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The V-12 engine found in the 1932 Auburn was designed by chief engineer George Kublin. It had a narrow 45-degree 'vee' and an unusual combustion chamber, which was set on an angle to the cylinders. The valves were in the heads, but they were horizontal, and they were operated by a single camshaft through the rockers. The 391 cubic-inch engine offered 160 horsepower. Though the engine was smaller than its competitors, it was no less powerful. Standard equipment on the Custom models included the famous Dual-Ratio rear axle, allowing the car to be driven in either high gear ratios, for open country roads, or in a lower ratio, for city driving.
At Muroc Dry Lake, Eddie Miller drove a Speedster model to 31 American speed records from flying starts and nine international records from standing starts.
These cars were produced for only a short period, lasting from 1932 to 1934. They were the first 12-cylinder car to have a starting price under $1,000.
This Auburn Twelve Custom Phaeton model 12-160A was formerly owned by Larry Dorcy who displayed it at the 2009 edition of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The car was restored several years ago in a two-tone blue, using shades similar to the factory-correct Auburn Blue. There is a leather interior, a canvas top, and blue Wilton wool carpets. During restoration, the car was upgraded with the Salon model trim, including chrome inserts below the windows, Salon door handles, and polished stainless trim on the hood louvers. It has chromed headlamps, headlights, and wire wheels with covered side mounts. The engine was fully rebuilt during the restoration, and given an American-LaFrance V-12 engine block.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014
At Muroc Dry Lake, Eddie Miller drove a Speedster model to 31 American speed records from flying starts and nine international records from standing starts.
These cars were produced for only a short period, lasting from 1932 to 1934. They were the first 12-cylinder car to have a starting price under $1,000.
This Auburn Twelve Custom Phaeton model 12-160A was formerly owned by Larry Dorcy who displayed it at the 2009 edition of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The car was restored several years ago in a two-tone blue, using shades similar to the factory-correct Auburn Blue. There is a leather interior, a canvas top, and blue Wilton wool carpets. During restoration, the car was upgraded with the Salon model trim, including chrome inserts below the windows, Salon door handles, and polished stainless trim on the hood louvers. It has chromed headlamps, headlights, and wire wheels with covered side mounts. The engine was fully rebuilt during the restoration, and given an American-LaFrance V-12 engine block.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014
In the 1930s E.L. Cord's Auburns offered multi-cylinder performance and dramatic styling at a price that was noticeably lower than that of many other luxury cars. This V-12 convertible Phaeton, with a Lycoming-built V-12 engine and a 2-speed rear axle, is an excellent example of why the cars were such a success during the difficult economic times of the early 1930s.
2015 RM Sotheby's : Motor City Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $275,000-USD $325,000
Lot was not sold
2014 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Arizona
High Bid (Lot was not sold)
USD $210,000
1932 Auburn 12-160A Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Auburn 12-160A
(Data based on Model Year 1932 sales)
1932 Auburn 12-160A Custom Speedster Chassis#: 655 Sold for USD$450,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | |
1932 AUBURN 12-160A BOATTAIL SPEEDSTER Chassis#: 12-160A 2280 E Sold for USD$775,000 2022 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1932 Auburn 12-160A Boattail Speedster Chassis#: BB1079 Sold for USD$291,500 2019 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale, Arizona | |
1932 Auburn Twelve Convertible Sedan Chassis#: BB1856A Sold for USD$158,400 2017 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale, AZ | |
1932 Auburn V12 Phaeton 4 Door Convertible Sedan Sold for USD$134,750 2016 Russo & Steele : Monterey | |
1932 AUBURN 12 160A CONVERTIBLE SEDAN Chassis#: 1931 Sold for USD$264,000 2015 Barrett-Jackson - Scottsdale | |
1932 Auburn 12 Phaeton Sold for USD$181,500 2012 Auctions America - Auburn Fall | |
1932 Auburn V-12 Speedster Chassis#: 1973E Sold for USD$429,000 2012 RM-Automobiles of Arizona | |
1932 Auburn 12-160A Boattail Speedster Chassis#: 2793E Sold for USD$280,500 2011 Worldwide Auctions - The Classics at the Trump Taj Mahal | |
1932 Auburn Custom Twelve Phaeton Sedan Chassis#: BB338 Sold for USD$110,000 2010 RM Auctions - Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook | |
1932 Auburn V-12 Boattail Speedster 12-160A Sold for USD$687,500 2008 Gooding & Company | |
1932 AUBURN 160 A BROUGHAM Sold for USD$47,000 2002 Kruse Auction - Auburn, IN |
Auburn 12-160As That Failed To Sell At Auction
1932 Auburn 12-160A's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1932 Auburn 12-160A Boattail Speedster | 12-160A 1991 E | 2019 Bonhams : Quail Lodge Auction | $1,800,000 | $2,400,000 | |
1932 Auburn Twelve Custom Phaeton Sedan | 1572 | 2015 RM Sotheby's : Motor City Auction | $275,000 | $325,000 | |
1932 Auburn Twelve Custom Phaeton | 2572 H | 2014 RM Auctions Automobiles of Arizona | $210,000 | ||
1932 Auburn 12-160A Boattail Speedster | 2793E | 2012 Worldwide The Auburn Auction | $360,000 | $420,000 | |
1932 Auburn 12-161 Convertible Coupé | 400 | 2010 Bonhams Automobiles d'Exception á Rétromobile | $220,000 | $260,000 |
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1932 Auburn 12-160A
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