1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster Replica: Experience Prewar

The 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster is one of the most iconic American cars of the prewar era, renowned for its aerodynamic boattail design, luxurious interiors, and supercharged straight-eight engine. Its sleek, flowing lines and daring styling made it a symbol of wealth, performance, and automotive artistry in the 1930s. However, due to their rarity—only a handful of original examples survive—many enthusiasts and collectors turn to replicas to experience the magic of the Auburn Boattail without the astronomical costs and scarcity issues of the originals.

The 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster Replica aims to capture the look, feel, and spirit of the original while providing modern reliability, safety, and drivability. This article explores the history of the original 1936 Auburn, the rise of replicas, engineering and design considerations, cultural significance, and the appeal of owning a Boattail replica today.

The Legacy of the Original 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster

Before discussing replicas, it’s important to understand why the 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster remains one of the most celebrated cars in automotive history.

Key Features of the Original Auburn 852 SC

Supercharged 4.6L straight-eight engine producing 150–160 horsepower
Boattail rear design, inspired by nautical aesthetics and early aerodynamic studies
Luxury two-seat or roadster configuration with optional rumble seat
Elegant leather interiors with wood trim and art deco styling
Lightweight body-on-frame construction with custom coachwork

The Auburn Boattail Speedster was faster than most competitors of its time, capable of speeds exceeding 100 mph—a remarkable feat for 1936. Its design married performance and aesthetics, resulting in a car that was as beautiful as it was powerful.

Why Replicas Exist

Original 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedsters are extremely rare and expensive, often fetching millions of dollars at auction. Replicas serve several purposes:

Accessibility: Enthusiasts can own a car that looks and feels like the original without the prohibitive cost.
Drivability: Modern components such as engines, brakes, and suspensions improve reliability and usability.
Preservation: By driving replicas, collectors reduce wear and tear on surviving original cars.
Customization: Replicas often allow modifications in paint, interior, and mechanical setups to suit the owner’s preferences.

These factors make replicas a practical solution for vintage car enthusiasts who admire the Auburn Boattail Speedster’s design and legacy.

Design and Styling of Replicas

Replicas aim to faithfully reproduce the aesthetic appeal of the 1936 Auburn Boattail, while sometimes incorporating modern touches for safety or comfort.

Exterior Features

Boattail rear: The signature tapered rear remains the focal point.
Long, flowing fenders: Replicas recreate the elegant curves that sweep from the grille to the rear.
Chrome accents and grille: Attention to detail ensures the replica captures the original’s luxurious presence.
Convertible and roadster options: Most replicas maintain the two-seat open-top layout.

Some replica builders may adjust proportions slightly to accommodate modern components, but the overall silhouette remains true to the 1936 original.

Interior Features

Replicas usually maintain a vintage-inspired cabin, with features including:

Leather seats and dashboard
Wood-trimmed steering wheel and dash accents
Analog-style gauges reminiscent of art deco instruments
Optional modern conveniences like air conditioning, seat belts, and improved lighting

The goal is to balance historical authenticity with modern comfort.

Engine and Mechanical Considerations

One of the key differences between replicas and originals is mechanical reliability. Many replicas use modern drivetrains, while others attempt to recreate the original supercharged straight-eight engine.

Engine Options in Replicas

Modern V8s: Often used for reliability and performance while keeping a period-correct look
Inline-8 reproductions: Some builders create faithful replicas of the original engine, though maintenance is more intensive
Electric conversions: In rare cases, replicas are built as EVs for silent, low-maintenance driving

Drivetrain and Suspension

Most replicas incorporate modern transmissions, often 5-speed manuals or automatic options.
Suspension systems are upgraded for smoother handling and safety, using coil-over or independent setups.
Brakes are commonly upgraded to disc brakes, improving stopping power compared to the original mechanical drum brakes.

These mechanical improvements make replicas drivable on modern roads, allowing owners to enjoy the Boattail aesthetic without the limitations of 1930s technology.

Popular Replica Builders

Several companies and specialists are known for producing high-quality Auburn Boattail replicas:

Classic Car Studios – Focus on period-authentic materials and attention to detail
Kit Car Manufacturers – Provide DIY or semi-assembled kits for enthusiasts
Custom Coachbuilders – Build one-off replicas with tailored interiors and mechanical components

Each approach varies in authenticity, cost, and customization options, but all aim to capture the spirit of the 1936 Auburn Boattail.

