1936 Auburn 852 SC

July 2024 · 3 minute read

The 851 returned for 1936 and was re-designated the 852. While E.L. Cord’s industrial empire fell soon thereafter in 1937, the 851/852 remains an inspired milestone of engineering and styling prowess.

In Detail

submitted byRichard Owen
price $ $2 245 USD
engineWater Cooled, Inline-8
positionFront Longitudinal
aspirationSchweitzer-Cummins Supercharger
valvetrain2 Valves per Cyl
displacement4589 cc / 280.0 in³
bore77.78 mm / 3.06 in
stroke120.6 mm / 4.75 in
compression6.5:1
power111.9 kw / 150.1 bhp @ 4000 rpm
specific output32.71 bhp per litre
bhp/weight88.35 bhp per tonne
torque311.8 nm / 230.0 ft lbs @ 2750 rpm
body / frameSteel Body on Steel Cross-Braced Chassis
driven wheelsRWD
front tires6.5×15
rear tires6.5×15
front brakesLockheed Drums w/Hydraulic Assist
rear brakesLockheed Drums w/Hydraulic Assist
steeringWorm & Peg
f suspensionNon-Independant w/ Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Hydraulic Dampers
r suspensionLive Axle w/ Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Hydraulic Dampers
curb weight1699 kg / 3746 lbs
wheelbase3226 mm / 127.0 in
front track1488 mm / 58.6 in
rear track1575 mm / 62.0 in
length4938 mm / 194.4 in
width1816 mm / 71.5 in
height1473 mm / 58.0 in
transmission3-Speed Manual
gear ratios2.86:1, 1.68:1, 1.00:1
final drive3.1:1
top speed~167.4 kph / 104.0 mph
0 – 60 mph~15.0 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile~19.5 seconds

Auction Sales History

1936 Auburn 852 SC

1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster 33914E – sold for $770,000 ACD-Certifed Example. Exhaustively Researched Restoration. Multiple-Award Winner. Astonishing Attention to Detail. Pebble Beach Concours and Tour d’Elegance Veteran.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions 2015 by Gooding & Company
1936 Auburn 852 SC

1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster 35863E – sold for $1,210,000 Breathtaking Design and Exceedingly Rare. One of Seven ACD Club-Certified Examples from 1936. Recent and Complete Concours-Level Restoration. The Penultimate 852 SC Speedster Built – Body 142.
Auction Source: 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company 1936 Auburn 852 SC 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster 35364E – did not sell for $625,000 ACD Certified #A-248. Complete and authentic frame-off restoration in 2006. Presented at Pebble Beach in 2006. 2007 AACA Senior National First Prize. Supercharged Lycoming inline 8 cylinder. Beautiful paint and brightwork. Signature chrome hood emblem. Designed by Gordon Buehrig.
Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum 1936 Auburn 852 SC 1936 Auburn 852 SC Boattail Speedster 33914E – sold for $605,000 The Most Iconic of All Auburn Designs. ACD Certified. Exhaustively Researched Restoration. Multiple Award Winner. Elegant Color Combination. Astonishing Attention to Detail. 2011 Pebble Beach Concours and Tour Participant.
Auction Source: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Compan 1936 Auburn 852 SC

1935 Auburn 851 SC Boattail Speedster 32923

Restored during the late-1990s; class-winner at Meadow Brook (1998). Supercharged engine and Columbia rear axle.

Auction Source: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by RM Auctions

1936 Auburn 852 SC

1936 Auburn 852SC Cabriolet 35757F

This 1936 Auburn 852SC Cabriolet received a nut-and-bolt restoration in the fall of 2003, which was completed by Cole’s Classics. Significant research was conducted before and during the restoration to ensure correctness, and in addition, the engine, supercharger and transmission were completely rebuilt. The exterior was refinished in a rich shade of maroon, which contrasts very nicely with the cream colored painted wheels and the period-style wide whitewall tires. The interior and rumble seat are both exquisitely finished in tan Connolly leather, and in keeping with the clean and simple design of the Cabriolet, its tan convertible top folds neatly underneath the matching tan tonneau cover. Desirable period features include a Philco radio and a Columbia two-speed rear axle.

Auction Source: 2010 Vintage Cars of Meadow Book by RM Auctions

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