1927 Auburn 8-88 7 Seater Tourer

One of the most successful of the big American independents, Auburn rose from humble beginnings as a carriage manufacturer in Indiana to the producer of some of the most glamorous cars of the Roaring Twenties, including the famous Speedster.

In 1924, a young Errett Lobban Cord became the General Manager at Auburn and in short space of time had revitalised the company, installing the Lycoming straight-eight engine in existing six-cylinder frames to expand the range with the new 8-63 and 8-88 series in 1925. With stylish looks and two-tone paint schemes, the new Auburns were soon selling very well and in 1927 Cord took three Auburns broke the records for stock cars between 5 and 5,000 miles at Atlantic City Speedway. In 1927, the 8-88 was offered on two wheelbase lengths of 129 and 147-inches respectively, the latter sold only as a tourer or sedan with accommodation for seven passengers. A choice of disc or six-spoke pressed-steel wheels were available, while the 8-88 had four-wheel mechanical brakes and long semi-elliptic springs for a comfortable ride. The Lycoming 4HM straight-eight developed 68 horsepower at 3000 rpm and was capable of pushing the Auburn along at speeds in excess of 60 mph. On 1927 models, the engine was further refined with Nelson Bohnalite pistons, Duraluminium rods and had a five-bearing crankshaft. In total, Auburn sold 14,517 cars in 1927, resulting in a 57 per cent increase in profits over the previous year - an indication of the success the company was enjoying.