Highlights
- Highly detailed Boat Tail evocation by Speedster Motorcars
- Beautifully finished in silver over burgundy with matching interior
- 5.3L V8 engine with fuel injection and all-around disc brakes
- High spec includes PosiDrive rear axle, adjustable springs and dual wishbone front suspension
- Fuel tank recently recommissioned and new high performance fuel pump
- Low mileage of under 8,000 miles since completed
- Well-maintained and correctly UK registered
- MOT to April 2026 with no advisories
- One of the most distinctive classics we’ve seen in a while
The Appeal
The Auburn Speedster ‘Boat Tail’ is what happens when car designers have a good day at the office. It arrived at a high point in the pre-war era, when post-depression enthusiasm led to some of Detroit’s finest designs. It was influential too, its style evident in Chevrolet’s Corvette Stingray and Buick’s gorgeous Riviera.
Just 147 Boat Tails were built before Auburn crashed to earth. Finding one, let alone having the funds to buy one, is tough. Cue Michael Adkins of Speedster Motorcars, a dedicated, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable specialist. From the early 2000s he created a handful of highly detailed fibreglass replicas built on tubular chassis with modern running gear.
This is one of them, a 2004 model that was previously owned by the Attorney General of Texas. As befits the legacy of the original car, the specification is very impressive. There is a 5.3L V8, 4160E automatic gearbox, power steering, power brakes, dual wishbone front suspension, adjustable springs and PosiDrive rear axle.
The current keeper acquired it in 2011, drawn, as we are, by the stunning lines and beautiful finish. He imported it to the UK in 2012, including organising various upgrades to meet our registration requirements via Byfleet USA car specialist Bill Shephard Racing.
The current keeper acquired it in 2011, drawn, as we are, by the stunning lines and beautiful finish. He imported it to the UK in 2012, including organising various upgrades to meet our registration requirements via Byfleet USA car specialist Bill Shephard Racing.
With just 800 miles covered since acquiring the car and mileage still below 8,000 miles from new, this is a very well-preserved car. Recent work includes refurbishing the fuel tank and fitting a new high performance fuel pump.
Its colour scheme of silver over burgundy metallic, with matching interior, is key to its appeal, as is the level of detail across the car. The condition is supported by a long, advisory-free MOT to April 2026.
Its colour scheme of silver over burgundy metallic, with matching interior, is key to its appeal, as is the level of detail across the car. The condition is supported by a long, advisory-free MOT to April 2026.
Rumours are that production of these replicas is due to recommence in 2026 with likely build cost of $200,000. Here is a chance to avoid the queue and save on that premium. This car is as much collector's showpiece as a fascinating driving experience. Buy this, and you’ll start conversations wherever you go.
The vendor says:
“Wherever you go in this car you'll never be lonely - it attracts attention wherever it goes!
"I have owned this vehicle since 2011 apparently owned by the attorney general of Texas ,due delinquency on this , I had seen one and there and then I knew I had to have one ,not even to drive but just to look at I’m my opinion a true work of automotive art , so 14 years later and haven only driven this vehicle approx 800 miles with a wrench of heart it’s time to move on .with out doubt it’s the single most admired vehicle I have ever owned and I’ve owned a lot of classic cars ,it stops people in the street at shows where ever you go it’s always had admirers which is great if you love classic cars. Truly a bespoke vehicle with stunning build.”
"I have owned this vehicle since 2011 apparently owned by the attorney general of Texas ,due delinquency on this , I had seen one and there and then I knew I had to have one ,not even to drive but just to look at I’m my opinion a true work of automotive art , so 14 years later and haven only driven this vehicle approx 800 miles with a wrench of heart it’s time to move on .with out doubt it’s the single most admired vehicle I have ever owned and I’ve owned a lot of classic cars ,it stops people in the street at shows where ever you go it’s always had admirers which is great if you love classic cars. Truly a bespoke vehicle with stunning build.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 2004
- Built by Speedster Motorcars
- Allegedly previously owned by an Attorney General of Texas according to the seller
- Acquired by the seller in 2008 in Texas
- Imported from the United States and registered in the UK by the seller
- First UK registered May 2012
- Two registered keepers both in same family
- Car will be sold on registration plate RK53PZY
- Seller confirms he has owned the car since 2008
- Recent modifications to meet UK safety standards, including new glass and rear brakes
- Glass specially made by Pilkington with kitemarking to enable UK and European registration
- Safety electric lock system installed on the suicide doors specially made for safety
- MOT to 8th April 2026 with no advisories
- 7,992 miles showing on MOT test and 7,995 miles in photos
- Glass manufactured and kitemarked by Pilkington at cost of £11,000 to enable UK DVLA registration as an Auburn
- This investment will assist European registration if required
The Condition
- Careful evocation of the original Boat Tail car by Michael Adkins, a model specialist
- Built in hand-laid fibreglass with two-tone silver and burgundy metallic paintwork
- Hand-polished paintwork presents well with no obvious damage or deterioration to note
- There are some minor stone chips to note to front and side of car
- Underside in similar order with no structural advisories on MOT
- Built on a tubular spaceframe chassis by Speedster Motorcars
- Neat Boat Tail details, including low rake swept-back V-shaped windscreen with chrome finish
- Safety electric lock system fitted to the suicide doors with a buzzer
- Art Deco raked stainless front grille with a 30s deco emblem
- Chromework including bumpers presents well with very light patina to note
- Chrome wire wheels with hub caps and white banded tyres
- Burgundy folding roof with matching tonneau both in good condition
- Bespoke mirrors and period-style door handles and hinges
- Interior with two-tone silver and burgundy leather-style bench front seat
- Burgundy tailored carpets
- Period-style dashboard dials with Auburn emblems
- Dashboard features aluminium engine-turned and veneer-effect finish as shown
- Classic dials with cream finish
- Wood rim alloy steering wheel
- Fitted with air conditioning, electric windows and specially locking doors for safety
- No reported issues with switchgear, dials, electrics or lighting
The Mechanics
- 5.3L V8 engine
- 4160E automatic gearbox
- Rear brakes checked and overhauled by Bill Shephard Racing
- Deco style tailpipe finishers designed to direct emissions downward
- Exhaust system reported to be in good order by vendor
- Fuel tank recently refurbished and new high performance fuel pump fitted
- Low documented mileage
- No advisories on current MOT
- No reported driving or running faults
Specification includes:
- Posi Drive rear axle
- Adjustable springs front and rear
- Duel wishbone front suspension
- Power steering
- Power brakes
- Front and rear disc brakes
- High performance fuel pump
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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