Auction Catalog - Auctions America

1934 Auburn Twelve Salon PhaetonFormerly from the Barbara Atwood CollectionPurchased by noted collector Dr. Barbara Mae Atwood in 1987 from Ervin F. McClellanof Saginaw, Michigan, this Auburn Phaeton Sedan was completely restored in 1990by Steve Babinsky of New Jersey. In 1991, it earned AACA National First Junior andSenior honors, with wins at five AACA regional meets. It also received the ACD Awardfrom AACA that year, but the jewel in its crown was a Second in Class showing atPebble Beach. It received an AACA Grand National First at Dayton, Ohio, in 1992.After nearly two decades, the car retains much of its glow, with its two-tone greenpaint shining deeply and showing virtually no visible flaws. The body is straightand true, with good alignment of doors, all of which shut well. The brightworkis exceptional, with wide trim molding around the beltline, window frames andchrome wire wheels. The car is fitted with Woodlite headlamps and matching cowllamps. The tan canvas top is like new, and a clear plastic cover protects it whilethe car is stored. The seats are handsomely upholstered in green leather with blackpiping. The dashboard and gauges are fully restored. Green carpeting lines the floorof the rear compartment, while a black rubber mat covers the front. The engine isclean and correct, painted dark green with black manifolds and ancillaries. Theundercarriage and running gear are painted in the medium green of the body, andremain virtually spotless.Auburns of the 1930s were incredibly good value. This car sold new for $1,545, lessthan a third of the cost of the equivalent Packard Super Eight. That differential haslong been history, but well-restored Auburns still represent good value in the collectorcar market. More to the point, the Salon Twelve represents the ultimate evolution ofAuburn’s finest car; with only a handful in this condition, this lovely example will shinein any collection of American Classics.4AUBURN FALLSEPTEMBER 1-4, 2011