AUBURN Speedsters.com

From the Good Guys at Milestone Motorcars

              
                                                                                                            Spring 2026   

A website For Those Who have ever
Relished the Auburn Speedster

AuburnSpeedsters.com was created due to my  seemingly life long love of the Auburn 851 and 852 Speedsters. The flowing lines of a Boattail Speedster, whether it be an original 1935/1936 or one of the Second Generation Cars, is the quintessential example of Classic Automobile Art and Design. Since I would never have the $300-$500 thousand needed  to purchase an original 1935/1936 Auburn Speedster, I went with Plan B... I purchased a wonderful "Second Generation" Speedster in the winter of 2000. It is a great car and is still a pleasure to own, drive and maintain today.

The Love Affair started for me in 1974, at that time I was a Junior in High School. I ran across a series of ads depicting Classic Cars for Walkers De Luxe Straight 8. One of the cars used in the ad campaign was a Cigarette Cream 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster. I thought that car was the most beautiful automobile that I had ever seen in my short 17 years of existence. I had never heard of an Auburn automobile nor had I ever seen one. "Rip", the ad came out of the magazine and was immediately posted on my bedroom wall. Believe it or not I still have that ad. In the fall of that same year, while at the Hoosier Auto Show and Swap Meet, I actually saw an Auburn Speedster, or at least a very close facsimile. It was a Replica / Recreation. There were several Speedsters being displayed. They were produced by Elegant Motors of Indianapolis, Indiana. I could not get enough of them that day. I had nothing but a photo ad from Walkers De Luxe to compare them with, but I was very impressed with the Elegant Motors cars. I always was, and still am, a Sucker for Free Stuff. I put quite a dent in their box of sales catalogs that day.

It was not long before I decided that I needed another Boattail Speedster Fix. With my stash of sales catalogs I now had a company's name and an address of a place that was building Auburn Speedsters. I called my buddy, Dave, and talked him into taking a two hour drive with me to visit Elegant Motors. At that time Elegant Motors was operating out of an original Stutz Showroom in downtown Indianapolis on Meridian Street. I remember the showroom as being large and very impressive. The showroom had several cars on display. The salesman was great, knowing that two seventeen year old kids definitely would not be buying an Auburn that day. He took us through the showroom answering all of our questions. He then showed us their shop where Auburns were being assembled. My buddy and I had quite a day with plenty to discuss on the drive back.

Once home, I immediately sent a letter off to Elegant Motors requesting to be put on their mailing list. Their sales information started arriving on a regular basis... I was totally Hooked. By the mid seventies the Replicar industry was Big. More than just Auburns were being offered, but that is another story. Replicar company ads started popping up in all of the car collecting magazines. I stayed busy for the next several years pretending to be a potential buyer so that I could be placed on all of the Auburn Speedster manufacturers mailing list. Needless to say, my collection of sales catalogs took off. Company's such as California Custom Coach, Glenn Prays Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Company, Southeastern Replicar and The Classic Factory to drop a few names filled my parents mailbox with wonderful material to Read and Dream about.

Fast Forward 26 years to September of 2000. After returning from the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Clubs National Meet in Auburn, Indiana, I couldn't wait any longer. I started searching for a car. After a lot of research I decided that I wanted a Glenn Pray built car. I called Glenn and he told me of a few cars that he knew of that were for sale. I studied Hemming's Motor News and Surfed the Internet in search of the right car. I narrowed my search to two cars, both Red, one in Detroit Michigan and one in Turlock California. The Detroit car was a four speed car and the California car was an automatic. Being six foot two and knowing how little cabin space is available in a Speedster I opted for the California trip. Again I talked my buddy Dave into going with me... he is always easy when it comes to a Road Trip. Twenty six years later and boxes full of Auburn Speedster catalogs I was finally able to purchase my  Auburn Speedster.

Keep Fueling your Passions!
Mark Tyra

August 2025

Some New 2025 Road Trips with Photos!

This year we have been fortunate to a have already traveled to several Shows and Swap Meets. I have posted some of the photo's from those events on the websites Road Trips and Travels page. The first being a relatively New Show is the Bluegrass World of Wheels Custom Car Show which takes place in Louisville, Kentucky. The Show is practically in my back yard, but I have never attended it. So this year myself and a couple of Car Buddies decided to check it out. Around 300 Custom Cars were being exhibited - We had a Great Time and we followed it up with some Great Mexican Food for Dinner. Another New to me Show was the Mid Century Modernism Week Car Show in Palm Springs, California. It is part of the Mid Century Modernism Week celebration with Tours of the Palm Springs Modernist Homes, some belonging to the ''Rat Pack''. There were Open Bus Architectural Tours and a Huge Mid Century Modern Collectibles Show. The Scottsdale, Arizona GoodGuys Show, held at West World was another First for me. The 3 day event includes a Custom Car Show, a Swap Meet and a parking lot Gymkhana Speed event along with that ''Free'' Wonderful March Scottsdale Weather. Our most recent Road Trip was to Cincinnati, Ohio to for the 20th Century Cincinnati Modernism Show. I love this era of Architecture and Decor. We have been attending this show for at least the past ten years and it grows a little more each time we are there

Visit our Road Trips and Travels page to view all of the photos.  See you at the Next Show!

August 2024

The Worlds Greatest Classic Car Show is just around the
corner in Auburn, Indiana - August 29th - 31st

The Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Festival Celebrates it 68th Anniversary this year. If you have attended this event before I know you will be back. If you have not experienced this event and you love Classic Cars - Especially Auburn's Cord's and Duesenberg's this is a must attend Show. Use this link to visit the Official ACD Festival website for the complete 2024 Guide and photo's of past Festivals. Pre-Festival activity's start on August 24th - It's all in the Guide

This same weekend as part of the Celebration the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club holds their National Meet. The Judged Show is on Saturday followed by a Parade through Historic Downtown Auburn. A small ACD Club Swap Meet is held on the Friday morning before. Visit their website for an event schedule. While you are in Auburn you have to visit the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. The building that houses the Museum is the original Auburn Cord Duesenberg Factory Showroom

I'm not done yet... the Auburn Collector Car Auction by Worldwide Auctions takes place August 29th - 31st with 400 Cars being offered - 250 without Reserve. And... a Swap Meet also takes place on the Auction Site by The Early Ford Foundation Museum

Plan your Trip as you do not want to miss anything!

