the steering delivers a direct mechanical feel rarely found in modern vehicles.
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Auburn 851 Speedster Price & Market Value
The Auburn 851 Speedster has become one of the most valuable American classics ever produced.
Current Market Prices (Approximate)
Original, concours‑condition examples: $850,000 – $1.5 million+
High‑quality restorations: $600,000 – $900,000
Authentic replicas: $150,000 – $300,000
Prices depend heavily on originality, documentation, restoration quality, and historical provenance.
Auburn 851 Speedster for Sale: What Buyers Should Know
Because original cars are extremely rare, buyers must exercise caution when searching for an Auburn 851 Speedster for sale.
Buying Tips
Verify chassis and engine numbers
Confirm factory documentation
Distinguish originals from replicas
Inspect supercharger authenticity
Review restoration history carefully
Many replicas are visually accurate and mechanically sound, but true collectors always prioritize originality.
Why the Auburn 851 Speedster Is Still Iconic Today
The Auburn 851 Speedster represents a unique moment in automotive history when American manufacturers dared to challenge European dominance in performance and design.
It remains iconic because:
It combined luxury and speed in a single package
It proved American cars could exceed 100 mph
It showcased groundbreaking design philosophy
It symbolized optimism during economic hardship
Few vehicles tell such a compelling story.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What makes the 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster so special?
The 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster is special because it combined Art Deco design, a supercharged straight-eight engine, and verified 100+ mph performance during the Great Depression—something almost unheard of at the time.
How fast could the Auburn 851 Speedster go?
The Auburn 851 Speedster was officially timed at over 100 miles per hour at Daytona Beach, making it one of the fastest production cars of the 1930s.
How many 1935 Auburn 851 Speedsters were made?
Exact production numbers are debated, but historians estimate fewer than 150 authentic examples were produced, which adds greatly to its collector value today.
What is the current value of a 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster?
Original, concours-condition Auburn 851 Speedsters typically sell for $850,000 to over $1.5 million, depending on originality, restoration quality, and documentation.
Are Auburn 851 Speedsters still available for sale?
Yes, but they are extremely rare. Authentic cars appear mostly at high-end auctions, while replicas are more commonly available through specialty dealers.
What engine does the Auburn 851 Speedster have?
It uses a 280 cubic inch supercharged inline-eight engine, producing approximately 150 horsepower, which was exceptional for its era.
Is the Auburn 851 Speedster considered a good investment?
Yes. Due to its rarity, historical importance, and iconic design, the Auburn 851 Speedster is considered one of the strongest investment-grade American classic cars.
What is the difference between an original and a replica Auburn 851 Speedster?
Original cars were built by Auburn in the 1930s and carry verified chassis numbers, while replicas are later recreations. Originals are far more valuable and collectible.
Final Thoughts
The 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster stands as one of the greatest achievements in American automotive history. Its combination of breathtaking design, groundbreaking performance, and lasting cultural impact ensures its place among the world’s most desirable classic cars.
Whether you are a collector, researcher, or vintage car enthusiast, the Auburn 851 Speedster remains a timeless reminder that innovation and beauty can thrive—even in the most challenging times.
About the Author:
Asif Ali is an automotive history enthusiast who writes in-depth articles on classic American cars, vintage muscle cars, and U.S. automotive culture.
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