Auburn 12 Classic Car for Sale

History of the Auburn 12

The Auburn 12 emerged during a period of intense competition among American car manufacturers in the late 1920s and early 1930s, aiming to satisfy the market's growing appetite for sophisticated twelve-cylinder models. First introduced in 1928, it consolidated Auburn's reputation for offering technically advanced and visually daring vehicles. Its creation involved the talents of Alan Leamy, whose innovative bodywork, especially the boattail speedster, gave Auburn a style profile unmatched by contemporaries. The Auburn 12 quickly garnered attention for its slanted door lines, boattail rear, and luxurious appointments, positioning itself both as a high-performance road car and a display piece at prestigious events such as Concours d’Elegance.

Model Evolution and Notable Variants

The initial Auburn 12 Speedster began production in 1928, breaking away from its eight-cylinder predecessor with a dedicated chassis and the Lycoming V12 engine. Early versions stood out with sharp door lines, pronounced two-tone paintwork, and pointed rear styling. Later models transitioned to more rounded, elegant contours and a blunter, flowing rear end, reflecting the evolving Art Deco design language of the era. The 12 shared some heritage with the eight-cylinder Auburn line, but its bespoke speedster chassis and mechanicals set it apart.

Highlights and Market Share

Key hallmarks of the Auburn 12 include its Lycoming V12 powerplant, hallmark boattail bodywork, and signature chrome-trimmed, sweeping fenders. Notably, 'Salon' versions featured exclusive V12 emblems on the distinctive 'bowtie' front bumper and double side-mounted spare wheels. Chrome headlamps and auxiliary lights, as well as elegantly ribbed fenders, contributed to a standout appearance. Compared to all other Auburn models, the 12 accounts for 100% of supply and demand shares on Classic Trader, underscoring its significance within Auburn's classic car portfolio.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The 'Salon' Speedster stands out among Auburn 12 variants, equipped with exclusive visual accents such as a conspicuous 'bowtie' bumper showcasing the V12 emblem, additional chrome details, and richly upgraded interiors. These versions are particularly noted for their desirability at classic automotive events and are widely acknowledged as 'CCCA Full Classic' eligible for distinguished concours appearances.

Weak Spots and Known Issues

In-depth information on typical weaknesses of the Auburn 12 has not been provided. As with many classic vehicles of this vintage, thorough inspection of mechanical and bodywork components is recommended, focusing on the complexity of the V12 engine and Art Deco embellishments which may need specialist restoration.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

With its Lycoming V12 engine, the Auburn 12 Speedster achieved top speeds around 100 mph (about 160 km/h), placing it among the outright fastest US production cars before WWII. The specially engineered chassis provided higher rigidity and improved handling over its predecessors. Controls and transmission were tuned for powerful, long-distance touring and made the car popular among participants of classic rallies and regularity events. Notable: The 'Salon' Speedster with V12 engine and distinctive boattail design. Prominent for its combination of performance and Art Deco styling—among the most recognised classic American open-top sports cars of the interwar period.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Alan Leamy's contribution as chief designer is central to the Auburn 12's appeal. His signature can be seen in every sweeping contour, especially the boattail rear with chrome detailing, ribbed fenders, and flowing two-tone paint schemes. The cabin, especially in 'Salon' specification, featured finely crafted upholstery, lavish materials, and a dashboard replete with period dials and switches. Multiple side-mounted spare wheels, along with prominent chrome fixtures (including lamps and trim), cemented the Auburn 12's identity as a showpiece of American Art Deco motoring culture.

Additional Notes

The Auburn 12 is fully eligible as a 'CCCA Full Classic', granting owners access to a variety of high-profile concours and touring events. The model's presence at traditional classic car rallies and its frequent selection as a parade car testify to its esteemed position in the collector community.

Summary

Auburn 12 classics combine twelve-cylinder engineering, advanced Art Deco design, and strong market presence, as reflected by their complete representation in both listings and searches on Classic Trader. Leamy-designed boattail models, particularly in 'Salon' trim, continue to set benchmarks for collectability, driving enjoyment, and visual impact at historical and enthusiast events.