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Duesenberg
Winning the Indianapolis 500 Race in 1924

We Still Have Available, this Outstanding Automobile Quarterly Commemorative Marque Book, "Errett Lobban Cord His Empire His Motorcars: AUBURN-CORD-DUESENBERG" The books Luxurious presentation includes 280 over-sized pages containing more than 500 rare illustrations, photographs and documents

These Books are New Old Stock from 2003. They are still in their original packaging. They were priced at $198 in 2003. They have only been opened for inspection. Limited Quantities Available

Sorry but we are Sold Out - Contact the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum Gift Shop as they still have these books available
 

July 2024

Visit our Road Trips and Travel page with our 2024 updates

2023 was a busy year for us and we hope to see and do "More in 2024". I just updated the Road Trips & Travel page to include the Indianapolis Mecum Auction, SVRA Indy Speed Tour, a Couple of Coffee and Cars and the Riviera Owners Association's International Meet - Check Them Out!

"Life is too Short to Drive Boring Cars"

June 2021

2021 Post Pandemic Road Trips - Yes!

With my 2 Vaccines behind me,  I am hoping for the Best. Many of the January - April Shows that I normally attend were Cancelled. In late April things started looking Better. I called a Buddy on mine and we made a One Day Road Trip to see the Ed "Big Daddy" Roth Kustom Kar Kulture exhibit at the National Corvette Museum. It was well done and brought back many Rat Fink Memories from my youth. Like most of my trips I do take photo's, this trip was no different. Photo's are posted on our "Road Trips and Travel Photo's" page. The month of May found us at the the Mecum Indianapolis Collector Car Auction... Nope I did not Buy anything, but I did enjoy viewing the 2500 Cars that were looking for New Owners. Yes, I posted those pictures too (but not all 2500 of 'em). I hope that 2021 continues to bring us back to "Normal"

April 2020

Success - Technical Issues Resolved

One of My 2020 New Years Resolution was to get our "Road Trips and Travel" page working again -  Mission Accomplished. Our 2019 Trips are now available to view and the 2020 Trips are also posted. I have not given up on the 2017 and 2018 Travel photo's but so far we have not been able to recover the files. All of our Road Trips  from 2016 back are Posted on the Site and are Good to Go

With this Corona Virus Pandemic who knows when or If there will be any more 2020 Travels. We did attend the Florida Amelia Island Concours the 1st week of March and it seems that no sooner than we returned the Health of the United States started falling apart like the rest of the World. Had the Concours been a week later we would not have attended

The Amelia was a Great event again this year Be sure to add this event to Your Bucket List and Check out our Amelia Island Concours photo's

September 2019

Grand Touring Art has released a Series of over 50 Travel Posters

Grand Touring Art was conceived by Piotr Jędrzejuk. Piotr, has been a car enthusiasts since his early childhood and that enthusiasm combined with his passion for photography, his Travel Art Collection was created. The Collection features a Historical  Place of Interest for each of our 50 States  along with a Classic Car depiction. There is a  1935 Auburn Speedster found in the South Carolina Poster of one of my Favorite Historic Cities, Charleston. I just received my South Carolina Speedster Poster and Truly Love it. All of the Posters that I have seen are Beautiful. Along with the Auburn Speedster there a couple of Duesenberg's in this Travel Series. You can view and purchase any of the Travel Destinations Posters on Grand Touring Arts website, www.grandtouringart.com

The entire collection of over 50 illustrations took nearly two years to complete. Jędrzejuk was not not alone on this journey, as he was assisted by senior artists who perfected his creations, and photographers who lent him permission to use their photos which have served as the bases of this project

www.grandtouringart.com

AACA

AACA a Shared Legacy - Commemorating 75 years of the Antique Automobile Club of America Book by Gerry Durnell This Very Unique Slip-Cased Vault Book is Filled with Pull-Out Artifact copies of Automotive History, especially the History of the Antique Automobile Club of America. The artifacts, including Gasoline Rationing Cards and a letter from President Ronald Reagan and much - much more to help make History Come Alive

Published in 2010 - These AACA Shared Legacy Books are New Old Stock from Automobile Quarterly's warehouse. They are Sealed and in their Original boxes. I believe the original 2010 price was $59.95
Limited Quantities are Available

Super Sale $9.85 plus $6.85 for Continental USA shipping.  email us to Order your copy today
email us for a shipping cost outside of the Continental USA
 

November 2016

A Very Unique Barn Find - in Sweden

I received an interesting email from Staffan Ellstrom in Sweden. He had a an Auburn Chassis question relating to his very unique find. He went on to tell me that he was at a Swap Meet when he noticed a photo that a vendor had of an Auburn Speedster body hanging in a Barn, Yep another Barn Find Story, and a good one at that. The vendor, an Old Guy, wanted to know if Staffan was interested in it. The vendor went on to explain that he and his son hand built the Speedster body out of metal. A family tragedy put a halt to their project 18 years ago and that he was now too old to finish it. Staffan could not resist, he made arrangements to go and see it. It was a body only, that is what prompted the Chassis questions. He went on to tell me that the dimensions proved it to be a 1:1 scale recreation and the workmanship, though not finished, is pretty impressive. He plans on using a modern drive line and has no intentions of building a show car, just a Nice Driver. I have posted a few more photo's in our  Auburn Speedster Photo Gallery's - Work in Progress

October 2016

This past Summer, after four years of limited operation and being closed to the public,  the Walter P. Chrysler Museum has reopened. Since June the Museum has been open on Select Weekends and Special Events. I only recently learned of this. It was good news because the Museum is one of Best. I was fortunate to have experienced it for the first time on a Summer Road Trip in 2008. When I learned that it was closing I wondered what would become of the Building and the Collection. I am glad that it has been kept intact and will be available again to share with enthusiasts. If you have not had a chance to visit, you should start planning your own Motor City Road Trip. The Henry Ford Museum, The Dodge Wilson Mansion - Meadow Brook Hall, Greenfield Village, Fairlane - Henry Fords Home and Edsel and Eleanor Ford's Home are all in the general area. www.wpchryslermuseum.org                    

December 2016 "A Sad" update: I recently learned that the Walter P. Chrysler Museum has decided to close "again" - this time for Good. The last day of operation will be December 17th, 2016. The Gorgeous 55,000 Square Foot facility is rumored to be converted to offices... what a shame. The Collection is rumored to be staying in tact and will continue to be cared for by Chrysler. Hopefully these Rare Cars will occasionally make appearances at special events

October 2016

2016 Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival - We were there!

