1935 Auburn 851 Speedster (boattail)
- Engine
- Supercharged 4.6L (280 cu in) L-head inline-eight with Schwitzer-Cummins centrifugal blower and single Stromberg carburetor, 150 bhp
- Colour
- Dove grey
The 1935 Auburn Model 851 Speedster, serial 851 33952 E, is a Gordon Buehrig-designed boattail with a supercharged straight-eight engine, authenticated by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club under Category One Certification. Notably fitted with a rare West Coast distributor rear-mounted spare, it was brought to Mexico in the late 1930s or early 1940s before rediscovery in 1962. Following a first restoration in the 1980s, a subsequent comprehensive restoration achieved top concours honours including Best in Class at the 2016 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and perfect scores at two CCCA Grand Classics.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$880,000
- 1962 →Acquisition unknownKenneth R. Wilson Jr.partial documentation
Residing in Campbell, California, he located the car in Mexico and reported to the ACD Club Newsletter in 1963 that it was unrestored but complete and unmolested mechanically and bodily.
- 1982 → 2006Acquisition unknownFrank D. Wilson IIpartial documentation
Based in San Jose; carried out the car's initial restoration during his ownership and obtained ACD Club Certification. Retained the car until his death in 2006.
- 2006 →Private saleMike Gartispartial documentation
San Jose resident who acquired the speedster following Frank Wilson's passing.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryWest Coast Auburn-Cord distributor, Los Angelespartial documentation
The Los Angeles-based West Coast distributor fitted this car with a rear-mounted spare tire, an in-period modification applied to select Auburn and Cord vehicles.
- Date unknownUnknown owner(s) in Sonora, Mexicopartial documentation
Car was taken to Sonora, Mexico, at some point in the late 1930s or early 1940s and remained there unrestored until discovered in 1962.
- Date unknownPrivate saleClassic Car Club of America member and enthusiastpartial documentation
Current consignor who commissioned a thorough modern restoration, enlisting specialist mechanical and cosmetic craftsmen to achieve full concours-level authenticity.
Competition
- 2016Classic Car Club of America Grand Classic2016 CCCA Grand Classic, Boca RatonPerfect score of 100 points
Held in Boca Raton, Florida.
- 20162016 Amelia Island Concours d'EleganceBest in Class
Competed against a strong field of notable automobiles within its class.
- —AACAAACA Senior First PrizeFirst Prize (Senior)
- —AACAAACA Junior First PrizeFirst Prize (Junior)
Achieved alongside the Senior First Prize as part of the car's post-restoration show campaign.
- —Classic Car Club of America Grand ClassicOhio Region CCCA Grand ClassicPerfect score of 100 points
Took place in the same year as the Boca Raton Grand Classic, described as occurring in July.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1982Restoration
First comprehensive restoration of the car, carried out during Frank D. Wilson II's ownership; the car was also ACD Club Certified at this time.
Restoration resulted in the car receiving official Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Category One Certification.
- —RestorationIsland Automotive (mechanical); REVS Institute (cosmetic)
Full concours-standard restoration commissioned by the most recent owner, covering mechanical systems, bodywork, interior, and hood. Mechanical work was overseen by a vintage car specialist, while cosmetic work including a dove grey repaint was carried out by the senior restoration technician at the REVS Institute. Research drew on records from Auburn speedster expert John Ehresman and the ACD Automobile Museum to ensure complete period correctness in all finishes and trim.
The grey body colour was identified from surviving original paint found on interior wood behind the golf club door. Undercarriage and engine bay finishes were also restored to factory-correct standards.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.