![]() ![]() * CCC78-1172*, appropriately titled as a 1935 AUBURN, was hand-built from the ground up at California Custom Coach, a subsidiary of the Auburn Speedster Co., in Pasadena, Calif., sometime in the late 1970s. Please, note that all the color photos shown here were taken on Augand document the car accurately as it presents itself today. In fact, it's unique, and if you bear with me, you'll understand why. The Boattail Speedster introduced for auction here is as special automobile in more ways than one. Unearthing one that's for sale today has become an almost impossible task. Not surprisingly, AUBURN Boattail Speedsters-built in very limited numbers for just a couple of years during the height of the Great Depression-were featured prominently in many magazine ads and movies. Then as now, few automobiles stand out as clearly as symbols of wealth and success as the Boattail Speedster with its Million-Dollar look. With its impossibly long hood, pronounced boat tail and de rigueur nickel-plated, external exhaust pipes, the Speedster's sculpted body became an instant American icon of the Classic Period. Cord, owner of the AUBURN-CORD-DUESENBERG conglomerate, to create a sports car of otherworldly beauty, money being of no concern. Originally conceived to succeed the famed DUESENBERG Model J, designer Gordon Buehrig and chief engineer August Duesenberg were commissioned directly by E.L. This is a chance to own a truly one of a kind 1932 Gar Wood that has a long history on Tahoe and has been cared for by the best craftsmen on the lake.Sixty-eight years ago, in 1935, the fabulous AUBURN Speedster was introduced to the World.Ĭlick on the above image for a full size view The torque is immense, and every slight turn of the throttle is instantly translated into more speed. 1,649 cubic inches of engine turning at 1,800 rpm with 5″ exhausts. If you have never driven a Liberty powered boat, there is nothing quite like it. All engine systems were checked over and re-built as needed.Ī favorite at the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance, “Liberty” stands out from the crowd. The engine was removed by Sierra and master engine builder Cooper Stubbs completely tore down the engine for an inspection and new gaskets. Refurbishing of the engine and installation was done by Sierra’s legendary mechanic, Dave Chanda.įast forward to present, the boat has once again had a light re-restoration of the wood and upholstery, entrusted to Tony Brown. ![]() ![]() We did have however, a complete running Liberty that had come out of a 33ft Gar Wood. At the time, we did not have the needed spare parts to rebuild it. The engine, as mentioned was there, but in sorry condition. That work was done by then employee, Tony Brown, now the owner of Western Runabouts. Restoration was started in the early 80’s and at the time it was one of Sierra’s most extensive restoration projects, requiring almost an entire replacement of every frame and plank. Much of the boat’s hardware was missing but the engine was still there. Sierra acquired this boat as a complete derelict, sometime in the 70’s. The Scripps V-12 engines would not be available for a few years later, so in 1932 if you wanted performance, the Liberty V-12 was the option of choice. Gar Wood purchased and marinized the World War I engines as a way to provide lightweight 400 hp engines, first in the Baby Gar 33ft boats and later in a small amount of 28 footers. Only four of the 28-55 runabouts were built in that year, according to records compiled by Tony Mollica. To the best of our research, “Liberty” is the only remaining Gar Wood 28ft Triple Cockpit with an original Gar Wood conversion engine.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |