The 1935 Auburn 851 SC is one of the most breathtaking and collectible cars ever produced. A fusion of stunning design, advanced engineering, and era defining performance, The 851 SC stands tall as a symbol of American Old-School automotive artistry. Whether you are a classics cars aficionado or a curious readers, this blog gives you the full picture from its heart pounding straight 8 engine to today collector market values.
Brief Historical Snapshot
The mid-1930s marked a creative high point for The 1935 Auburn 851 Automobile Company. Founded in 1900 in Indiana, Auburn became known for blending performance and luxury — but the 851 SC might be its most iconic achievement.
Model Year: 1935
Manufacturer: Auburn Automobile Company
Coachbuilder: Often by Murphy or LeBaron (custom bodies)
Class: Luxury performance automobile
Era: Post-Depression, pre-war American automotive brilliance
This was a period when car design was shifting from purely functional to artistic expression — and Auburn leapt ahead of the pack.
What Makes the “ Auburn 851 SC” Special?
Auburn 851 SC stands for “Supercharged.”
The The 1935 Auburn 851 model featured a supercharged engine — an absolute rarity in American cars of the time.
Supercharging in the 1930s was high-end performance tech, more common in European race cars.
The result? A glorious balance of elegance and speed.
This wasn’t just a luxury cars it was a performance luxury car.
Auburn 851 SC: Engine & Performance
The 1935 Auburn 851 is powered by:
- Engine: Lycoming supercharged inline-8 (straight 8)
- Displacement: 4.6 liters (approx. 273 cu in)
- Induction: Single supercharger
This might not sound huge by modern standards — but in 1935, it was serious.
Performance Figures
For its day, the 851 SC was among the fastest production cars in America:
Horsepower: ~150 hp (with supercharger) — remarkable for the period
Top Speed: ~100–110 mph (160–177 km/h)
0–60 mph: Estimated in the 12–14 second range (very quick for 1935)
Fun Fact: The supercharged Auburn often out-paced European rivals and could hold its own in straight-line speed against many post-war cars decades later.
Driving Characteristic
Engine Feel: Smooth, long-strokes powers delivery
Supercharger Boost: Instant thrust at low RPM
Transmission: 3-speed manuals
Handling: Predictable but heavy typical of large car of the eras
Braking: Mechanical brakes (pre-hydraulic on some), requiring anticipation
Exquisite Exterior Design
If the engine is the hearts, the body of the The 1935 Auburn 851 is its souls. Auburn style in the mid-1930 was all about flowing line, dramatics curve, and art deco elegance.
The 1935 Auburn 851 Key Design Feature
Boat-tail rear: Elegant tapering tail — one of the most iconic silhouettes ever
Teardrop fender: Wrap-around fenders that almost look alive
Chrome accent: Radiator grille, headlight, and trim
Long hood: Showcasing “power before beauty” philosophy
Wide stance: A luxury presence on the road
Every angle of the 851 SC looks sculpted — not just built.
Style Highlights
Art Deco Influence: Smooth curves, aerodynamic flair, and symmetrical grille.
Color Palettes: Period choices ranged from rich greens and blues to cream and maroon—often custom-painted.
Coachwork: Many 851 SCs were bodied by independent coachbuilders, making each almost unique.
This wasn’t just transportation it was mobile art.
Step inside a 1935 Auburn 851 SC and you are in another world.
The 1935 Auburn 851 Interior Feature
Seats: Plush leather upholstery often bench styles
Dashboard: Elegant wood-grain accents and chrome gauges
Instrumentation: Large speedometer, oil pressure, temperature, ammeter, and fuel
Carpets: Thick wool or woven mats
Roof: Fabric or vinyl headliner
Comfort expectations were different in the ’30s — but Auburn delivered:
- Quiet cabin relative to peers
- Ample legroom, especially in touring models
- Attention to detail with quality materials
- Vintage Luxury Touches
- Umbrella holders (optional)
- Curved glass in some models
- Custom interior appointments for discerning buyer
- Yes—this was a car meant to be lived in, not just driven.
Ownership & Practicality
Daily Driving?