Another "Staple" Labor Day Celebration (at least for ACD Guys) has Come and Gone. The event took place in... where else, but Auburn, Indiana. Camera in hand, I was there, the weather was Gorgeous and I was looking at some of the most Beautiful Cars in the world. What else can I say. We added 4 pages of Festival photo's to the "Road Trips and Travel" page, Enjoy!

September 2016

Remember Southeastern Replicars Cord 815 SE

Gerald Manning certainly does. He not only remembers them, he owns one of the 8 that were produced in 1981 by Southeastern Replicars. His passion for these Neo-Classics does not stop with just owning one. He has started an informational website devoted to the 815 SE's

The website is just about finished according to Gerald. I believe he has yet to add a video. He contacted me a little over a year ago to share what he had so far and what his plans were. I just recently visited his website, www.legendarysoutheasterncord.com, and it is very reflective of his unparalleled passion for these Cords

If I were to ever add another 2nd Generation Car to my very small stable of automobiles it would either be a Superformance Cobra or a Cord 815 SE. I would probably lean towards the Cord but with only 8  of them produced I probably won't be owning one in this life. Those 8 Cords were produced by Southeastern Replicars (SER) in 1981. The 80's Economy, with it's Skyrocketing Interest Rates and the Cords Whopping $65K price tag no doubt contributed to it's very low production thus leading to their fast demise

Dave Samuel's was the visionary behind the Model 815 SE Cord. He was owner of Southeastern Replicars Inc. which was located in Largo, Florida. Dave, at that time was operating an established restoration shop and had already experienced success with his 1935 Auburn Speedster recreations. Building a High End Cord Replica was a Dream of his.  The only body styled to be offered was the 4 place Phaeton. They were Full Size Recreations and were Powered by a Front Wheel Drive 350 Oldsmobile Drive Line

From the few examples that I have seen and the in print Reviews and Road Test from the 80's, they are quite impressive recreations. The 1st one that I crossed path's with was in the mid to late 1980's. I was attending an Automobile Show in Dayton, Ohio. There was this Gorgeous Cord being displayed. I knew nothing about the Southeastern Replicars Cord at that time other than it was an awesome sight

Fast Forward to 2005 that same Gorgeous Yellow Cord was being displayed at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Clubs Reunion in Auburn, Indiana. The owner at that time was ACD Club member Rick Ziegler. By then I was little more knowledgeable about the history behind the 815 SE Cords and again I was Blown Away with the car. The Cord was later sold by Ziegler and would eventually find its current owner Gerald Manning

Gerald brought his Cord back to Auburn, Indiana for the 2011 Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Reunion. It was once again a Stand Out and a Crowd Pleaser. Gerald and I stayed in touch as he continued building his website dedicated to the SER Cord's. He contacted me this summer to let me know he was returning to Auburn for this years 2016 ACD Club Reunion and wanted to get together in Eckart Park for Saturdays display of Cars

These Cords are some of the most Authentic Automobile Recreations that you are going find. Many Original Cord Parts were used in their build. I will soon be posting photo's of Gerald's Cord along with my recent Auburn Reunion photo's on our Road Trips and Travels page

Here is a link to Gerald's Cord 815 SE website, Legendarysoutheasterncord.com. He has done a wonderful job documenting the history of these cars and locating 6 of the 8 Cars produced. If you happened to own one and have not yet been contacted by Gerald please get with him, he would appreciate it. By the way, Gerald's car was the 1st 815 SE produced

August 2016

ACD Club Members Register Now for the Premier Auburn event

Every Labor Day weekend, the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club holds its Annual Reunion in Auburn, Indiana. You'll see hundreds of the finest Auburns, Cord's and Duesenbergs. It's the world's largest gathering of these marques. This is a judged ACD Club members event. You will see the Best of the Best! Sign up now and bring some friends. It is a great family-oriented weekend that features the ACD Reunion Car Show Saturday morning, the Parade of Classics, two Collector Car Auctions, Car Parts Swap Meet, an Open Car Show and Cruise Friday night in Historic Downtown Auburn along with Antique Shopping

This year's theme  is "The Year of the Closed Auburn".  To honor Auburn Drivers, the event is featuring a Factory Test Route Tour and Luncheon on Friday, September 2nd. All ACD Members are invited to drive their cars on this historic route. A special luncheon will held at the Autumn Ridge Golf Club. The Indiana State Police will be escorting the tour. Don't miss it -  sign up today!

While you're in Auburn, be sure visit the world famous Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Automobile Museum. It's the only Marque Auto Museum that is in it's Original Factory Headquarters. You'll see where America's favorite Classics were designed and built

You do not have to be a member of the ACD Club to view the Auburn's, Cord's and Duesenberg's being judged Saturday in Eckhart Park Saturday morning. The Auctions and Automobile Parts Swap Meets are also open to non-ACD Club members

Hurry!, You'll need to secure your accommodations as soon as possible in Auburn, Kendallville or Fort Wayne

Use this link, What Where and When, to start planning your Auburn Reunion Trip!

See you in Auburn!                  
                                                                                                         Printed in part from the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club

July 2016

Horses and Horse Power - Keeneland Concours d'Elegance

The Keeneland Concours d'Elegance' 13th Annual event started out a little wet but soon dried out and the show went off without a hitch. Held again at the Historic Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. The Featured Marque was Chrysler, "Celebrating 90 years of Style and Innovation". The event takes in several days, but the Concours is held Saturday. That's where I come into the picture.

