1931 Auburn 898A Cabriolet

1931 Auburn 898 A

Auburn Automobile History

Auburn was a stylish domestic automobile produced from 1900 to 1936. IT grew out of the Eckhart Carriage Company. founded in Auburn. Indiana in 1875 by Charles Eckhart. Eckhart's sons. Frank and Morris. began making automobiles on an experimental basis before entering the business.

In 1919. the Eckhart brothers sold out to

a group of Chicago investors. The

new owners revived the business but failed to realize the profits that they

hoped for. In 1924. they approached Errett Lobban

Cord (EL Cord). a highly successful automobile salesman. with an offer to

run the company. Cord countered with an offer to take over completely in what

amounted to a leveraged buyout. The Chicago group

accepted.

Cord aggressively marketed the company's unsold inventory and completed his

buyout before the end of 1925. In 1926. he purchased Duesenberg Corporation. famous for its racing cars.

and used it as the launching platform for a line of high-priced luxury vehicles.

He also put his own name on a front-wheel-drive car. the L-29 Cord.

Employing imaginative designers such as Alan Leamy and Gordon Buehrig. Cord

built cars that became famous for their advanced engineering as well as their

striking appearances.

The company's art deco headquarters in Auburn now houses the Auburn

Cord Duesenberg Museum. It was made a National Historic Landmark in 2005. The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club holds an Annual Renuion every Labor Day at Auburn Indiana. and this has become one of the premier gatherings of collector cars and enthusiasts in the Country. (intro courtesy of Significant Cars. com)

1931 Auburn 898 A Cabriolet

This striking example is of one of Auburn's rarest body styles. with less than 100 known to exist.

This car has resided with its 2 owners in CA since 1953.

The car received a high-level restoration in the mid-80 s with the top and upholstery re-commissioned in 1990. An original car with an unblemished history.

The car runs and drives well but will likely need freshening prior to long distance touring. The cosmetics of the car are very strong (only item not original is the tail lamp - I will include the correct 1931 with the sale).

The paint is very presentable with no visible cracking. The top and seats are also in very good condition. The chrome has crazing but still retains a good amount of shine. Presentable enough for use as a tour car or for the growing Preservation Classes at Concours Events (the car has not been shown in 61 years) - the car does retain all its correct original features and is complete. so would be an excellent candidate for a Concours Restoration.

Limousine Body Company Tag (passenger side): L 27 2166

Body (Auburn Tag. passenger side. next to Limousine Body Company tag): 898 A 18720 F

Lycoming Engine Number: GU 71111

Note: 1931 CA Plates will not be transferred with the car. Also. the tires & tubes are brand new (I have the 5 th spare as well. not shown in pic). I am an ACD club member who knows and cherishes these cars.

Want to buy this car?