To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 18 - 20 August 2022.

• One of the most beautiful American cars of the Classic Era
• Full restoration by RM Auto Restoration
• Auburn Cord Duesenberg (ACD) Club National First Prize winner
• A Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic

Indiana’s Auburn Automobile Company produced its stunning “boattail” speedster in three generations between 1928 and the end of their production in 1936. The second generation, offered from 1931 through 1933, was styled by Alan Leamy and combined a sweeping cowl and beltline molding, a signature of his designs, with an especially flowing tail, coming to a rounded point above a curved lower transom. It was sensuous, dramatic, and downright exotic by the standards of American automobiles of the era—and with the base model priced below $1,000, a remarkable performance bargain! No wonder that it remains one of the best-remembered cars of its period, one that can justifiably be referred to as a legend in its own time.

The speedster offered here is a desirable eight-cylinder Custom model, factory-equipped with chrome wire wheels and the two-speed Dual Ratio rear axle, a new 1932 feature that allowed it to be comfortably driven at modern road speeds. It has had its ownership history traced back to 1961, when it was in the ownership of collector Jimmy Whittaker of Pen Yan, New York, an ACD Club member who also owned a Cord cabriolet. Mr. Whittaker maintained the Auburn until his passing in the late 1970s, when it was purchased by Carmine Nicastro of Corning, New York. It next passed to well-known enthusiast Gerald Lettieri of Connecticut, then to Jim King of Beverly, Massachusetts, who has owned several significant Auburns.

In the ownership of longtime collectors Bill and Heather Howitt of Ontario, a complete restoration of the Auburn was undertaken by RM Auto Restoration of Blenheim, Ontario. The body was beautifully finished in a rich, understated black with red striping and complementary red leather interior, and accessorized with blackwall tires and the desirable period-correct Woodlite headlamps, cowl lights, and a unique matching driving light mounted to a Pilot Ray base. Original trim pieces were used as patterns to finish the upholstery exactly as it would have appeared in 1932, and numerous Auburn judges and historians were consulted during the work.

The beautiful result was proudly debuted and honored by the ACD Club with its National Primary First Prize at the National Reunion in 2013, with the car also being a crowd favorite and attracting much positive attention from Club members.

Soon thereafter, the Auburn was acquired for the present collection, fulfilling its owner’s longtime dream of owning such a model. It has been only occasionally shown, most prominently in 2016 at the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it became the event’s first “triple crown” winner—sweeping Best in Class, People’s Choice, and Best of Show.

With only 351 miles since its refurbishment recorded at the time of cataloguing, the restoration of this superb Auburn has been extremely well-preserved, down to the finishes of the chassis and engine compartment. It remains in exquisite overall condition, ready to resume its show career with a new owner.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo22.