My buddy and I drove 90 miles to Lexington that morning in one of my Land Yachts, a 1970 Mark III Continental. Besides the Car's Insatiable Thirst (10 MPG) for Fossil Fuel the Mark performed quite well. The Keeneland Concours has something that I wish more Concours events would offer, it is referred to as Club or Paddock Parking, which I believe is French for "Cool Car" parking. For an extra 5-Bucks you can park in a Park Like reserved area which adjoins the Show Field. It actually creates a secondary Car Show. For an additional $5 count me in. We immediately found a spot to Dock the Land Yacht, which just happened to next to an Auburn Speedster that was previously owned by Glenn Pray. We were soon looking at Old Cars,  Sharing Lies and Taking Pictures to post on the website

There were plenty of Winning Automobiles but the real winner was the Kentucky Children's Hospital.  They have been the Beneficiary of the Concours since 2004. www.givetokch.org

July 2016

The Gilmore Car Museum 50 Years in the making

The Gilmore Car Museum, in Hickory Corners, Michigan has been on my Bucket List of Must see Museums since I discovered it years ago in an  article from Automobile Quarterly. The Museum is Beautifully laid out on a 90 acre farm, referred as a "Campus". Hickory Corners is halfway between Chicago and Detroit. What started as a Hobby in 1963, when Donald Gilmore received as a gift from his wife, an Antique Car in need of Restoration, is now a Museum. In July 1966 the decision was made to open the growing 35 car Collection to the Public. Today the Collection of Cars now exceeds 400. They are displayed in Vintage Auto Dealership recreations, a recreated Automobile Factory and in New and Restored Signature "Red Barns". There is nearly 3 miles of paved roads and intersections that are at times occupied with Vintage Cars, Taxi's and a London Double Decker Bus. George and Sally's 1941 Blue Moon Diner serves "Good" Old Fashion Diner Food. Right down the street is a recreated 1930's Shell Station teasing you with advertised 18 Cents a Gallon Gasoline

We spent our entire day there (they almost had to ask us to leave) and really enjoyed the visit. I think that I will keep the Gilmore on my Bucket list because I will definitely be back. The Museum host a variety of Automobile Shows and Cruises throughout most of the year. I heard that the August "Red Barns Spectacular" is one of the bigger shows... Hmmm that's next month

Car Collector, Old Car Weekly and Antique Automobile Magazine consider the Gilmore Car Museum to be one of the "Top Three Car Museums" in the United States. I do agree

Yes, as always I snapped plenty of pictures. Check them out!

June 2016

Road Trips, unfortunately not all of them in the Speedster

Most of my journeys, since the 1st of the year, have been to Swap Meets in search of parts, Gotta' have Car Parts. These trips, though Fun, are not very productive when driving my 866 Auburn. It barely has room to store it's own spare wheel and tire. So for Swap Meets it takes a back seat to my buddy's Van or a Rented long wheel base Cargo Van depending on the meet. The month of May kick started our local Coffee and Car gatherings of which the Auburn does partake. Cincinnati, Ohio was the destination for our 1st Concours event of the year, the Ault Park Concours d'Elegance. The Ault Park Concours celebrated it's 39th year. The featured Marque was Ferrari. The Concours event also paid tribute to 100 years of BMW and Ford's 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Victory at the 1966 Le Mans Race with the GT40. I was celebrating the fact that I was actually going to attend this years Ault Park Show. For some reason or reasons I have missed the last 2-3 years so I was really looking forward to this one, especially when I heard that Ferrari was the featured automobile and that there was a Classic 1962 Ferrari GTO being presented by Jim Jaegers

I thought that I had everything planned to the nth Degree for our Sunday in Cincinnati... We left "Early" and even devoured Breakfast in the car while driving in order to park "at the event" rather than away and have to use one of the Shuttle Busses. I packed the Chairs and a Small Cooler. Hats and Sun Glasses Check! Sun Block Check! A printed Map from MapQuest Check!. The drive went as planned arriving ahead of schedule. As we were walking from the car to the event entrance I am really patting myself on the back for such a Well Planned - Smooth Road Trip. We purchased our tickets, grabbed our programs and strolled right in,  walking slowly by the Hagerty Insurance tent to see what Free Stuff was available. My 1st Car Stop was to take pictures of the Multiple Le Mans Winning GT40 MK II (chassis 1032) It was being presented by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. After deciding on just the right shot I knelt down to take the picture, "Click" I got it! Picture number 2 "Click"... Nothing. I looked at my Camera Screen, "Out of Memory Space". What! Cant be! I just formatted that card earlier in the week when I charged all 5 Batteries. I then realized that my Formatted Card was in the other Camera... at home. That shot the Hell out of my nth Degree Planning

Good thing I brought the Boss with me. She suggested we use our iPhones and do the best we can. So all of the photo's used on the website were shot with our phones. Actually they are not too bad. So much for my planning. Good thing I remembered to bring her with me

Next Stop, a week later, was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational. It is a Great Vintage Racing event. Both the 2.5 mile Oval and the infield Road Course are utilized. This is the SVRA's 3rd year in Indianapolis. We have plenty of camera and telephone photo's, to share with you on our Road Trip page

May 2016

The Rowe Cavelli Auburn Speedster

This Gorgeous 851 Auburn Speedster recreation belongs to Rowe Cavelli Sr. Rowe has always loved the Art Deco era of Automobiles and what better represents that period than the Gordon Buehrig designed 1935 Auburn Speedster.

Stop! Don't even think about Speeding Off in it with your Best Girl beside you as you listen to the Whine resonating from the Super-Charged Lycoming... it's just Not Gonna' happen. Rowe's Speedster is only 72" in length and it is made of Wood, Yes, Wood. It is one of his many Modeling Creations. Rowe is a retired Lockheed Aircraft Model Builder and a Very Talented One at that.   Learn more about his Auburn and view a few more photo's

April 2016

Your invited to the Factory's Open House  - June 10-11 2016

Glenn Pray's Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Co. will be Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Auburn 866 Speedster with an Open House, Car Show and Tours of the Factory. There will be a Special Showing of the movie "Prays Passion" at the Beautifully Restored Circle Cinema, access to the Leake Collector Car Auction along with a Banquet, Awards and a chance to Swap Stories and Lies

Plus! access to the "Thousands of Pounds" of remaining parts from the original Auburn Automobile Co.

