1931-1936 Auburn Eight

by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
A glamorous era was ushered in by the sleek, long Auburn Eights of 1931 with their big 268.6-cid Lycoming engines, bored to 280 cid for 1934. Capable of nearly 90 mph with the lighter open bodies, the Eights were terrific for the time.

This 1931 Auburn 8-98 Speedster was part of the 1931-1936 Auburn Eight line.
1931 Auburn 8-98 Speedster.
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A truncated speedster (not the later supercharged model) was available in 1931-1933. The most expensive range was the 1933 Salon (Series 8-105) with dual ratio rear axle and a more luxurious interior.

The restyled body of 1934 was not liked by Auburn management. Body stylist Gordon Buehrig was brought in from Duesenberg to design the '35 Auburn line. Buehrig's absolutely splendid design was a budget package based on the '34 body, but all new and glamorous from the cowl forward, with an impressive new grille and longer hood.

Auburn Eights had a reputation for size, luxury, and performance far beyond their price: The most expensive Custom Eight Dual Ratio in 1932 cost only $1,005.

Auburn finally collapsed in 1936, one of the saddest deaths in auto history.

Pluses of the 1931-1936 Auburn Eight:

  • Like the Twelve, a CCCA Classic
  • Superb roadability and performance
  • Still a good buy among CCCA-listed Classics

Minuses of the 1931-1936 Auburn Eight:

  • Traditionally a wallflower compared to the 1935-1936 Speedsters and Twelves
  • Closed models slow to appreciate
  • High operating costs

Production of the 1931-1936 Auburn Eight:

  • 1931: 36,148
  • 1932: 6,000*
  • 1933: 4,000*
  • 1934: 3,500*
  • 1935-1936: 3,000*

*Estimated from reported factory production by calendar year

Specifications of the 1931-1936 Auburn Eight:
Wheelbase, inches: 127.0, 136.0
Length, inches: NA
Weight, pounds: 3,320-4,125
Price, new: $945-1,448

Engines for the 1931-1936 Auburn Eight:

Type Size Horsepower Years
sv I-8 268.6 cid 98/100 1931-1933
sv I-8 280.0 cid 100/115 1934-1936

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