1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster: The Pinnacle

The 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster remains one of the most iconic prewar American automobiles, celebrated for its sleek boattail design, supercharged straight-eight engine, and luxurious craftsmanship. A true testament to Auburn Automobile Company’s dedication to style, performance, and innovation, the 852 SC combined cutting-edge engineering with automotive artistry, producing a car that continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts nearly a century later.

This article explores the history, design, engineering, performance, cultural significance, and legacy of the 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster, explaining why it is considered a masterpiece of prewar American automotive design.

Auburn Automobile Company: Innovation and Prestige

Founded in 1900 in Auburn, Indiana, the Auburn Automobile Company became part of the legendary Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg (ACD) group, a consortium synonymous with American luxury, performance, and craftsmanship.

By the mid-1930s, Auburn had established a reputation for luxury vehicles with daring styling, blending European elegance with American engineering. The 852 SC represented the culmination of Auburn’s innovation, combining the best of performance, aerodynamics, and bespoke coachwork.

The “SC” in the model name stands for Supercharged, emphasizing its enhanced engine performance compared to the standard 852 models.

Introduction to the 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster

The 852 SC Boattail Speedster was one of Auburn’s most luxurious and performance-oriented models. It featured:

Supercharged 4.6L straight-eight engine, producing approximately 150–160 horsepower
Two-seat configuration with optional rumble seat
Distinctive boattail rear design, emphasizing aerodynamics and elegance
Coachbuilt body-on-frame construction with flowing fenders
Luxurious interiors, featuring leather, wood trim, and polished chrome

The 852 SC was a car that married speed, luxury, and artistry, appealing to wealthy buyers who wanted style without compromise.

Iconic Exterior Design

The boattail design is perhaps the 852 SC’s most recognizable feature. Its aerodynamic rear tapers like the stern of a yacht, providing a flowing silhouette that was revolutionary for the 1930s.

Front End

Tall, vertical chrome grille with classic Auburn styling
Sweeping headlights integrated into the front fenders
Hood louvers providing both engine cooling and visual flair
Low-slung, streamlined front profile

Side Profile

Long flowing fenders extending into running boards
Two-door configuration with elegant, minimalist lines
Optional side-mounted spare tires for vintage authenticity
Chrome trim accentuating the curves and body shape

Rear Design

Boattail taper emphasizing aerodynamic styling
Integrated rear fenders maintaining fluidity of design
Chrome-accented fuel filler and taillights
Optional rumble seat adding functionality without compromising aesthetics

The overall design combined art deco influences with performance-driven aerodynamics, making the 852 SC a work of art in motion.

Interior Luxury

Inside, the 852 SC offered exceptional comfort and craftsmanship:

Leather-upholstered seats in rich tones
Wood-trimmed dashboard and polished chrome accents
Art deco gauges and instruments
Optional rumble seat for an additional passenger
Carpeted floor and high-quality trim reflecting the era’s luxury

Auburn ensured that the interior matched the elegance of the exterior, offering both style and comfort.

Engineering and Performance

The supercharged engine made the 852 SC stand out among prewar luxury vehicles.

Engine Specifications

Type: Supercharged 4.6L Lycoming straight-eight
Horsepower: 150–160 hp
Top Speed: Approximately 100 mph
Supercharger: Provided enhanced acceleration and higher performance

Transmission and Suspension

Three-speed manual transmission with optional synchromesh
Rear-wheel-drive layout
Semi-elliptical leaf springs for smooth handling
Mechanical four-wheel brakes

These engineering features gave the 852 SC speed, agility, and control, unmatched by many contemporaries in its class.

Coachbuilding and Customization

Auburn offered custom coachwork options for buyers seeking personalized luxury:

Choice of paint colors and two-tone combinations
Chrome and nickel trim options
Convertible or roadster configurations
Bespoke interiors with personalized leather, wood, and metal finishes

Every surviving 852 SC is unique, reflecting the tastes of its original owner and contributing to its collectible value today.

Cultural Significance

The Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster symbolized luxury, innovation, and prewar American optimism:

Frequently featured in auto shows and advertisements
Owned by wealthy buyers as a status symbol
Inspired automotive design internationally, influencing subsequent luxury car styling

It represented the marriage of engineering excellence and aesthetic beauty, setting a benchmark for American prewar automobiles.

Collectibility and Auction Value

Original 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedsters are exceedingly rare, making them highly sought after by collectors:

Rarity: Only a small number were produced
Auction Value: Well-preserved examples often sell for $2–5 million or more
Provenance: Historical ownership, condition, and originality drive value

Collectors prize the 852 SC for its timeless design, performance, and historical significance.

Restoration Considerations

Restoring a 1936 Auburn 852 SC requires specialized knowledge and craftsmanship:

Engine rebuilding, particularly for the supercharged straight-eight
Upholstery, wood trim, and chrome restoration
Electrical system repair with period-correct components
Maintaining original design integrity while ensuring drivability

Restored examples are considered museum-quality vehicles and often feature in prestigious concours d’elegance events.

Comparison with Contemporary Luxury Vehicles

The 852 SC competed with luxury cars of the era such as:

Duesenberg Model J – More powerful but significantly more expensive
Packard Super Eight – Emphasized refinement over daring styling
Cord 810/812 – Innovative with front-wheel drive and aerodynamic design
Cadillac V8/V16 – Focused on comfort and luxury

The Auburn 852 SC stood out due to boattail styling, supercharged performance, and roadster elegance, combining speed and luxury in a way few others could.

Driving Experience

Driving the Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster offers:

Hands-on driving feel with manual transmission
Open-air motoring with wind-in-the-hair excitement
A sense of connection to prewar American automotive history
Attention from spectators thanks to its iconic design

While it lacks modern conveniences, the engaging driving experience is a major reason the 852 SC remains so admired.

Legacy

The 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster’s legacy includes:

Stylistic innovation: Boattail design influencing future vehicles
Performance: Supercharged straight-eight engine competitive for its time
Cultural impact: Symbol of American luxury and success in the 1930s
Collector value: Remains a prized prewar vehicle for enthusiasts

It continues to be celebrated at classic car shows, auctions, and museums, preserving its status as a pinnacle of prewar automotive design.

Modern Appreciation

Today, collectors and enthusiasts value the 852 SC for:

Historical significance as an American prewar luxury car
Aesthetic appeal, with flowing fenders and boattail rear
Engineering excellence, including supercharged performance
Collectibility and rarity, making it a museum and showpiece favorite

The Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster remains a symbol of American automotive artistry, bridging the gap between vintage elegance and performance.

Conclusion

The 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster is a masterpiece of prewar American automotive design, blending style, performance, and luxury in one iconic package. Its boattail design, flowing fenders, supercharged engine, and opulent interior established it as a benchmark for American cars in the 1930s.

Even decades later, it remains coveted by collectors, celebrated by automotive historians, and admired by enthusiasts worldwide. The 852 SC Boattail Speedster is not just a car—it is a timeless work of art, representing the height of prewar American luxury, performance, and innovation.

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