Highlights

A beautiful homage to the original Auburn Speedster
Exquisitely flamboyant boat tail body
In excellent condition throughout
All import duties and VAT paid
European import documents

The Appeal

Built by Classic Cars of London in 1981, this is an attractive replica of a mid 1930s Auburn Speedster. The company had originally planned to produce 250 Speedsters but only a few dozen were completed before production ceased.

This car uses a General Motors chassis and Ford 351 cubic inch (5,751cc) Cleveland V8 engine which produces 330hp. It is a very well-executed replica, which appears to stay true to the original car’s design with its flamboyant wings, raked windscreen and boat tail rear.

The car is in excellent condition throughout, with beautiful upholstery, tidy paintwork and just the right amount of chrome. It looks extremely impressive in contrast to modern traffic and would make a fabulous addition to any collection.

The History and Paperwork

Built in 1981 by Classic Cars of London
Styling based upon a mid 1930s Auburn speedster
US Title documents
European import documents

The Interior

Beige leather in excellent condition
Engine turned dashboard
Vintage-style instruments

The cabin of this Speedster is a well-executed homage to the original Auburn speedsters. The shapely body encloses a lusciously appointed passenger compartment, which has been carefully designed to incorporate a few modern conveniences.

The driver is presented with a wooden rimmed steering wheel and column-mounted gear change. This sits in front of the engine-turned dashboard which supports a full set of gauges. These are in the vintage style with white faces and chrome bezels.

Very well finished leather upholstery provides comfortable seating for two, and the leather continues onto the door cards which feature stitched detailing and storage pockets. And fitted diamond-quilted leather matting finishes the interior with a luxurious flourish.

The Exterior

Well-executed replica Speedster body
Used moulds of the original Speedster
Body is a 1:1 copy of the original 30’s Auburn Speedster
Exposed exhaust ducts
Paint and chrome in great condition

Standing back and looking at this Auburn Speedster brings a smile to your face: the sheer flamboyance of the design is wonderfully decadent and the car is a beautiful evocation of 1930s styling motifs.

The beige paint appears to be very well presented, with barely a scratch to be found, and the same goes for the chrome plating. The raked two-piece windscreen is a great touch, as is the impressively art deco mascot above the radiator grille.

Whitewall tyres and exposed exhaust pipes mark this car out as a luxury vehicle. And we particularly like the boat tail rear end, a fantastic example of form triumphing over function.

The Mechanics

351 cubic inch Ford Cleveland V8
GMC chassis
Air conditioning

Lifting the bonnet reveals a powerful Ford Cleveland V8 engine, in place of what would have been a flathead unit producing 150hp in the original Speedsters. This engine provides plenty of power to propel the car at speeds acceptable to the modern motorist. This power is fed to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission.

The car benefits from being fitted with an air conditioning unit, and the underside appears to be in excellent condition. The chassis and suspension components look to be very well preserved, with no discernible damage or corrosion we could see.

Summary

The 1930s were a heyday of the coachbuilder’s art, and the auburn speedster was an impressive example of the levels of elegance that could be achieved. This car is unashamedly and unapologetically art deco in its entire existence.

This impressively crafted replica is a fine way of paying a compliment to the original Speedster, and will make an excellent sight on today’s roads.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Shipping and transfer

Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].