Beschreibung
1936 Auburn 654 Cabriolet
Engine: WF3245
Chassis: 2419F
For live auction by Webb's auction house.
2pm NZT, Sunday 3 December.
The Auburn, a symbol of luxury in its time, has maintained its desirability over the years. Its roots can be traced back to the Auburn Automobile Company, which emerged from Charles Eckhart?s 1874 founding of the Eckhart Carriage Company in Auburn, Indiana. Frank and Morris Eckhart, the sons, transitioned from automobile experiments to a full-fledged business. They later merged with local car manufacturers, relocating to a larger facility in 1909. The enterprise faced challenges during World War I due to material shortages, leading to its temporary closure. In 1919, the Eckhart brothers sold the company to Chicago investors who reinvigorated it but struggled to turn a profit. In 1924, they enlisted Errett Lobban Cord, a prominent auto salesman, to lead the company, resulting in a leveraged buyout. Cord?s energetic marketing and buyout completion in 1925 couldn?t overcome the vehicles? high cost for the Depression-era market, leading to financial challenges. Cord eventually sold his shares due to stock manipulations and an injunction by the United States? Securities and Exchange Commission. This marked the end of Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg car production in 1937. This example was originally sold new in New Zealand in 1935 and holds a fascinating history. Its first owner was Mr. Eric Johnston, a resident of 13 Watt Street, Goldies Brae, which is now known as Wadestown, Wellington. The Johnston family?s name is still commemorated through a street named after Eric?s father, John Johnston, a prominent merchant in the area. The Johnstons retained ownership of the vehicle until 9 August 1950, when it was sold to Mr. Lyall Pearce of Fielding, a family with a notable presence in Manawatu history, particularly in Levin and Palmerston North. It is believed that Lyall Pearce acquired the car from English Car Sales, a well-known automobile dealer operating in Courtenay Place, Wellington. The Pearce family likely held onto the vehicle for at least a decade following Lyall?s passing, as the next recorded sale occurred on 25 October 1960, when it was purchased by Max C. Clarke of T?rangi. Unfortunately, records of this transaction and the subsequent ownership in McLeod Bay, Whang?rei, are unavailable, but a ten-year restoration project began after this ownership change.
Although primarily left-hand drive, it?s noted that Auburn, along with other U. S. manufacturers like Packard, Chrysler, and Cadillac, offered right-hand drive options for specific markets, such as South Africa, India, and Australia. The Auburn 654, the model in question, was the smallest in the range but boasted features like a rumble seat, a 3-speed synchromesh gearbox, and 85 horsepower, making it a substantial car for its time. In 2019, following the previous owner?s passing, the Auburn was sold at a Webb?s auction. The new owner decided to further improve the car?s presentation and entrusted Profile Autobody Ltd of Henderson with a comprehensive three-year restoration, covering the body, engine, and interior. The attention to detail was paramount, resulting in a high-quality very impressive restoration.
The car now features a rich black exterior with gold coachlines and white wall tyres, showcasing the exceptional workmanship. The interior boasts hide-covered seats, including the often-overlooked dickey seat, and a brass-finished dashboard that is a work of art. The current owner assures that the car drives beautifully with its 3-speed manual gearbox and powerful hydraulic brakes, offering agile handling and confidence in all driving conditions.
In summary, this car is a truly remarkable automobile, both in terms of its stunning appearance and superb driving performance. The extensive restoration was undoubtedly costly, but the results are evident from any distance, making it one of the finest examples of its era.
The vehicle will be sold registered and with a current WOF.
Estimate: $220, 000-$270, 000 NZD
