1933 Auburn 1250 Salon Twelve Cabriolet
- Engine
- 6.4L (391 cu in) horizontal-valve V12, 160 bhp
- Colour
- Black and pewter two-tone
A 1933–34 Auburn Salon Twelve Cabriolet, one of approximately 27 built and among only five known survivors, powered by a 160 bhp horizontal-valve V-12 engine. Believed originally delivered in California, the car received early modifications to its windshield and hood line, possibly for a California auto salon. Evidence of 1940s dirt-track racing activity has been noted by Auburn historian Randy Ema. The car carries ACD Club Category One Certification (A-404) confirming its original body and true Salon specification.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$401,500
- Date unknownFactory deliveryOriginal California owner or early caretakerpartial documentation
Car was most likely delivered new in California; this early owner or caretaker had the windshield and roof modified, possibly to display the car at a regional auto salon, prior to World War II.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownGil Curtrightpartial documentation
Long-standing California ACD club enthusiast who held the car for a period beginning in the 1950s.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownMel Durhampartial documentation
Received the car after Curtright; no further details on tenure or condition during this ownership.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownSteve Warnerpartial documentation
Noted Auburn specialist who held the car; his son reportedly used it informally as a backyard play structure.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownDr. Bob Hoffmanfull documentation
Redwood City, California resident who carried out a comprehensive restoration spanning roughly a decade; ACD Club Category One Certification (A-404) was obtained under his stewardship.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent vendorfull documentation
Purchased from Dr. Hoffman and undertook cosmetic and authenticity improvements; consigning the car with ACD certification paperwork.
Competition
- —California dirt-track racing
Auburn historian Randy Ema noted inner metal bracing on the fenders consistent with dirt-track use, suggesting the car participated in such events during the 1940s.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Modification
The windshield height was reduced and the hood or roof line reconfigured to their present form; expert consensus places this work before the Second World War, possibly in preparation for display at a California auto salon.
Auburn factory involvement has been ruled out by experts; the work is attributed to the original owner or an early custodian.
- —Restoration
A full restoration carried out over roughly ten years, resulting in the car's current finished state in black and pewter with grey leather interior and chrome wire wheels.
Undertaken by Dr. Bob Hoffman of Redwood City, California; the restoration supported the car's ACD Club Category One Certification.
- —Bodywork
Cosmetic freshening and further authenticity improvements made after acquisition from Dr. Hoffman.
Carried out by the current vendor prior to consignment.
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