Indiana-based automaker Auburn Automobile Company was one of the first daring companies that graced the late 19th Century and entered the 20th century with gusto and determination. At its prime, the company produced epic cars such as the Auburn Speedster lineage
In 1925, the company launched a model named the Auburn 9-88 rode on a 4.8-liter side-valve 68 bhp Lycoming engine. This engine could be used in several other models up until 1930 when it was upped to do 115 bhp. The 115 BPH is what coined the ‘Speedster 115’ nameplate.
Then came the Union City Body Company which built coaches for a new model named Auburn Boattail Speedster built between 1931-1933. There were eight different versions of the Boattail Speedsters all lying in various subcategories.
These cars not only made history through their beautiful designs but also amazing road performance. It is no wonder then that many view them as America’s first true sports cars.
Riding an Auburn 851 Speedster, one of America’s most iconic race drivers Ab Jenkins became the first American to hit 100 mph in a memorable 12- hour period endurance record. In a recent auction, a similar Speedster sold for $1.2 million, perhaps helping to underscore the fact that these cars were in no way your ordinary road goers but some super precious gems.
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