The 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster, styled by Gordon Buehrig, is celebrated as one of the most beautiful cars of the 1930s. Finished in its iconic Butternut Yellow over brown leather, the boattail design emphasized aerodynamic elegance. With its sweeping lines and bold chrome side-exhausts, it was marketed as capable of 100.1 mph — a claim authenticated by a factory plaque. Only about 143 were built, making surviving examples exceedingly rare.
During the depths of the Depression, Auburn needed a halo car to revive its fortunes. The Speedster became a symbol of defiant optimism, offering exotic styling and verified performance at a fraction of a Duesenberg’s price. Though Auburn ceased production in 1937, the 851 remains an enduring classic, featured in museums and auctions worldwide.
