Skip to main content

1932 Auburn 12-160A Boattail Speedster: The Short-Lived V-12 Marvel That Outran the Depression


Introduction
In the depths of the Great Depression, when automotive dreams seemed dim, Auburn Automobile Company unleashed a fleeting masterpiece: the 1932 Auburn 12-160A Boattail Speedster. Part of the brief Twelve series (1932-1933), this open-top speedster blended Art Deco elegance with raw performance, becoming one of the Classic Era's most sought-after icons. Designed by stylist Alan Leamy, its "boattail" body tapered gracefully to the rear, evoking speedboats and evoking an aerodynamic flair that turned heads.
Under the hood roared a 391-cubic-inch Lycoming V-12 engine, churning out 160 horsepower – a powerhouse for its time. Paired with a three-speed manual transmission and an innovative dual-ratio rear axle (switchable via dashboard lever between 4.5:1 for torque and 3.0:1 for speed), it offered six effective gears for versatile driving. Proven on California's Muroc Dry Lake, one hit over 100 mph, with reports of 115 mph tops – faster than the 1932 Indy 500 winner's average. Yet, economic woes limited production to about 35 units, making originals ultra-rare treasures today.
Auburn, founded in 1900 in Indiana, aimed high with the Twelve to compete against luxury rivals like Cadillac and Packard. But the series' short run reflected the era's hardships – sales slumped, and Auburn folded by 1937. This collage of the green Boattail Speedster highlights its flowing lines, chrome accents, and wire wheels, a testament to pre-war American ingenuity.
From dusty dry lakes to modern auctions (where survivors fetch millions), the Speedster embodies speed's golden age amid adversity.
Main Sections
  1. Design: Art Deco Meets Aerodynamics
    Alan Leamy's styling was revolutionary – sweeping fenders, a low-slung chassis, and that signature boattail rear for reduced drag. The two-seater cockpit featured leather upholstery and a rumble seat, blending sportiness with subtle luxury. Its grille and headlights evoked motion even at rest, influencing later icons like the Cord 810.
  2. Powertrain: V-12 Muscle and Dual-Ratio Innovation
    The Lycoming V-12 delivered smooth, abundant power, fed by a Stromberg carburetor. The E.L. Cord-developed dual-ratio axle was a game-changer, allowing seamless shifts between low for hills/starts and high for highways – a precursor to modern automatics. Brakes were hydraulic, and suspension used semi-elliptic springs for a balanced ride.
  3. Performance and Testing Triumphs
    On Muroc Dry Lake (now Edwards AFB), Auburn proved its mettle with speed runs exceeding 100 mph. It wasn't just fast; it was reliable, handling long distances with poise. In racing, modified versions competed in hill climbs and endurance events, showcasing American engineering against European foes.
  4. Historical Context: Born in Economic Turmoil
    Launched amid the Depression, the Twelve series aimed to revive Auburn's fortunes under E.L. Cord's empire (including Duesenberg). Priced around $1,275 (about $28,000 today), it targeted affluent buyers, but sales faltered. By 1933, it vanished, leaving a legacy of innovation cut short.
  5. Modern Legacy and Collectibility
    Survivors are prized – a pristine example sold for over $1 million at auction. Restorations preserve originals, with replicas filling gaps. Museums like the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum showcase them, inspiring car enthusiasts and highlighting 1930s design's enduring appeal.
Conclusion:
The 1932 Auburn 12-160A Boattail Speedster wasn't just a car – it was a bold statement of speed and style in tough times, with V-12 power and clever engineering that still impresses. From dry lake runs to collector garages, it races through history. What's a Depression-era invention that wows you? Comment below, share this post, and follow for more automotive legends!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Art Nouveau Staircase at the New Amsterdam Theatre, New York City

A 1903 Masterpiece of Broadway Elegance Introduction Some staircases aren’t just for climbing — they’re works of art that tell the story of an entire era. The grand staircase inside the New Amsterdam Theatre on 42nd Street in New York City is one of the finest surviving examples of pure Art Nouveau design in America. Built in 1903, its flowing railings and balustrades are covered in delicate lily and intertwining vine motifs that seem to grow right out of the walls. The theatre itself is a Broadway landmark with a classic Beaux-Arts exterior , but once you step inside, the interior explodes with the organic, nature-inspired curves that defined Art Nouveau at its peak. For decades it was the original home of Disney’s The Lion King (1997–2006), and since 2014 it has been the permanent home of Disney’s Aladdin . Walking these stairs feels like stepping into a living piece of early 20th-century theatrical magic. Main Sections The Design and Architect’s Vision The New Amsterdam was d...
Post a Comment
Read more

Lorenzo Quinn’s “Support”: The Giant Hands Holding Up Venice’s Grand Canal

A Modern Masterpiece with a Timeless Message Introduction Venice is famous for its ancient palaces, gondolas , and centuries of history — but every now and then a bold modern artwork stops everyone in their tracks. One of the most unforgettable is “Support” by British-Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn . Two colossal white hands rise dramatically from the Grand Canal , gently cradling the side of the historic Ca’ Sagredo Hotel . The sculpture looks like it’s literally holding the building up, creating a breathtaking illusion that blends perfectly with the city’s timeless architecture.   Created as part of Quinn’s ongoing exploration of human connection , the piece symbolizes support, strength, and the idea that we all need a helping hand — whether in life, relationships, or even protecting our cultural heritage. Installed temporarily in Venice, it quickly became one of the most photographed and discussed artworks in the city. Main Sections Who Is Lorenzo Quinn? Son of actor Anthony Qui...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Lost Library of Alexandria

The Lost Library of Alexandria What Knowledge Was Destroyed Forever – And What Might Have Been!? We often romanticize ancient history as battles and empires, but the real tragedy might be the knowledge that disappeared. The Great Library of Alexandria, founded around 300 BC in Egypt, was the largest repository of human wisdom in the ancient world—estimates say up to 700,000 scrolls covering math, astronomy, medicine, philosophy, and more. Scholars from across the Mediterranean came to study there. Then, over centuries, it was destroyed—possibly by fire during Julius Caesar's siege in 48 BC, later attacks, or gradual decline. No single "burning" event, but the loss was catastrophic. What if those texts had survived? We might have had earlier breakthroughs in science, engineering, or even technology.  Here's what we know was lost, what survived in copies, and why it still haunts historians today. Main Sections (Expand each for depth) : What Was Inside the Library?  Work...
Post a Comment
Read more