1928 Auburn 8-115 Boat Tail Speedster
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1928 Auburn 8-115 Boat Tail Speedster.
The early history of this car is not known; however, it is understood to have been in Australia for a very long time.
The car offered for sale was the dream of late Auburn enthusiast Neil Burns. Burns had always wanted to own an Auburn Boat Tail Speedster. In the early 2000’s he acquired a mostly complete Auburn 8-115. He subsequently located a factory built Auburn Boat Tail Speedster in Western Australia from which he could copy the body. Measurements were taken, drawings were made and Burns started to build the car of his dreams. It is understood the original body has been preserved from the scuttle forward.
By 2010 all major mechanical components had been reconditioned, including the engine, the gearbox, the carburettor and the radiator. All trim, lights and brackets had been rechromed, all the dash instruments had been fitted and a hood assembly had been manufactured. Unfortunately, Burns never got to see the finished product. He passed away in May 2010 and the car was sold from his estate to Ian Waller from Gordon, Victoria.
Waller completed the restoration and the car was subsequently displayed at Motorclassica in Melbourne in 2019. In February 2022 the car was displayed at the Torquay Rotary Motor Show where it won the pre 1959 class and was also the outright Best of Show winner.
During its restoration, the car was given a few sympathetic upgrades to make it a more reliable and usable classic. According to the documentation on file, the original Warner gearbox which has known reliability issues, has been replaced. The gearbox fitted to the car is a period correct three speed plus reverse crash box, though it is not branded and its make and model is unknown. A Mitchell overdrive has been installed, which gives the car more cruising flexibility. The electrics have all been upgraded to 12 volt, a modern fuel pump has been installed and an alternator has been discreetly installed underneath the car.
The current owner acquired this fabulous Auburn 8-115 Boat Tail Speedster in 2022 and he has spent a considerable amount of time and money fettling the car. He has thoroughly enjoyed his brief love affair, however, due to a change in direction he has decided it is time for a new custodian to take ownership of this amazing car.
This car looks STUNNING in the photographs, however, in the flesh it has an even more incredible presence. Make no mistake, this is a big car. The sleek art deco styling is a work of art and the more you look at this car the more details you will you notice. The massive bonnet and flowing guards meet at the trademark Auburn grill mounted with the most elegant hood ornament. The most unique feature of the Auburn Speedster is the relatively small vee shaped rakish front windscreen which evokes a sense of ‘speed’ but at the same time emphasises the size of the car even more. The boat tail rear end just finishes the car off in terms of the uniqueness of its design.
The colour combination of black over maroon is just perfect for the car and all the bright work just sparkles. The paint is in very good condition with a strong depth of colour and a high gloss finish. We struggled to find any obvious imperfections. We did find a very small blemish on the lower edge of the right rear guard. You cannot miss the bright work on this car. The massive and very imposing grill, the almost oversize Monogram headlights, the smaller driving lights, the spotlight as well as the wiper motor covers and the mirrors are all beautifully chromed and present in very good to excellent condition. The only exception we noticed is the small mirror mounted on the back of the spotlight that is showing some light wear. Interestingly, rotating this mirror operates the on and off switch for the light for the light.
The painted wire wheels are in very good condition with no evidence of any curb rash. They are currently shod with Excelsior Stahl Sport radial tyres, size 5.50R18 which are date stamped 0917 (week 9, 2017). The tyres are still in excellent condition.
Highlights:
Unique and iconic car from the golden age of American motoring.
The pinnacle of art deco design for an American car.
Fitted with some modern upgrades to make it a more usable classic.
Beautifully restored.
Ready to use and enjoy.
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