RM Sotheby's

The 1935 Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster: A Timeless Icon of American Automotive History

By Jason Venegas

The 1935 Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster is more than just a car; it's a timeless symbol of American innovation and luxury. With its art deco design, unmatched speed, and rarity, this automotive masterpiece continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts around the globe.

Key Takeaways
  • Iconic Design: The Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster’s unique "boattail" rear and teardrop fenders made it an instantly recognizable luxury vehicle.
  • Impressive Performance: Powered by a supercharged 4.6-liter inline-eight engine, the Speedster achieved speeds of over 100 mph—extraordinary for its era.
  • Rarity and Value: With fewer than 500 units produced, the Auburn 851 has become one of the most coveted classic cars, regularly fetching millions at auction.
  • Enduring Legacy: The design and engineering of the Auburn 851 continue to influence modern luxury cars, making it a lasting icon in automotive history.

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One of the most illustrious automobiles in American history is the 1935 Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster. Motorists and collectors all over the globe are enchanted by this high-end vehicle due to its legendary engineering, lightning-fast performance, and streamlined appearance. An iconic representation of the motorsport heyday, it combines art deco design with state-of-the-art engineering and is extremely rare.

Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster: A New Beginning
Auburn, Indiana’s own Auburn Automobile Company, set out to build a vehicle that would make a splash in a crowded industry. In 1934, the responsibility of creating a vehicle that would embody the energy and style of the time fell on designer Gordon Buehrig. The resulting car was the Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster, and it was revolutionary both in appearance and performance. Speedsters are easily identifiable thanks to their distinctive chrome accents, teardrop fenders, and long, sweeping boattails in the back.

This 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster will be part of the RM Sotheby’s Hershey auction, being held October 9 and 10.

Designed for Maximum Efficiency
A supercharged 4.6-liter inline eight-cylinder engine was the driving force behind the Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster. Impressively for its day, this engine could propel the Speedster to speeds of over 100 mph, thanks to its 150 horsepower. It was popular among drivers looking for a thrill as it could attain such speeds, which were rare for automobiles in the 1930s. Drivers had precise control over the engine’s tremendous output because to the three-speed manual transmission.

The Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster’s Notable Features:
Motor: Inline-eight 4.6-liter turbocharged
Engine Power: 150 HP
Peak Velocity: More than 100 miles per hour
Drivetrain: Manual three-speed
Cutting-edge style and Visual Appeal
Both the speed and the unusual design of the 1935 Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster have contributed to its widespread renown. Drawing design cues from sleek racing boats, the vehicle’s “boattail” back end tapered down to a point. The car had a distinctive and futuristic look thanks to its long, sloping lines and sharp curves.

The plush cabin has art deco-style accents, hand-stitched leather upholstery, and a beautifully crafted dashboard. Careful attention to detail went into making sure that the vehicle was both stylish and comfortable. The Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster was an absolutely remarkable sight to behold, thanks to its slick paint job and chrome highlights.

Famous People Who Owned Auburn 851 Boattail Speedsters
The Auburn 851 has been featured in numerous movies, auto exhibitions, and high-profile auctions throughout the years. Collectors are even more drawn to it because of its iconic status and scarcity. The Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster has become one of the most sought-after pre-war automobiles of all time, with restored versions selling for millions at auction in recent years.

The restored example on offer features a beautifully maintained red-upholstered interior.

Uniqueness and Value
With a production run of less than 500 vehicles, the Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster is an incredibly unusual automobile. Collectors of vintage cars are vying for it because of how rare it is. The buyer’s devotion to automotive history and opulence is reflected in the appreciation of its value, which has only grown over the years.

Significant Auction Sales: RM in 2021 Selling for $1.2 million at Sotheby’s is a meticulously repaired model.
Barrett-Jackson Website, 2018 The asking price for a completely restored, original specimen is $880,000.
When you buy an Auburn 851, you’re getting more than simply a car; you’re getting a piece of history. The vehicle is considered a classic due to its innovative engineering and beautiful design, both of which have an impact on contemporary car design.

How Auburn Automobile Company Left an Indelible Mark
Although manufacturing ended for the Auburn Automobile Company in the late 1930s, the legacy it left behind is still felt today. An enduring emblem of American automotive excellence from a bygone era, the Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster is known for its innovative design, sleek profile, and powerful performance. This legendary vehicle will carry the Auburn name long after the company did, thanks to the Great Depression.

How Auburn Will Shape The Future Of Vehicle Design
Many subsequent generations of high-end and performance automobiles owe a debt of gratitude to the 1935 Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster for its design concepts. Sports vehicles from manufacturers like Ferrari and Porsche feature an emphasis on aerodynamic forms, lightweight construction, and the ability to reach high speeds. Designers and car aficionados alike are captivated by the Auburn 851’s classic look.

The car’s 150 hp, 4.5-liter supercharged straight-eight engine.

Modern Luxury Cars: The Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster from Auburn, Alabama
A model that pioneered the integration of high-end design and racing performance was the Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster. Its innovative features and cutting-edge engineering set the standard for subsequent luxury vehicles. As they worked to create new works of art, manufacturers kept returning to the 851 for inspiration. The Auburn 851 is still the gold standard for combining form and function, thanks to its aerodynamic design and robust engine.

Finally, the 1935 Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster and Its Everlasting Allure
In the history of automobiles, the 1935 Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster stands out among the most influential models. Its rarity, power, and aesthetics make it a representation of a more advanced time in technological development. The Auburn 851 exemplifies everything that makes the world of antique automobiles so fascinating, whether you are a collector, an automotive historian, or just someone who admires classic cars. In the realm of antique automobiles, it remains the gold standard for elegance and performance, a genuine work of art.

Join the LUXURIOUX world, and discover a new level of opulence. Our editors and writers are dedicated to finding what is truly the best in class across many facets of life. Experience the finest things only your imagination and money can afford.

By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement

"The 1935 Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster stands as a testament to the perfect balance between beauty and performance, setting a timeless benchmark for the world of luxury cars."