It will be a Good Time!  For event information and registration visit their website:  acdfactory.com

Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Co.  122 S. Elm Place   Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012

April 2016

Ab Jenkins takes on the Salt Flats

Friend, Roddy Noll, sent me a link to some neat 1935 film footage of Ab Jenkins in an Auburn 851 Speedster at Bonneville. Ab is attempting to set another Speed Record for the Auburn Automobile Company. The link was posted by Autoweek.com as part of their Film Friday. I had seen a couple of condensed versions of the film but this one runs 25 plus minutes. Being that you are on our website in need of another Auburn Speedster fix I think you will enjoy it... no, it is not in Hi-Definition "View video". The film is a great promotional for the Auburn Automobile Company and offers an interesting insight as to what was trending in 1935

Roddy when not laying around watching Vintage Auburn Video, he is in his shop tooling on his own Auburn Speedster, which is coming together nicely. He has been keeping me updated with photo's as his project progresses. Roddy's Speedster is currently pictured in our Auburn "Work in Project" Gallery. Check out his work so far, he is quite the Craftsman

January 2016

The Arizona Concours D'Elegance

The Arizona Concours D'Elegance took place this past January helping Kick Start the Scottsdale / Phoenix area's Auction Mania. This years feature Marque was the Iconic Duesenberg and automobiles Sporting the Coachwork of the Italian Design House, Zagato. The event was held again at the Historic Arizona Biltmore Resort.  Check out my event photo's!

November 2015

A Replicar Replica... Hmmm

What's your thoughts on that Yellow Duesenberg from the 2013 Great Gatsby Movie, Beautiful Car right? I agree. In the 1974 movie, starring Robert Redford, Gatsby drove a Yellow 1920's era Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. In the 2013 "Re-Make", staring Leonardo DiCaprio, The Mysterious Mr. Gatsby has apparently traded the Rolls for a 1929 Duesenberg SJ... Wise Choice in my opinion

Did you know that the Gatsby re-make used a Duesenberg "Re-Make" - Yes, Jay Gatsby's Duesenberg is a Second Generation Car. It is a Replica that was produced in Elroy, Wisconsin by Elite Heritage Motors (1983). The Duesy II was purchased from the Volo Auto Museum in Volo, Illinois along with an original Duesenberg. Both cars were shipped to Australia where they were painted to match one another. The film was shot in it's entirety in Australia. As I watched the movie, knowing that one of the Duesenberg's was a Recreation actually added to the experience, but then again I have a website devoted to such cars

If you collect or have an interest in diecast model cars you no doubt have seen the Yellow "Gatsby Duesenberg" 1:18^th scale model issued by Greenlight Collectibles as part of their Hollywood Series, (item GL12927). It has been available for the last several months and depending on where you find one they are selling for $60 - $98. I found it interesting that the Greenlight offering is described on it's box as a "Duesenberg II SJ", the "II" designating it as a Second Generation Car, or Replica. I find it rather ironic that a "Replica of a Replica" has actually been produced and marketed as such...

If you are looking to add another Duesenberg to your Model Collection I do recommend the Gatsby car. It has Great Eye Appeal with it's Yellow paint and Green interior and it is very nicely detailed throughout. I believe that even the Great Gatsby would approve of this one

September 2015

Home Again in Auburn, Indiana

This years Auburn, Cord Duesenberg Reunion celebrated the "Year of the Duesenberg" and included the return of the Thunder Run. Thunder Run paid tribute to "Duesenberg's in Motion" and took place Sunday at the Goshen Municipal Airport in Goshen, Indiana using their 6000 foot Runway. These two related events as expected, drew a record number of Duesenbergs and Followers. Unfortunately due to a tight schedule we were not able to stay through Sunday to attend the Thunder Run. From talking with those who were there I missed a very Fun event.

The turn out of Second Generation Cars on Show Day, Saturday in Eckhart Park, may have been down a little this year. The cars that were being proudly displayed by their owners were all very nice examples. I hate to admit it, but I was one of those "I did not Bring my Car" people. I had made plans to haul some Stuff back home with me while in Auburn. My Speedster, like all of them, is definitely short on Space, much less any "Extra Space". There is barely enough room for me and a passenger. I will try to do better next year by practicing what I normally preach, "Drive your Auburn to Auburn!"

As always I have lots of Reunion Photo's available for your enjoyment

August 2015

AACA Celebrates it's 80th Anniversary

The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) celebrated it's 80th Anniversary in Louisville, Kentucky July 15th - 18th as part of the Southeastern Fall Meet. Louisville is right in my backyard. It is too bad that they do not have an "Annual" Meet in Louisville. Being so close to home and being a proud AACA member it made for a great opportunity for me and a buddy of mine to have our cars evaluated in the Historic Preservation of Features (HPOF) Class. The HPOF Class has become one of the most popular AACA Classes. The cars that compete in this Class are mostly Original Un-Restored Cars that are, in theory, to be used as a standard for judging the Restored Cars. We took my 1970 Continental Mark III and my friends 1985 Eldorado Convertible. I am proud to say that both cars achieved HPOF status.

Five years ago the 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Meet, was also held in Louisville. The 2010 show drew over 800 cars. According to a member of the AACA Kentucky Indiana Chapter (KYANA) this years gathering had only 323 cars register with a few less than that actually showing up. The Celebration took place INDOORS in Ice Cold Conditioned Air at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds, much better than the 90 Plus Degrees and the infamous Ohio Valley Hi-Humidity that was taking place outside. Admission to the show was free to the public to help promote the AACA. Unfortunately I believe they forgot to adequately advertise the show locally as the number of spectators attending seemed rather small - but that made taking pictures a lot easier. Our 80th Anniversary photo's are posted on the "Road Trips and Travel Page"

July 2015

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg 2015 Reunion

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club's 2015 Reunion is fast approaching. This Reunion takes place in Auburn, Indiana again this year. Activities begin Thursday, August 27th and continue well into Sunday the 30th. Duesenberg will be the Honorary Marque. Along with the usual Club and Festival activities there will be an added event to pay tribute to the Duesenberg in Motion, "Thunder Run & Vintage Fly-In". This added event will take place Sunday at the Goshen Municipal Airport in Goshen, Indiana. Along with a Vintage Airplane Fly-In there will be a Duesenberg Exhibition of Speed that will take place on 6000 feet of Runway

