1936 Auburn 852 SC

The 851 returned for 1936 and was re-designated the 852. While E.L. Cord’s industrial empire fell soon thereafter in 1937, the 851/852 remains an inspired milestone of engineering and styling prowess.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
price $	$2 245 USD
engine	Water Cooled, Inline-8
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Schweitzer-Cummins Supercharger
valvetrain	2 Valves per Cyl
displacement	4589 cc / 280.0 in³
bore	77.78 mm / 3.06 in
stroke	120.6 mm / 4.75 in
compression	6.5:1
power	111.9 kw / 150.1 bhp @ 4000 rpm
specific output	32.71 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	88.35 bhp per tonne
torque	311.8 nm / 230.0 ft lbs @ 2750 rpm
body / frame	Steel Body on Steel Cross-Braced Chassis
driven wheels	RWD
front tires	6.5×15
rear tires	6.5×15
front brakes	Lockheed Drums w/Hydraulic Assist
rear brakes	Lockheed Drums w/Hydraulic Assist
steering	Worm & Peg
f suspension	Non-Independant w/ Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Hydraulic Dampers
r suspension	Live Axle w/ Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Hydraulic Dampers
curb weight	1699 kg / 3746 lbs
wheelbase	3226 mm / 127.0 in
front track	1488 mm / 58.6 in
rear track	1575 mm / 62.0 in
length	4938 mm / 194.4 in
width	1816 mm / 71.5 in
height	1473 mm / 58.0 in
transmission	3-Speed Manual
gear ratios	2.86:1, 1.68:1, 1.00:1
final drive	3.1:1
top speed	~167.4 kph / 104.0 mph
0 – 60 mph	~15.0 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile	~19.5 seconds

Auction Sales History

1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster 33914E – sold for $770,000 ACD-Certifed Example. Exhaustively Researched Restoration. Multiple-Award Winner. Astonishing Attention to Detail. Pebble Beach Concours and Tour d’Elegance Veteran.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions 2015 by Gooding & Company

1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster 35863E – sold for $1,210,000 Breathtaking Design and Exceedingly Rare. One of Seven ACD Club-Certified Examples from 1936. Recent and Complete Concours-Level Restoration. The Penultimate 852 SC Speedster Built – Body 142.
Auction Source: 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster 35364E – did not sell for $625,000 ACD Certified #A-248. Complete and authentic frame-off restoration in 2006. Presented at Pebble Beach in 2006. 2007 AACA Senior National First Prize. Supercharged Lycoming inline 8 cylinder. Beautiful paint and brightwork. Signature chrome hood emblem. Designed by Gordon Buehrig.
Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum

1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster 33914E – sold for $605,000 The Most Iconic of All Auburn Designs. ACD Certified. Exhaustively Researched Restoration. Multiple Award Winner. Elegant Color Combination. Astonishing Attention to Detail. 2011 Pebble Beach Concours and Tour Participant.
Auction Source: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Compan

1935 Auburn 851 SC Boattail Speedster 32923 –

Restored during the late-1990s; class-winner at Meadow Brook (1998). Supercharged engine and Columbia rear axle.

Auction Source: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by RM Auctions

1936 Auburn 852SC Cabriolet 35757F –

This 1936 Auburn 852SC Cabriolet received a nut-and-bolt restoration in the fall of 2003, which was completed by Cole’s Classics. Significant research was conducted before and during the restoration to ensure correctness, and in addition, the engine, supercharger and transmission were completely rebuilt. The exterior was refinished in a rich shade of maroon, which contrasts very nicely with the cream colored painted wheels and the period-style wide whitewall tires. The interior and rumble seat are both exquisitely finished in tan Connolly leather, and in keeping with the clean and simple design of the Cabriolet, its tan convertible top folds neatly underneath the matching tan tonneau cover. Desirable period features include a Philco radio and a Columbia two-speed rear axle.

Auction Source: 2010 Vintage Cars of Meadow Book by RM Auctions