1934 Auburn Twelve Saloon Phaeton

Original Chassis, Engine and Body

Known history since new

 Model 1250. 160 bhp, 391 cu. in. horizontal-valve V-12 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle, live two-speed rear axle, front and rear semi-elliptic leaf-spring suspension, and four-wheel vacuum-assisted hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 133 in.

The Salon Twelve boasted numerous unique features, most visibly a new racing-style vee’d grille, unique headlamp lenses, fenders edged in chrome, and the iconic “ribbon” bumpers. It was also built upon a specially strengthened chassis with adjustable vacuum-boosted brakes. These were not only the best-looking 12-cylinder Auburns but also the most expensive and luxurious

Today, genuine Salon Twelves are extraordinarily rare, while many Standard and Custom models have been dolled up in more recent decades with the desirable Salon exterior trim.

This 1934 Auburn Twelve Salon Phaeton is an original and benefits from having known ownership history since day one of its existence. Its original owner was a Mr. Carter of Pensacola, Florida, who likely acquired his new car for a bargain price in the midst of the Great Depression. Used for about 25,000 miles by the time of Mr. and Mrs. Carter’s passing in the mid-1950s, it was subsequently inherited and put into storage by their three children. It remained in a Pensacola garage until 1979, when it was finally sold to the second owner, enthusiast Arthur Griffin, who had spent 18 years pursuing it!

Subsequently fully restored in its present brilliant scarlet livery, with a tan interior and tan cloth top, the car was maintained by Mr. Griffin until 1985, when Don Williams Owner of world famous Blackhawk Collection, purchased this car for the first time. Now an older restoration but remains extremely attractive in its details and overall authenticity. The Salon Twelve trim is correct and original throughout, and the car has virtually all available accessories, including dual Pilot Ray steering driving lights and an original Auburn-Crosley radio; the engine block is the original and correct Auburn unit for this car.

Benefiting from limited and known ownership since new and retaining its original components, this is one of the best and most pure Salon Twelves to become available in recent years.