1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster Review: A Prewar

The 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster stands as one of the most iconic vehicles of the prewar era, combining luxury, performance, and avant-garde design into a single automotive masterpiece. Renowned for its sleek “boattail” rear, powerful engine, and elegant craftsmanship, the 852 SC epitomized the golden age of American coachbuilding, a period when style and engineering merged to create cars that were as much works of art as they were machines.

This article delves into the history, design, engineering, cultural impact, and enduring legacy of the 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster, explaining why it remains one of the most coveted collector cars in the world.

Auburn Automobile Company: A Legacy of Innovation

Founded in 1900 and later becoming part of Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg (ACD), the Auburn Automobile Company was known for craftsmanship, style, and technical innovation. By the 1930s, Auburn had established a reputation for luxury vehicles that combined performance with striking design.

The 852 SC, introduced in 1935-1936, represented the culmination of Auburn’s engineering ambitions. It was part of a series of models aimed at competing with high-end luxury brands, such as Duesenberg, Packard, and Cadillac, while also offering bold styling cues that would become its signature.

Introduction to the 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster

The 852 SC Boattail Speedster was the supercharged version (SC) of Auburn’s 852 line, featuring a supercharged straight-eight engine capable of impressive performance for its era. The “Boattail” nickname came from the tapered rear design, inspired by nautical forms and aerodynamics, which gave the car a sleek, wind-swept appearance.

Key features included:

Supercharged 4.6L straight-eight engine
Body-on-frame construction with custom coachwork
Two-seater configuration with optional rumble seat
Distinctive boattail rear design
Luxury interiors with leather upholstery and wood trim

The 852 SC represented the pinnacle of Auburn’s 1930s automotive design, merging elegance with speed and exclusivity.

Iconic Exterior Design

The 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster is perhaps best known for its avant-garde styling, which set it apart from other luxury vehicles of the era.

Front End

Large, imposing grille with vertical chrome slats
Sleek, teardrop-shaped headlights mounted on elegant fenders
Curved hood with side louvers for engine cooling
Long, flowing front fenders extending into the doors

Side Profile

Dramatic “sweepback” fenders and running boards
Two-door coupe configuration emphasizing low, aerodynamic lines
Side-mounted spare tires in some custom builds
Chrome accents highlighting the curves of the body

Boattail Rear

Tapered, aerodynamic rear resembling the stern of a boat
Integrated fender lines enhancing visual flow
Chrome-accented fuel filler and taillight placement
Rear spare tire often mounted externally or hidden in a custom compartment

The 852 SC’s boattail design was revolutionary, blending form and function to reduce air resistance while creating an unforgettable silhouette.

Interior Luxury and Craftsmanship

Inside, the 852 SC was sumptuous and refined, offering a driving experience that matched its visual elegance.

Interior Features

Full leather upholstery in premium colors
Wood-rimmed steering wheel with polished chrome accents
Dashboard featuring art deco gauges and polished wood veneer
Optional rumble seat for a third passenger, opening from the rear deck
Carpeting and trim befitting a luxury automobile of the prewar era

Auburn paid meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship, ensuring that the interior matched the sophistication of the exterior.

Engineering and Performance

At the heart of the 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster was its supercharged engine, a key differentiator from non-SC models.

Engine Specifications

Type: Supercharged 4.6L straight-eight (Lycoming-based)
Power: Approximately 150-160 horsepower
Carburetion: Single or dual carburetor options, depending on customization
Top Speed: Up to 100 mph, remarkable for 1936

Transmission and Drivetrain

Three-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on upper gears
Rear-wheel drive layout
Semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension for smooth handling
Four-wheel mechanical brakes, typical of the period

The combination of supercharged performance and lightweight construction made the 852 SC competitive with high-end European sports cars of the era.

Coachbuilding and Customization

One of Auburn’s strengths was custom coachwork, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles:

Choice of paint schemes and two-tone combinations
Optional chrome or nickel trim
Convertible or roadster configurations
Personalized interiors with bespoke leather, wood, and metal finishes

Many surviving 852 SCs are unique, reflecting the preferences of wealthy clients, which contributes to their rarity and collector value today.

Cultural Significance

The Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster epitomized prewar automotive glamour, often featured in:

Auto shows and concours events
Hollywood films showcasing wealth and sophistication
Print advertising emphasizing performance and style

Its influence extended beyond the U.S., inspiring designers internationally and cementing Auburn’s reputation as an innovator in automotive design.

Collectibility and Auction Value

Today, the 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster is one of the most sought-after prewar American cars:

Rarity: Only a few dozen original boattail speedsters were produced
Condition: Well-preserved examples fetch millions at auctions
Historical significance: Represents the peak of Auburn’s design and engineering prowess
Provenance: Ownership history, awards, and originality greatly influence value

For collectors, the 852 SC is both a visual masterpiece and an engineering icon, bridging the worlds of art and automotive performance.

Restoration Considerations

Restoring a 1936 Auburn 852 SC requires careful attention to authenticity:

Engine and drivetrain maintenance to preserve supercharged performance
Bodywork and chrome restoration to maintain original lines
Upholstery repair or replacement using period-correct materials
Electrical and lighting systems updated carefully without altering appearance

Due to the scarcity of parts, restorers often rely on specialized suppliers or custom fabrication to return these vehicles to their original glory.

Comparison with Contemporary Luxury Cars

The Auburn 852 SC competed with top-tier vehicles of the 1930s:

Duesenberg Model J – Ultra-luxury, higher price, more power
Packard Super Eight – Elegant styling with more conservative lines
Cord 810/812 – Innovative front-wheel-drive design, advanced engineering
Cadillac V8/V16 models – Luxury with a focus on comfort

While each brand had its strengths, the 852 SC stood out for its stylistic daring and aerodynamic form, earning it a unique place in automotive history.

Technological Innovations

The 852 SC was not just about looks; it incorporated technological advances:

Supercharged engine for higher performance without excessive displacement
Aerodynamic boattail design for improved airflow
Advanced mechanical brakes and semi-elliptical suspension
Optional electric features, including starter and lighting enhancements

These innovations made it a forward-looking luxury car, blending aesthetics with functional improvements.

Legacy of the Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster

The 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster’s legacy is defined by style, performance, and innovation:

Influenced automotive design with aerodynamic principles and boattail aesthetics
Set standards for American luxury cars, emphasizing both speed and comfort
Maintained relevance in collector communities, regularly featured at concours d’elegance and vintage car events
Inspired modern automotive retrospectives, influencing contemporary design appreciation

It remains a symbol of prewar American craftsmanship, where engineering and artistry met at the highest level.

Modern Appreciation

Car collectors and automotive historians value the 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster for:

Unique styling that transcends eras
Engineering sophistication, particularly the supercharged engine
Exclusivity and rarity, making each surviving model a prized possession
Historical context, representing the apex of Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg’s influence

Restored and preserved examples are celebrated worldwide, whether in private collections, museums, or prestigious auctions.

Conclusion

The 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster is more than just a car—it is a masterpiece of prewar American automotive artistry. With its boattail design, supercharged straight-eight engine, luxurious interior, and bespoke coachwork, it perfectly embodies the era’s combination of style, performance, and innovation.

Even more than 85 years later, the 852 SC remains a symbol of elegance, speed, and craftsmanship, revered by collectors, automotive historians, and enthusiasts. Its enduring appeal ensures that the Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster will continue to captivate generations, standing as a testament to the golden age of American luxury automobiles.

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