Complete ground-up restoration completed in 2016 ACD Club Certified A-389 Acquired by the Collection 21 years ago 2024 servicing by noted Auburn-Cord aficionado Ken Clark Well known among the ACD Club faithful; 2025 Hoosier Tour participant Founded in Auburn, Indiana, the Auburn Automobile Company rose to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s under the visionary leadership of E.L. Cord. Known for blending advanced engineering, dramatic styling, and attainable luxury, Auburn positioned itself toward the top of the market. The companys automobiles were fast and fashionable, earning Auburn a reputation for performance and flair during the Classic Era, and one that is still sought-after and admired by enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs of all generations. Ownership history of this 1935 Auburn starts in the 90s with ACD Club members and Kendallville, Indiana residents, Bob and Helen Cramer, who acquired this example from well-known car collector and ACD Club enthusiast, Tom Crook of Auburn, Washington. Restored and completed in 2001 by the Cramers, this 851 could be found at a number of ACD Club events throughout the years and received its ACD Club Certification by Paul Bryant in 2002. Documented in the accompanying copy of the 2005 ACD Club newsletter, this example was offered for sale, which would lead to the acquisition by The Oscar Roberts Estate Collection in the same year. It has since been owned by active ACD Club members Oscar and Bonita Roberts for the last 21 years, and this Auburn has been a staple within their diverse automobile collection. Splitting time between Georgia and Auburn, Indiana, this 851 Phaeton would follow them to both homes throughout the year. When this Auburn was residing in The Home of The Classics, it was maintained at their collection building, the restored, former Edsel dealership / Sinclair gas station, which is a true staple of the community on North Main Street in downtown Auburn, Indiana. Even though it had already been restored in 2001, Oscar decided to commence another ground-up, documented restoration at the start of 2015. He sent it to Muzzys Garage to be dismantled and later reassembled, the paint and body work was carried out by Classic City Body & Paint, while the chrome was done by Reckon Plating. New wiring was sourced from Narragansett Reproduction, instruments were dialed in by Auburns Midwest, the wheels were sandblasted and painted by Superior Soda Blasting, and the convertible top was done by Marquarts Custom Creations. After completion, this 1935 Auburn 851 was routinely enjoyed on various collector car tours, on sunny weekends, and of course at the annual ACD Club Reunion and Festival over Labor Day Weekend, one of the cant-miss events of the year. In 2024, this lovely Auburn was taken to noted Auburn-Cord expert Ken Clark of Kens Classics in Maine and he performed an oil and gasket servicing, resurfaced the cylinder head, and installed an electric fuel pump. After which, this 851 Phaeton partook in the 2025 Hoosier Tour during the annual Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Festival. Accompanying this Auburn, is its full ACD Club certification booklet, the original ads for this example in 2005, copies of pages from the ACD Club Newsletter about this Auburn, the original 2000 title that states 72,493 actual miles, as well as a large and detailed file folder comprised of invoice and restoration records. A prized automobile within the Collection for last 21 years, this 851 Auburn is known for its legendary Lycoming eight-cylinder engine and a Columbia two-speed dual-ratio axle that combines for an impressive and unforgettable touring performance. Well-dialed in, nicely restored, and ACD Club certified, this Auburn is ready to be further enjoyed on driving tours, at ACD Club events, such as the ACD Festival over Labor Day weekend, and Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) gatherings around North America.