For those who have never attended the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival or the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Reunion the many activity's can seem overwhelming. The traditional Friday morning ACD Club Parts Swap Meet is held on the grounds of the original Auburn Automobile Company. On Saturday morning The Club's Car Show takes place in Eckhart Park followed by the Parade of Classics. The Eckhart Park Saturday show will be open to the public again this year

There are two Collector Car auctions, one by World Wide Auctions which is held in the original L-29 Cord assembly building located behind the Auburn Automobile Factory. The other being RM's Auctions America which takes place over 4 days at their Auction Park. Carlisle Events will be taking care of the Swap Meet which will be on the grounds of the Auction Park. Other events include an Antique Show and a Friday and Saturday Cruise Night with Live Music which takes place in Historic Downtown Auburn

While you are making plans... "Plan on Bringing" your Auburn Speedster! Tooling around historic Auburn, Indiana in your Speedster adds a whole new dimension to the enjoyment factor

Use this link, What Where and When, to start planning your ACD Reunion Road Trip!

June 2015

Vintage Racing Cars and Dream Cars

We just returned from an Indianapolis, Indiana Road Trip to attend two Car events. Our first stop was at the Famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway where the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SRVA) hosted it's annual Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational. This is the second year that the event was held at the Speedway. More than 500 Vintage and Historic Racing Cars competed. Racing took place on the Famed 2.5 mile oval and on the IMS Road Course.

The five day venue was expanded this year to include Motostalgia's Collector Car auction which took place on Friday. A Saturday morning Car Show, held on the Speedways Golf Coarse was also new this year. Over 1000 Show Car participants were expected. As you can imagine I shot quite a few photo's. You can view my Vintage Racing photo's here!

From the Speedway we made our way to the Indianapolis Museum of Art to take in their Special Exhibit, Dream Cars. This temporary engagement will be at the museum from May 3rd - August 23rd 2015.

The term "Dream Cars" was coined by General Motors in 1953 to describe their Conceptual Styling and Engineering Cars that challenged the Status Quo. Dreams Cars were never intended to be production cars. They resulted from experimenting with Cutting Edge Engineering and Styling. Harley Earls Buick Y-Job is considered the 1st Dream Car. Unfortunately it was not part of the "(IMA) Indianapolis Museum of Art's Dream Car" exhibit. Seventeen vehicles from the 1930's through the 21st Century that pushed the limits of  the Imagination are beautifully displayed in a 2nd floor Galley of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Featured are both American and European manufacturers. The exhibit is presented by the Eli Lilly Company and the Ed Martin Automotive Group
Yes... "Got Dream Car photo's"

May 2015

Worlds Greatest Classic Car Show & Festival
The Year of the Duesenberg

The Show and Festival takes place the week before Labor Day (September 3rd-6th 2015) courtesy of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club & the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival Committee. The Festival takes place each year in Auburn, Indiana. Duesenberg will be the Honorary Marque. Along with the usual Club and Festival activities there will be an added event to pay tribute to the Duesenberg in Motion, "Thunder Run & Vintage Fly-In". This added event will take place Sunday at the Goshen Municipal Airport in Goshen, Indiana. Along with a Vintage Airplane Fly-In there will be a Duesenberg Exhibition of Speed that will take place on 6000 feet of pavement. The Speed Event will be very similar to the 2010 Exhibition of Speed Event. If you are fortunate enough to own a Duesenberg and a desire to see what it will do you can contact the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club online at www.acdclub.org/DriverSignUp

Make Plans now to attend. You can view photo's from past meets on our Road Trips and Travel page. Your Second Generation Auburn, Cord or Duesenberg is welcome to take a High Speed Run down the Airstrip after the Duesenberg Exhibition is over. 2015 Event Registration

March 2015

Register now for the ACD Club's Texas Meet

The Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club's Texas Meet is fast approaching. The dates are April the 24th-26th. This years Meet will partner with the Concours d'Elegance of Texas. The Concours will take place at the La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa. Featured Marques will be Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg. The deadline to register for this event is March 23rd 2015

For more information contact Meet Chairman, Bill Hummel: TexasMeet@acdclub.org

February 2015

1 of 8 Right-Hand Drive Cars Built for Export

Sussex Collector, Roger Learmonth owns a very interesting and rare Auburn. It was featured as our August 2014 Auburn Speedster of the Month. His car is 1 of 8 right-hand drive cars built for export. This one was originally purchased by a wealthy plantation owner in the Philippines. It was hidden away during the war and remained in the Philippines for 50 years before being purchased by someone in Hong Kong who then sent it to England for some much needed refurbishment.

Roger purchased the car four years ago after his search for it took him to Scottsdale, Arizona. Now fully restored his Auburn was recently displayed at the 2014 Goodwood Revival. The Goodwood Revival takes place each year in in September, near Chichester, in West Sussex England on the estate of Goodwood House. Friends of ours, visiting from the UK, told me about this event several years ago while they were attending the 2009 Auburn Cord Duesenberg Reunion. I have yet to Cross the Pond to attend, but it is on my "Bucket List".

Last Fall Roger contacted me to share his research that he has put together for the Right Hand Drive Auburn speedsters . Roger's research is quite extensive, I quite impressed with all of it.  As I read more  of it I will be sharing with you what I have learned from Roger regarding these rare and very seldom seen cars.

I recommend that you visit Roger Learmonth's website, to read more about the history and restoration his RHD Auburn Speedster and view his extensive Car Collection

February 2015

Frank Rotter and his Auburn Speedsters

Shortly after this website was launched (2008) Frank Rotter contacted me from his home in Germany to share his passion for the Gordon Buehrig design 1935 and 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedsters. I soon realized that Frank not only loved these cars but he owned several 2nd Generation Cars and was very good at resurrecting tired worn out cars to life. We have posted several of his cars in both our Photo Gallery and our Work in Progress pages over the years. The 1935/1936 Speedsters garnered my attention when I was about 16 years old. From talking with Frank I learned that by the Ripe Young Age of 18 he was already a Proud Auburn owner, Geeze! what a Lucky Guy. Pictured is 18 year old Frank with his Blue Speedster just before he had it exported to Germany. This particular car was used in the Blake Edwards 1986 movie, "A Fine Mess", starring Ted Danson and Howie Mandel. Frank has owned, restored and sold more 2nd Generation Auburns than anyone I know. Keep up the Good Work Frank. Keep in Touch!