In today’s world, the 1935 Auburn 851 isn’t a daily commuter—but some owners do take theirs out for weekend cruises and shows.
- Reliability: Depends on restoration quality
- Parts: Rare and often custom-made
- Maintenance: Needs specialist care
Fuel Economy
Not measured in official EPA ratings in 1935
Estimated: ~8–12 mpg (varies with driving style)
- Not a fuel-sipper—but performance wasn’t about economy.
- Comfort & Usability
- No power steering
- Manual brakes (unless upgraded)
- Vintage ergonomics (not modern convenience)
- This car is best enjoyed slowly—savoring the experience.
Pricing—Past & Present
- Original 1935 Price
- In the 1930s, the Auburn 851 SC was expensive — a true luxury purchase.
- Original MSRP (approx): $1,500–$2,000+
- For comparison: A new Ford V8 cost ~$500
- This was upper-class territory.
- Modern Collector Value
- The 851 SC today is a highly collectible classic, with prices reflecting rarity and condition.
Typical Value (approx.):
- Project condition: ~$150,000–$250,000
- Good restored: ~$300,000–$450,000
- Concours/exceptional: $500,000+ (occasionally $700,000+)
Note: Values fluctuate with market trends and individual car history.
What Drives Value?
- Authenticity (matching numbers)
- Documented restoration history
- Coachbuilder (Murphy, LeBaron, etc.)
- Rarity of body style
- Provenance (famous owners, show wins)
- No wonder collectors fight over the best examples.
Comparing the Auburn 851 SC to Its Peers
The 1935 Auburn 851 competed with European and American contemporaries—and held its own.
vs. Duesenberg Model J
- Duesenberg: More powerful, ultra-luxury
- Auburn: More affordable, sportier style
Both are museum-worthy today — but the Duesenberg was a notch above in exclusivity.
vs. Cord 810/812
- Funny fact: Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg shared corporate connections.But:
- Cord 810/812: Front-wheel-drive, lower
- Auburn 851 SC: RWD with supercharged heart
Both were radical—in different ways
Vs. Packard & Cadillac
- Packard/Cadillac: Traditional luxury
- Auburn 851 SC: More expressive and performance-oriented
The Auburn was the flamboyant cousin in a room of understated elites.
Restoration & Preservation
Owning an Auburn 851 SC often means thoughtful restoration.
What Restorers Focus On
- Engine rebuild (supercharger, carb, ignition)
- Chassis and suspension work
- Brake upgrades (often hydraulic conversions)
- Body metal works and paint
- Interiors re trim with leather and period material
- Electrical system modernization (for reliability)
Challenge
- Rare parts—often custom fabricated
- Finding skilled craftsmens
- Balancing originality vs.usability
- But the reward is a show stopping classics that turn head any where.
The Auburn 851 SC Experience—Why Its Still Matter
Owning or even seeing a 1935 Auburn 851 SC is like experiencing automotive poetry.
Emotion & Presence
- Heads turn instantly
- The long hood feel purposeful
- The engine note is rich and mechanicals
- The ride invite storytelling
Cultural Impact
- Often featured in classic car show
- Museum piece and concour d’elegance favorite
- A symbol of 1930s confidence and styles
Collector Buzzwords
- Art Deco on wheel
- Prewar performance
- American automotives sculptures
- Supercharged legend
Pros & Cons—Honest Breakdown
Pros
- Jaw-dropping design
- Supercharged performance in a classic era
- Great collector appeal
- Historical significance
- Rarity increases value
Cons
- Not practicals as daily drivers
- Maintenance can be expensive
- Fuel-hungry
- Part scarcity
- Require specialist cares
Who Should Own One?
- This car is perfect for:
- Classic car collectors
- Automotive art enthusiasts
- Weekend cruiser lovers
- People who appreciate automotive history
- Perhaps not ideal for:
- Daily commuters
- Tight-budget hobbyists
- DIY beginners without vintage experience
Final Thought: A Timeless Masterpieces
The 1935 Auburn 851 SC is more than a classic luxury testament to creativity, performance, and luxury from an era that dared to combine art and a classic vehicle. Whether you are chasing a dream, classic vehicle, or simply love beautiful machines, the 851 SC deserve admiration.