1932 Auburn Twelve 12-160A Custom Phaeton Sedan
- Engine
- 520 cu. in. (8.5L approx.) horizontal-valve V12, single camshaft, est. 200 bhp (American-LaFrance block replacement)
- Colour
- Two-tone blue, shades similar to factory Auburn Blue
The 1932 Auburn Model 12-160A Phaeton Sedan is a Custom-series four-door body style finished in two-tone blue over a matching leather and Wilton wool interior. Among the rarest of the Classic era American automobiles, produced across barely three model years, it is noted for its horizontal-valve V-12 engineering, Alan Leamy coachwork, and distinctive Dual-Ratio rear axle. This example carries known California provenance from the late 1950s, passed through the renowned Harrah's Automobile Collection, and was subsequently restored with period-correct upgrades including an American-LaFrance V-12 block and Salon-spec trim.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$275,000 – US$325,000
- → 1963Acquisition unknownSteve Warnerpartial documentation
Based in Tustin, California, Warner was an early Auburn Twelve enthusiast who owned several examples. He drove the car enthusiastically and introduced both his son and others to the marque.
- 1963 → 1978Private saleHarrah's Automobile Collectionpartial documentation
Purchased directly from Warner by William F. Harrah; the car was displayed almost continuously at the collection for roughly fifteen years until Harrah's death.
- 1978 →AuctionRene Chenierpartial documentation
Chenier acquired the car after it was dispersed following Harrah's passing and returned it to California, where he undertook a full restoration including a more powerful replacement engine block, upgraded trim, and a two-tone blue repaint with matching interior.
Competition
- —Muroc Dry Lake speed record runsDriver: Eddie Miller31 American records from flying starts and 9 international records from standing starts
These runs were conducted in an Auburn Twelve to demonstrate the model's performance capabilities; it is not confirmed that this specific car was used.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
Comprehensive restoration carried out by Rene Chenier encompassing a full repaint in two-tone blue echoing factory Auburn Blue shades, a new matching leather interior, canvas top, and blue Wilton wool carpeting, plus the fitment of Salon-specification exterior trim including chrome window inserts, Salon door handles, and polished stainless hood-louver trim.
Restoration date not specified in the catalogue beyond being associated with Chenier's post-1978 ownership.
- —Engine rebuild
The V-12 engine was fully rebuilt as part of the restoration, with the original Auburn block replaced by a correctly renumbered American-LaFrance V-12 unit displacing approximately 520 cubic inches — over 130 cubic inches more than stock — chosen for its superior durability and suitability for long-distance touring.
The American-LaFrance block swap is described as a well-regarded and common upgrade within the Auburn Twelve community; the external difference from the original unit is minimal.
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