Press Release - January 2015

Speedster Motorcars has moved into it's new location

Jeff Akins recently contacted me with news of Speedster Motorcars moving to a new location. As the demand for Neo-Classic automobiles has seen a surge in popularity again in recent years, Speedster Motorcars has made the decision to ramp up production of their famed Speedster Classic replica. They have moved to a new 8800 square foot facility in Clearwater, Florida. This new facility will give them the opportunity to expand their parts inventory as well as take on new projects that they have planned for the upcoming year. Also at their new location they will have a dedicated restoration division that will focus not only on restorations of current 2nd Generation replica's, but also other makes and models. Be sure to check out their newly designed website for more information, www.speedsterhardware.com  For direct inquiries please contact Jeff Akins at 727-210-3230 or 727-484-0653. Speedster Classic Designs, Inc. 800 Belleair Rd. Clearwater, Florida. 33756

January 2015

Duesenberg Races are back for 2015

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club will be Racing Duesenbergs again this year at their ACD Club Reunion. The event is still in the planning stages so details are not yet available. I do know that the exhibition will take place on Sunday, September 6th at the Goshen Airport in Goshen, Indiana. Just like the 2010 Duesenberg Exhibition of Speed Event the club plans to Caravan 45 miles from Auburn, Indiana to the airport. Of the 488 Model J and SJ Duesenbergs produced, 71 of them were registered for the 2010 Reunion setting a world record gathering. It was considered a Once in a Life Time event. The previous record was set in 1984 with 50 Duesenbergs participating in the ACD Club's Annual Reunion. I will post updates to this years event as they become available. See history in the making at this years Reunion

November / December 2014

Last of the 2014 Road Trips
Two Museums and a Concours

I can't believe the year is coming to an end. Peak Fall Colors "Have Peaked ", Auburn and Hershey have come and gone and I have already experienced Frost on my Windshield (no, not the Auburn's windshield ). I have been blessed again this year to have taken in quite a few Old Car events, a few new ones and most of my favorites. One of my favorites of course is the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Reunion, if attending Auburn isn't vacation enough, believe it or not, "The Wife" had a different kind of "Vacation" in mind. We were barely unpacked from Auburn before heading to Colorado and Utah. We love Rocks, especially the Red Ones. Having SOME input, I planned our trip leaving Colorado through the Beautiful Gateway Canyon area. As luck would have it, there just happen to be an automobile museum in Gateway, imagine that. The Gateway Colorado Automobile Museum is there. The Museum is owned by the Discovery Channel founder John Hendricks and it is home to his personal Car Collection. The Museum and his Collection of more than 50 cars are both some of the finest in the country. I took a bunch of pictures (as always) and have posted them on the website's Road Trips and Travel page. I believe you will enjoy them.

We were not back quite a week before making a trip to French Lick, Indiana for the French Lick Resort Concours d'Elegance. This is the second year for the event at it's new location. Last year's show was plagued with Rain, but not this time. The early morning air was Chilled but we soon had Plenty of Sunshine to warm  things up. The venue for the French Lick Concours is perfect.  The Show Field is located on the Valley Links Golf Course. The event is within walking distance of two Beautiful Historic Hotels, The French Lick Springs and the West Baden Springs Hotel. We stayed at the West Baden Springs and I highly recommend it. The featured Marques were Shelby American Cars. Special Attention was also given to Indiana built automobiles. Over 100 cars in 16 Classes from around the country competed for  those coveted Best of Show and Best in Class awards. I hope this event continues it's success and grows to become a major player in the many Concours events held throughout the country. Guess What... Lots of pictures available to view.

Just three days after returning from French Lick my buddy and I were heading to the "The Sweetest Place on Earth"... you guessed it, Hershey, Pa. We arrived early enough on Wednesday evening to partake in "Free Beer, Free Food and more Free Beer" at the hotel. We shopped the Huge Swap Meet all day Thursday and Friday still managing to get back to the hotel in time for the "Free Stuff". Our Saturday plan was to spend most of the day at the Antique Automobile Club of America's (AACA) Car Show. The Show takes place behind the Golf Club right next to the Swap Meet and Car Corral. The Saturday Show is Big, usually 1500-1800 participants. As often is the case at Hershey in October there's that Dreaded Chance of Rain. We Lucked Out combing the Swap Meet but the Car Show looked as if it was going to be a wash so instead we stopped in at the AACA Automobile Museum, which is just a couple miles from the show. New to the Museum is the Tucker Automobile exhibit. From what I have read I believe it will be a permanent exhibit. I do not claim to be a Preston Tucker historian but I am familiar with Mr. Tucker and his achievements. A lot of time, planning and money went into the the exhibit. Many Rare Tucker artifacts were gathered for display along with several Tucker Automobiles. Yep, more pictures are available to view

We need your Auburn Speedster

We still need photo's of your Auburn Speedster. Send us at least three nice picture's of your Speedster for our Photo Gallery. Everyone enjoys looking at pictures of the Auburn Speedster... YOU certainly do or you would not be on the website right now. Show Cars, Drivers, Projects Started,  Projects Abandoned, Wrecks... We love them ALL. If you have an unusual Auburn related item that would work in the AUBURNmobilia Gallery send us photo's of it too!

Your Auburn Speedster could be the next Speedster of the Month!

October 2014

A Daily Source for Collector Car News

I recently discovered an interesting website, ClassiCarNews. It's a good place to grab your much needed Daily Dose of News relating  to Collector Cars. ClassiCarNews. recently traveled to Auburn, Indiana to cover the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, and cover it they did... the Auctions, the ACD Club Parade and the Car Show in Eckhart Park along with the Clubs Friday morning Swap Meet. Included in the articles are many nice photo's. I suggest marking them as one of your Favorites, I did.

