1936 Auburn 852-Replica

- Manufactured by the experts at Speedster Motorcars
- Equipped with an impressive 295-HP 5.3-liter fuel-injected V-8 engine
- Creature comforts include power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, a power bench seat, a modern stereo system, and air-conditioning
- A one-owner example ordered new by noted ACD and all-things-Auburn supporter, Gene Davenport
- Timeless styling paired with modern drivability and passenger amenitiesOften referred to as the Art Deco era, the 1920s and 30s produced some of the most visually striking automobiles ever built; true works of rolling art. However, these elegant creations frequently lacked the creature comforts expected in todays vehicles. Seeking to close the gap between style and modern convenience, Michael Akins of Speedster Motorcars in Indianapolis began designing his own interpretations of the iconic 1935 and 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedsters. His goal was to combine the timeless beauty of those original designs with the comfort and performance features of contemporary automobiles.

A lifelong passion, at a young age Akins worked under David Samuels at Antique Autos of America, which later became Southeastern Replicas and at the time was the largest distributor for California custom coach replica boattail speedsters in the country. Honing his skills throughout the 70s, 80s, and into the 90s, Akins decided to open his own shop in the 2000s, one that not only built these stunning speedster bodies, but one that infused them with modern-day creature comforts and everyday drivability components. Today, Speedster Motorcars builds are regarded as the most sought-after modern Auburn Speedsters.

Titled as a 2005, this 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster Replica was ordered new by the late Gene Davenport, a lifelong car enthusiast, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum board member, and ACD Club member. Used at various events and shows, Gene was a familiar face at the annual ACD Club Reunion in Auburn, Indiana over Labor Day weekend in this Boattail Speedster. The smooth, sculpted, lightweight fiberglass body is finished in a sharp black over a rich cognac leather interior that was completed by Interiors by Shannon. Built on a tubular steel chassis with a 126-inch wheelbase, it offers a smooth ride thanks to its coil spring suspension and 72-spoke Dayton wire wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires. Its drivability and everyday usability are furthered thanks to its plethora of touring comforts, which includes power rack and pinion steering, power four-wheel disc brakes, air-conditioning, a power bench seat, windshield wipers, Stewart-Warner gauges, a disappearing folding black convertible top, and a modern AM/FM stereo system.

Under the long hood that boasts the flowing simulated supercharged pipes, the modern-day touches only get better, as this Speedster features a Vortec 5.3-liter V-8 engine that produces 295 horsepower, more than enough to reach modern-day speeds. Backed by a 4L60E automatic transmission that is displayed to look like a manual floor-mounted shifter, this Auburn can be enjoyed and driven by just about anyone who wishes to get behind the wheel.

Sculpted by one of the best in the business to mirror the globally admired and desired Auburn Boattail Speedsters from the Art Deco era, this example retains the best of both worlds and awaits to be enjoyed by just its second owner from new and further used at events, shows, and future ACD Club gatherings.