Auburn 8-120 Convertible Coupe
Ražotājs :  |
Auburn |
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Modelis: |
8-120 Convertible Coupe |
Gads: |
1929 |
Tips: |
Cabriolet |
The first Auburn 8-63 was launched in 1925 with 4.5-litre and 60bhp engine.
The Lycoming developed eight cylinder would become the basis for the 1925 Model 8-88
Auburn renamed the 8-88 in 1926 with a 4.8-litre side-valve 88 bhp Lycoming engine. The roadster has a unique third door which allowed easier passenger access to the rumble seat. The 276-cid 88hp straight eight became the basis for what would form the architecture of every Auburn that followed. With the new, powerful 8-88, Auburn went racing with Stutz the primary target of its efforts. While often coming in second to the Car that Made Good in a Day, the Auburn still very much came in first when it came to value, as the list price of an Auburn was less than half of that of a Stutz.
Power is from a 299 cubic-inch Lycoming eight-cylinder engine that delivers 72 horsepower. The wheelbase measures 129 inches and the car weighs 3180 pounds.
In 1928 Auburn introduced two Lycoming-powered eight-cylinder engines, one rated at 88 horsepower and the other at 115 horsepower. These became the bases for the 8-88 Model and the 8-115 Model; their designation obviously in reference to the engine. These new models were given hydraulic drum brakes to aid in stopping power and to help keep the Speedsters in the driver's control. Under the hood was a 299-cid straight eight that made 115hp, two more than Stutz's eight cylinder. Just as significant as the muscle under the hood was the new exterior looks.
The Speedster, making its debut on the 8-115, was like nothing else at the time. A sharply raked V-type windshield sat atop a long hood and high beltline, ending in a tapered tail. Sitting still, it looked fast. And that was the factory body, not a special one-off from a coachbuilder! Hydraulic brakes made their debut as well, bring the whole affair to a swift stop.
The Sport Sedan was a close-coupled blind-quarter sedan with seating for five passengers.
The Model 8's were given a wide-ratio three-speed gearbox and rested on either a 125- or 130-inch wheelbase, depending on the model. The 8-115 had the larger size.
The styling was performed by either Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky or possibly Al Leamy. Al Leamy was a recent addition to the Auburn staff and would become famous in the years to come, with the design of the L-29 Cord automobile.
1929 brought few changes to the Speedsters; they were now known as the 8-90 and the 8-120. The naming scheme varied slightly from prior years, as horsepower was not rated at 96 and 125 respectively, but the names did not necessarily match. This increase in power was due to a change in the fuel system. This 8-90 Speedster is powered by a Lycoming eight-cylinder engine that produces 90 horsepower. The wheelbase measures 125 inches and the car weighs 3,245 pounds.
The company offered new body styles with various configurations including four-passenger victoria. The Victoria was never a very popular body style among Auburn buyers, perhaps due to the relatively small passenger compartment. It was destined to be in production for only one model year. The car was produced in three series. Only 202 Victoria's would be produced.
At midyear in 1929, Auburn announced its progress since Mr. Cord had come to the company in 1924. In just five years total sales had jumped from 2 million dollars to a projected 80 million dollars. 1929 was a great year for the Auburn 8 Models, and enjoyed record sales numbers. The company chose to make minimal changes for the following year, as the cars were selling well and most of their attention was diverted to the upcoming front-wheel drive Cord models. Auburn expanded its operations to Connersville, Indiana, where production began on January 15th of 1929.