A Rare Glenn Pray 874 Auburn Dual Cowl Phaeton is available for purchase. One of only 16 ever produced. Beautiful White with Rich Red Leather Upholstery and a Black Fabric Convertible Top. Just 1800 miles from New. The car is being offered for sale by Glenn Pray's Auburn - Cord - Duesenberg Co. in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Don't miss the chance to own an 874 Phaeton. Contact Doug Pray or Felix DeGeyter at  918-251-3500 or 918-812-4070 (view more pictures)

                              Sorry but it has been Sold

September 2014

The Honeymoon Auburn
Chassis no. 32184 E    ACD Certified #A-016

"Virgil Sciolaro has been crazy about his Auburn Boattail Speedster since he bought it at age 18. He was so impressed with his older brother's Speedster that he asked his brother to find one for him. "He could smell them out," Virgil said. Virgil bought his 1935 Speedster on time payments in October of 1945. The same car still sits in his garage. The Sciolaro brothers probably had the only two Speedsters in the Kansas City area in the late 1940s, and it's easy to imagine what dashing figures they cut behind the wheel. Virgil courted Dolores Sayers in the Speedster, and photos from their scrapbook show a young, vibrant couple"

Virgil and Dolores would marry. The Speedster would be their only car until their daughter arrived. The rest of their story can be found on Tom Strongmans website along with some neat photo's. Virgil's Speedster, known as the "Honeymoon Auburn", was offered at auction this past Labor Day Weekend by Worldwide Auctioneers. The sale was held Saturday evening, August 30th in the original L-29 Cord Building in Downtown Auburn. Pre-Auction estimates were $400-$500K

Another original Auburn Speedster was also offered at auction. It was a nice 1935 Cigarette Cream Car and it was available through Auctions America. It was a past Classic Car Club of America winner but it was showing its age. The car still had a nice original look to it and would be a great car to own, drive and enjoy just as is. Pre auction estimates priced this Speedster at $375-$450K. Estimates were on the mark, it was Hammered Sold for $423,500

Auctions America also offered one of the Nicest Second Generation Auburns (pictured above) that I have seen. It was built on an original Auburn Frame with Ford Running Gear and a suspected Glenn Pray body. The new owner is currently researching it's construction. EVERYTHING about the car looked Period Authentic. The car sold at auction for $90,750. It was that NICE!

Your Auburn Speedster Projects and their Garages

We have added some new pages to our website. They are part of our revised, Auburn Speedster Photo Galleries page. These new and revised pages will again feature photo's of your Auburn Speedsters along with photo's of your cars in various stages of build, rebuild  and or  restoration. Even if it is just a modification that you would like to share, we are interested. email photo's of your current and or past Auburn Speedster projects. Please include a short description of your car and what work is being performed. We can all learn from your shared experiences. If you have a Neat Garage that you would like showcased email us at least three quality photo's. We will be glad to post them in our Garage and Man Cave Gallery. Photo Galleries!

September 2014

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club 2014 Reunion

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Reunion has come and gone. I was fortunate enough to make the trip again this year. I experienced my first Auburn Reunion 36 years ago. I have seen many changes to the Reunion over the years, some good, some not so good, but it is still my Favorite automobile event. The weather forecast was not all that promising.  We started our trip Thursday with a Big Chance of Rain predicted for Friday and Saturday. As I have said many times before I believe that God must own an Auburn, Cord or Duesenberg because the weather for the annual Reunion is usually nice. This years event proved by theory again to be correct

The 2014 Reunion paid tribute to Alan H. Leamy and to his design work for E.L. Cord's Auburn Automobile Company. I cannot confirm an official count of ACD cars that were displayed in Eckhart Park, but I believe participation was down from previous years. I think that was due to the Not-So Nice early weather forecast. Check out my Reunion photo's on the "Road Trips and Travel" page

August 2014

Auburn 2014 Reunion

It is not to late to plan your trip to Auburn, Indiana for the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Reunion. Activities begin Thursday, August 28th and continue well into Sunday the 31st. Use this link, What Where and When, to start planning your trip

For those who have never attended the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival or the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Reunion the many activity's can seem overwhelming. The traditional Friday morning ACD Club Parts Swap Meet is held on the grounds of the original Auburn Automobile Company. On Saturday morning The ACD Club's Car Show takes place in Eckhart Park followed by the Parade of Classics. The Eckhart Park Saturday show will be open to the public again this year

There are two Collector Car auctions, one by World Wide Auctions which is held in the original L-29 Cord assembly building located behind the Auburn Automobile Factory. The other being RM's Auctions America which takes place over 4 days at their Auction Park. Carlisle Events will be taking care of the Swap Meet which will be on the grounds of the Auction Park. Other events include an Antique Show and a Cruise Night with Live Music which takes place in Historic Downtown Auburn

While you are making plans... "Plan on Bringing" your Auburn Speedster! Tooling around historic Auburn, Indiana in your Speedster adds a whole new dimension to the enjoyment factor. Use this link, What Where and When, to start planning your trip

July 2014

Gentlemen Start your Engines

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted the Inaugural Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational. More than 600 of the finest Historical and Vintage Racing Cars competed on the newly reconfigured Road Racing Course and the Famed 2 1/2 mile Oval. A variety of Past Racing Cars were showcased; Indianapolis Cars, Trans Am, Grand Am, Formula One and  cars from the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The event took place over a 3 day period, June 6th - 8th. Three days of almost Non-Stop Racing starting at 8:00 in the morning and running until 6:00 pm each day

The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) was responsible for this years inaugural event. SVRA is one of the largest and oldest Vintage Racing groups in the United States. They currently have over 1500 members. SVRA events are held throughout the year with Racing taking place at legendary Race Tracks like Sebring, Road America, Watkins Glenn, Circuits of America, Mid-Ohio and Now the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).

We were there and just as you would expect, we  were taking lots of pictures. Do Check them out, it was a Good Time! We also have photo's posted from a couple other recent Road Trips, including "Dana Mecum's Indianapolis Collector Car Auction"