Exploring the 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster Replica:

The 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful American automobiles ever created. With its dramatic boattail rear, flowing fenders, supercharged performance, and art-deco elegance, the original Auburn Speedster symbolized luxury, innovation, and confidence during the final years of prewar automotive design.

Because original Auburn Boattail Speedsters are exceptionally rare and command multi-million-dollar prices, the 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster Replica has become an important way for enthusiasts to experience this legendary design. Faithfully styled replicas preserve the visual drama and spirit of the original while offering improved reliability, usability, and affordability.

This article explores the history of the original Auburn Boattail, the rise of replicas, design accuracy, mechanical options, cultural significance, ownership experience, and enduring appeal of the 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster Replica.

The Original Auburn Boattail Speedster: A Brief Legacy

To understand the appeal of replicas, it’s essential to appreciate the legacy of the original 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster, particularly the 851 and 852 SC models.

Produced by the Auburn Automobile Company, part of the famed Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg (ACD) group, the Boattail Speedster was introduced in the mid-1930s as a bold statement of American design. At a time when many luxury cars favored conservative styling, Auburn embraced aerodynamics, drama, and motion-inspired forms.

Key attributes of the original included:

Supercharged straight-eight engine
Striking boattail rear inspired by speedboats and aircraft
Low, wide stance with sweeping fenders
Luxurious interiors with leather and wood trim
Performance capable of exceeding 100 mph

Today, original examples are museum-grade artifacts, often selling for $2–5 million or more, placing them far beyond the reach of most enthusiasts.

Why Auburn Boattail Speedster Replicas Exist

The 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster Replica exists for several compelling reasons:

Rarity of Originals – Very few authentic Boattails survive.
Extreme Value – Originals are too valuable to drive regularly.
Preservation – Replicas protect original cars from wear.
Accessibility – Enthusiasts can own and drive the design.
Modern Usability – Improved safety, reliability, and comfort.

Rather than diminishing the Auburn legacy, replicas help keep the design alive on modern roads, allowing people to see, hear, and experience the car as it was intended.

Design Fidelity: Staying True to a Legend

High-quality Auburn Boattail replicas aim to faithfully recreate the visual presence of the original 1936 model.

Exterior Styling

The defining feature of any Boattail replica is its unmistakable shape:

Long hood and low cowl
Sweeping pontoon fenders
Tapered boattail rear deck
Large chrome grille with vertical slats
External exhaust pipes on many builds
Chrome bumpers, trim, and hood accents

Modern replica builders often use hand-laid fiberglass or aluminum bodies, carefully sculpted to match the original proportions. While slight dimensional differences may exist to accommodate modern chassis and components, the silhouette remains instantly recognizable.

Interior Design: Vintage Aesthetics with Modern Comfort

The interiors of Auburn Boattail Speedster replicas are designed to capture 1930s elegance while often incorporating discreet modern upgrades.

Common interior features include:

Leather bucket seats in period-correct colors
Wood-rim steering wheel
Art-deco-style gauges
Polished metal dashboard accents
Carpeted floors with classic patterns

Optional modern enhancements may include:

Seat belts
Air conditioning
Updated wiring and lighting
Improved instrumentation for reliability

The result is a cockpit that feels authentically vintage but is comfortable enough for real driving.

Mechanical Foundations of Replicas

One of the biggest differences between originals and replicas lies beneath the body.

Engines

While original Auburns used a supercharged Lycoming straight-eight, most replicas opt for modern powerplants:

Small-block V8 engines (Chevrolet or Ford)
Fuel-injected or carbureted setups
Reliable cooling and ignition systems

Some high-end replicas attempt inline-eight recreations for authenticity, but most owners prefer the dependability and serviceability of modern engines.

Transmissions and Drivetrain

Automatic or manual transmissions
Rear-wheel drive layout
Modern differentials for highway cruising

Suspension and Brakes

Independent front suspension or upgraded solid axles
Coil-over or leaf-spring rear suspension
Disc brakes for significantly improved stopping power

These upgrades allow replicas to handle modern traffic conditions safely, something original cars struggle to do.

Driving Experience

Driving a 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster Replica is an experience unlike any modern car.

The long hood stretches ahead dramatically
The open cockpit immerses the driver in sound and motion
The exhaust note adds to the theater
The car draws attention everywhere it goes

Unlike originals, replicas can be driven regularly and confidently, making them suitable for weekend cruises, rallies, and long scenic drives.

Replica Builders and Craftsmanship

Several specialist builders and custom shops have produced Auburn Boattail replicas over the years, ranging from kit-based builds to fully bespoke creations.

Levels of replica quality vary:

Entry-level kits focus on affordability
Mid-range builds balance detail and drivability
High-end replicas emphasize historical accuracy, materials, and craftsmanship

Buyers often choose replicas based on authenticity, performance goals, and intended use—show car, driver, or both.

Cultural and Visual Impact

Few cars—original or replica—command attention like the Auburn Boattail Speedster.

Replicas frequently appear in:

Classic car shows and concours events
Film and television productions
Photo shoots and promotional displays
Vintage rallies and parades

Even those unfamiliar with automotive history recognize the car as something extraordinary and artistic, reinforcing the Auburn’s legendary status.

Replica Ownership Experience

Owning a Boattail Speedster replica offers unique benefits:

Dramatic prewar styling without fragility
Ability to drive without fear of devaluing a priceless artifact
Easier maintenance and parts availability
Greater personalization options

Owners often describe the car as part sculpture, part performance machine, delivering pride of ownership unmatched by most modern vehicles.

Market Value and Cost

While originals are virtually unobtainable, replicas are more accessible:

Kit-based replicas: lower six figures or less
Professionally built replicas: mid to high six figures
Custom one-off builds: higher depending on materials and detail

Though not investments in the traditional sense, high-quality replicas retain value due to consistent demand and timeless design.

Authenticity vs. Enjoyment

Some purists argue replicas lack historical authenticity, but many collectors see them as essential to preserving automotive culture.

Replicas:

Keep legendary designs visible and relevant
Educate new generations about prewar design
Allow enjoyment without endangering originals

Rather than replacing originals, replicas complement them, ensuring the Auburn Boattail remains alive outside museums.

Role in Automotive History Preservation

The 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster Replica plays an important role in:

Celebrating American art-deco automotive design
Preserving visual heritage
Demonstrating early aerodynamic concepts
Inspiring modern designers and enthusiasts

Through replicas, the Auburn Boattail continues to influence how people perceive beauty, speed, and craftsmanship in automobiles.

Modern Relevance

In an era dominated by SUVs and digital dashboards, the Auburn Boattail Speedster replica offers something rare:

Hand-crafted character
Emotional design
Mechanical connection between driver and machine

Its continued popularity proves that great design transcends time, regardless of era or technology.

Conclusion

The 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster Replica is far more than a tribute—it is a living expression of one of the greatest achievements in American automotive design. By faithfully recreating the iconic boattail silhouette while integrating modern engineering, replicas allow enthusiasts to experience the magic of a prewar legend in the real world.

While original Auburn Boattails remain priceless museum pieces, replicas ensure that the car’s spirit, beauty, and drama continue to be seen, heard, and admired on the open road. For many enthusiasts, a Boattail Speedster replica represents the perfect balance between history and enjoyment, making it one of the most celebrated replica classics ever built.

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