Auburn 12

The Auburn 12 (also known as the Auburn Twelve or Auburn V12) was a line of luxury automobiles produced by the Auburn Automobile Company of Auburn, Indiana, from 1932 to 1934. Part of E. L. Cord's automotive empire which also included Duesenberg, Cord, Lycoming Engines and Columbia Axle. The Twelve was marketed as America's most affordable V12 powered car during the Great Depression. It featured a distinctive Lycoming built 391 cubic inch (6.4 L) V12 engine producing 160 horsepower, advanced engineering features such as a dual ratio rear axle, and a range of elegant body styles including the iconic boattail speedster.[1] Priced as low as $975 (equivalent to roughly $22,000 in 2024 dollars), the Auburn 12 undercut competitors like Packard and Cadillac by a wide margin while delivering comparable performance. Despite its engineering excellence and value, production was limited by the economic climate, with only about 2,250 examples built across the three model years. The model was discontinued after 1934 as Auburn shifted focus to supercharged straight-eight engines. The Twelve's engine design later formed the basis for long lived American LaFrance fire truck powerplants.

History

The Auburn Automobile Company, founded in 1900, experienced a revival under E. L. Cord in the late 1920s, achieving peak production of over 34,000 units in 1931. Facing the deepening Great Depression, Cord directed the development of a new V12 to compete in the luxury market without the high prices of established rivals. The Twelve was introduced for the 1932 model year, with Auburn investing approximately $1 million in engine development alone a substantial sum at the time. The car was positioned as a "bargain" luxury vehicle. Base models started at under $1,000, while even the most expensive variants remained far cheaper than a Cadillac V-12 or Packard Twin Six. Company advertising emphasized its power, styling, and innovative features like the Columbia dual ratio rear axle, which allowed drivers to select between performance-oriented or economy gearing via a dashboard lever.[2] Sales were disappointing despite the value proposition. Many buyers associated the low price with inferior quality ("you get what you pay for"), and overall industry demand collapsed. Auburn's total production fell sharply: from over 11,000 units in 1932 to around 5,000 in 1933. The V12 line was carried over into 1934 using leftover components but was dropped entirely thereafter. Auburn itself ceased passenger car production in 1937.[3] A 1932 Auburn 12-160 boattail speedster, one of the rarest and most sought-after body styles.

Design and engineering

The heart of the Auburn 12 was the Lycoming BB V12, an all-iron, 45 degree vee engine designed by Auburn chief engineer George Kublin and built by Lycoming (another Cord subsidiary) in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Its narrow 45° bank angle unusual compared to the more common 60° layout—created a tall, narrow profile that fit elegantly under the hood. The engine was noted for its elaborate intake and exhaust manifolding and smooth, torquey delivery that propelled even heavy coachbuilt bodies with ease. It proved reliable and efficient enough to achieve over 100 mph (160 km/h) in top form. The Twelve's chassis used a solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes, and a 132–136 inch (3,353–3,454 mm) wheelbase depending on the body. A standout feature was the optional Columbia two-speed rear axle (often called "Dual Ratio"), which effectively provided six forward gears. Drivers could switch between a 4.5:1 low range and a 3.0:1 high range (overdrive) from the dashboard, improving cruising economy and highway performance. The Lycoming derived V12 (shown here in a later American LaFrance fire truck application) shared the Auburn Twelve's basic architecture and "fire slot" combustion chamber design.

Models and variants

The Auburn Twelve was offered in two primary series with multiple trim levels and body styles:

Total V12 production across all years and variants is estimated at 2,250 units, with the 12–160 series alone accounting for roughly 1,261 cars. Speedsters were especially rare; only about 25 V12-powered speedsters were built in total.[5] A 1933 Auburn 12-165 Salon Speedster, one of only 14 produced and among the rarest variants.

• 1932 (12-160 / 12-160A): Introductory year. Six body styles included coupe, sedan, brougham, phaeton, cabriolet, and boattail speedster. Prices ranged from $975 (coupe) to about $1,295. Wheelbase: 132 inches.
• 1933–1934 (12–161, 12-161A and 12-165 Salon): Refinements included a mesh grille on the 12-161 and a distinctive V-shaped radiator with painted shroud (concealing the cap) on the top-line 12-165 Salon models. Salon variants featured upgraded interiors, two-tone paint, and additional luxury appointments. The boattail speedster remained the flagship sporting body; only about 14 examples of the rare 12-165 Salon boattail speedster were produced.[4]

Performance and reception

Contemporary tests and company demonstrations highlighted the Twelve's capabilities. A 1932 V12 speedster set multiple stock-car speed records at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including a one-mile run at 115 mph. The dual-ratio axle allowed relaxed high-speed cruising while maintaining strong acceleration. Fuel economy was respectable for a large V12, aided by the overdrive gearing. Despite glowing reviews for performance, styling (often credited to designer Alan Leamy), and value, the market largely ignored the car. The low price created a perception problem, and the broader economic collapse limited luxury-car sales. Auburn lost nearly $1 million in 1932 alone.

Legacy

Though short-lived, the Auburn Twelve is remembered as one of the most innovative and value-oriented American luxury cars of the prewar era. Surviving examples, particularly boattail speedsters, are highly prized by collectors and frequently appear at concours events such as the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival. The engine's robust design lived on in American LaFrance fire apparatus into the 1950s, powering emergency vehicles for decades.

Production figures vary slightly among sources due to incomplete factory records from the era; the numbers cited represent the most commonly accepted totals. Many surviving Auburn Twelves have been restored to concours condition, with several holding significant auction records (e.g., a 1933 12-165 Salon Speedster selling for $900,000 in 2024). The car remains a highlight of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club's annual gatherings.

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