Description

Engine No: BB2576U Body No: 1091F ACD Certified #171 160 HP, 391 cid, L-head V12 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid axle suspension with front and rear leaf-spring, Columbia dual-ratio rear axle, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes; wheelbase: 132" Just as the American automobile industry was coming into a new era of advancements with higher horsepower, multi-cylinder engines and some of the most elegant vehicles of all time, the early 1930s brought with it the worst Depression that the U.S. has ever seen. While some of the lower priced vehicles had seen a bit of a comeback by 1934, for some luxury makes like Auburn, the recovery was taking longer than expected. Being ever-optimistic, in 1932, Auburn had introduced its own version of a V12 engine, built and supplied by another branch of E. L. Cord’s empire, the Lycoming Engine Company. For its second season, the V12s were placed in a new Salon series for 1933, with touches set apart from the less expensive models through the use of additional chrome moldings on the edge of the fenders, an exclusive radiator design, unique cowl and highlights as well as blade-like front and rear bumpers. Continuing with a theme of luxury, interiors for the Salon series saw finer appointments and more comfort for the passengers with plush seats and a dashboard that was a work of art unto itself including the instrument panel following the theme centered on the famous Auburn logo. For the most part, the Salon line was carried over for the 1934 model year where five body styles were offered in a newly designated 1250 series. Considered one of the most perfectly proportioned cars ever produced, the Salon Cabriolet is outstanding in visual balance and was rather nimble on the road despite its reported factory weight of 4,570 lbs. Times were still tough in America during 1934, and priced at $1,495 delivered at the factory, it is believed that less than a half dozen of these Cabriolets were produced for the 1934 model year. This outstanding Salon Cabriolet has been skillfully restored and brings back the quality and craftsmanship that was originally used to create this work of art. It has been fitted with a number of amenities such as enclosed dual sidemount spare tires, fold-down rumbleseat, a restored travel trunk mounted to the rear rack and a pair of the very desirable Pilot Ray driving lamps that light the road even when you go around corners. One of the most important performance features of the Salon 1250 series was the dual-ratio Columbia rear axle that effectively provided the pilot with a six-speed transmission, plus Auburn’s famous adjustable ride also controlled by the driver.Other appointments include two individual chrome plated windshield wiper motors, an automatic starting device known as "Start-X" and a very rare period radio with the main receiver concealed while the locking control head is mounted to the steering column. Finished in a deep gloss black complimented with argent highlights the body work fits to standards exceeding those from the factory, with the chrome and bright trim having been plated and polished to a rich deep finish. The driver’s compartment is done in black pleated leather complimented by a tight fitting canvas top also in black. Best of all, this Cabriolet has been inspected with a fine tooth comb by experts from the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club and has been classified as an ACD Category #1 car confirming that this engine, chassis, and body were together when it was assembled in 1934. Since its restoration the car has been used only a few times where it was judged and awarded Best of Show honors at the 2009 Barrington Concours d’Elegance in Illinois. In celebration of the Auburn Twelve's during the 2008 ACD Festival in Auburn, Indiana, this very car was selected as the basis for the artwork used to promote the event appearing on posters, badges and the cover of the official program. Showing just over 550 miles since its restoration, our consignor says he has taken this car on a couple of rallies with his family, and it is not only an elegant looking Full Classic, as recognized by the Classic Car Club of America, it is a very comfortable car to ride in - or if you are lucky - take to the open road. There are some expected minor signs of light usage, most notably minor aging on the black leather seats, but it is still very presentable. There is no other classic car quite like the stunning and distinctive Auburn Twelve Salon Cabriolet, and it will afford the new steward admittance into a circle as exclusive now as it was nearly eight decades ago. Few automobiles offer the striking lines of the example offered here. With an unmistakable and unforgettable style, this Auburn offers a very unique opportunity for the new caretaker to acquire an open tourer that would be instantly admired by enthusiasts everywhere.