Ownership Appeal

Owning a 1936 Auburn Boattail replica provides several benefits:

Visual impact: The car turns heads wherever it goes, evoking the glamour of the prewar era.
Accessibility: Replicas are far more attainable than original Auburn Boattails.
Daily usability: Modern mechanical components allow for reliable road use.
Participation in shows: Many replicas are accepted in classic car shows, concours events, and vintage car rallies.
Preservation of originals: Driving replicas helps conserve surviving original cars.

For many enthusiasts, replicas provide the best of both worlds: historical beauty with practical usability.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster, whether original or replica, represents a unique moment in American automotive history:

The art deco movement influenced automotive styling, resulting in flowing lines and elegant interiors.
Aerodynamic experimentation with boattail designs foreshadowed modern automotive engineering principles.
The car embodies the luxury, optimism, and innovation of the 1930s, when American manufacturers sought to compete globally.

Replicas allow a new generation of drivers and collectors to engage with this history, keeping the legacy alive.

Restoration vs. Replica

Collectors often face a choice: restore an original or acquire a replica. Each has pros and cons:

Original restoration: Preserves authenticity, potentially appreciates in value, but is expensive and requires delicate care.
Replica ownership: Provides the visual and emotional appeal of the Auburn Boattail without extreme costs, while offering reliability and modern usability.

Many enthusiasts choose replicas for display, driving, and educational purposes, while originals remain museum-quality or auction pieces.

Modern Replica Customization

Replica builders often allow buyers to tailor the car:

Paint schemes, including period-correct two-tone colors
Interior leather and trim options
Engine and drivetrain customization for performance or fuel type
Safety upgrades like seat belts, airbags, or lighting systems
Integration of infotainment or modern conveniences

This flexibility ensures that each replica can be unique, practical, and historically evocative.

Market Value of Replicas

While original 1936 Auburn Boattails can fetch $2–5 million or more, replicas are far more affordable:

Typical high-quality replicas range from $100,000 to $250,000, depending on materials, authenticity, and mechanical setup.
Kit-based or lower-end replicas may cost $50,000–$100,000.

Replicas offer a taste of prewar luxury without prohibitive cost, making them accessible to more enthusiasts.

Collectibility and Community

Replica owners often join classic car clubs and Auburn-specific associations to:

Showcase their vehicles at car shows
Participate in vintage rallies and cruises
Share restoration tips and mechanical guidance
Learn about the history of Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg vehicles

This community engagement fosters appreciation for the legacy of prewar American automotive design.

Driving Experience

Driving a Boattail replica allows owners to experience:

Aerodynamic handling reminiscent of the original design
Engaging steering and pedal feel for a vintage driving experience
Open-top motoring with rumble seat options for social enjoyment
Attention-grabbing aesthetics, making every drive an event

The modernized mechanical components of replicas ensure safety, reliability, and comfort, allowing owners to enjoy their Boattail on highways and city streets alike.

Educational and Cultural Value

Beyond aesthetics and driving, replicas also serve an educational purpose:

They allow enthusiasts to study automotive history firsthand.
They provide a tangible connection to 1930s American luxury, engineering, and design philosophy.
Replicas can be used in film, photography, and museum exhibits, making the prewar era accessible to wider audiences.

Through replicas, the legacy of the 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster continues to inspire.

Conclusion

The 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster Replica provides a unique opportunity to experience a legendary American automobile without the prohibitive costs or fragility of an original. By faithfully reproducing the iconic boattail design, luxurious interiors, and performance-inspired aesthetics, replicas allow enthusiasts to own a piece of automotive history that is both beautiful and drivable.

While originals remain rare treasures in private collections and museums, replicas ensure that the legend of the Auburn Boattail Speedster lives on, enabling a new generation of car lovers to appreciate its artistry, engineering, and timeless style.

Whether admired at car shows, driven along scenic routes, or simply displayed as a collector’s pride, the Auburn Boattail Speedster Replica embodies the spirit of 1930s American automotive innovation, bridging history with the modern era.

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