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2011 Shannons Sydney Spring Classic Auction
Lot
25

1929 Auburn Model 8-90 Phaeton (RHD)

$80,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine 8-cylinder, 90hp
Gearbox 3-speed Manual
Body Work Convertible
Colour Red/Black guards
Interior Brown
Trim Leather
Wheels Wire/spoked
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

The Auburn Automobile Company built their first production cars in 1903, A two-cylinder model was added in 1905 and in 1910, the company began to produce a 4-cylinder car. The 6-cylinder engine debuted in 1912. The Auburn cars were well made and reliable but rather ordinary in appearance. In 1924, the Auburn owners hire a rising star in the car industry, E.L. Cord, to help revive the company. The young car salesman with a deep belief in capitalism is soon named General Manager and then Vice President of Auburn. Cord brought in J.M. Crawford who redesigned the 1925 models. The 1925 Auburns were handsome and well built.

The Auburn Model 8-88 series was introduced in 1925 as the first line of Auburns developed under the direction of E.L. Cord. Mr. Cord was not satisfied with a mere up-to-date-design, he wanted to establish Auburn as a marque of distinction. The introduction of the hood and body molding, a reasonably priced eight-cylinder line, and multi-colored paint schemes set Auburn apart from other automobiles. In 1926, Auburn increased sales by a massive fifty-two percent. In 1927, Auburn purchased the Lycoming engine company. By the 1930 model year the Auburn engine offerings included a 70-horsepower inline six, a 100-horsepower inline eight and a 125-horsepower inline eight. For 1929 the Auburn was offered on three different chassis models - the 6-85, 8-95, and 8-125. The first number indicating the number of cylinders in the inline engine and the second number indicating the horsepower. Body styles available were a sedan, sport sedan, cabriolet, and a phaeton sedan. The phaeton was only offered on the eight-cylinder chassis. Approximately 21,000 Auburn automobiles were made in 1929.