THE CAR AND ITS OWNER
1936 Auburn boattail speedster replica owned by Ralph Scancarelli
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
With its rakish grille, pontoon fenders and sloping tail, the Auburn speedster – known as the Model 852 – has one of the most recognizable shapes in the collector car world. The cars were also known for their advanced engineering and developed quite a reputation in racing circles. While Auburn ended production after 1936, the speedster has lived on through a number of “replicar” manufacturers, starting in 1968 with Glenn Pray’s Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company. Like other replicas, Scancarelli’s car sports modern underpinnings: a 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine with automatic transmission, power steering, a modified General Motors chassis, full coil spring suspension, and front disc and rear drum brakes. The cream white body is hand-laid fiberglass and the speedster also features custom-painted red wheels, custom leather interior, power windows, and heating and air conditioning. “It’s a unique deco design,” says Scancarelli. “A real eye-catcher.”
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Scancarelli has owned the car since 2011. “It took around a year to build, from start to finish,” he says. “I was researching it for over two years and my wife gave me the OK to purchase it.”
WHERE HE FOUND IT
“I found a factory in Florida that builds Auburns,” he says. “They produce around seven cars a year. I took a family vacation to meet the owner at the factory. I test-drove it and asked a lot of questions. I worked out a price with the options I wanted. Throughout the building process, he sent me updated pictures. When the car was ready, I went to Florida to inspect and drive it, and then had the car transported by truck.”
CONDITION
“It’s a custom, factory-made replica built to original specs with modern options and low miles,” he says.
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“When buying a new or used car, always do your homework,” Scancarelli advises. “Whether researching online or in person, ask a lot of questions and make sure you get the right answers.”
VALUE
“The Auburn I purchased was $95,000,” he says. “You can find used replica Auburns for around $35,000 to $60,000, depending on mileage, condition and options. Original 1936 Auburns go for about $400,000 and up.”
THE BOTTOM LINE
“I feel like I’m going back in time,” Scancarelli says. “The car is very unique. I always enjoyed looking at older cars. I also remember my grandfather telling me stories of cars he wished he’d kept. The deco lines of the car are so unique it’s like rolling artwork. Purchasing a replica Auburn gave me the opportunity to enjoy a classic car with all the modern performance at a price I can afford. I look to have many more years of enjoyment with the car, with my kids and going to car shows and cruise nights.”
1936 Auburn boattail speedster replica owned by Ralph Scancarelli
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
With its rakish grille, pontoon fenders and sloping tail, the Auburn speedster – known as the Model 852 – has one of the most recognizable shapes in the collector car world. The cars were also known for their advanced engineering and developed quite a reputation in racing circles. While Auburn ended production after 1936, the speedster has lived on through a number of “replicar” manufacturers, starting in 1968 with Glenn Pray’s Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company. Like other replicas, Scancarelli’s car sports modern underpinnings: a 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine with automatic transmission, power steering, a modified General Motors chassis, full coil spring suspension, and front disc and rear drum brakes. The cream white body is hand-laid fiberglass and the speedster also features custom-painted red wheels, custom leather interior, power windows, and heating and air conditioning. “It’s a unique deco design,” says Scancarelli. “A real eye-catcher.”
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Scancarelli has owned the car since 2011. “It took around a year to build, from start to finish,” he says. “I was researching it for over two years and my wife gave me the OK to purchase it.”
WHERE HE FOUND IT
“I found a factory in Florida that builds Auburns,” he says. “They produce around seven cars a year. I took a family vacation to meet the owner at the factory. I test-drove it and asked a lot of questions. I worked out a price with the options I wanted. Throughout the building process, he sent me updated pictures. When the car was ready, I went to Florida to inspect and drive it, and then had the car transported by truck.”
CONDITION
“It’s a custom, factory-made replica built to original specs with modern options and low miles,” he says.
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“When buying a new or used car, always do your homework,” Scancarelli advises. “Whether researching online or in person, ask a lot of questions and make sure you get the right answers.”
VALUE
“The Auburn I purchased was $95,000,” he says. “You can find used replica Auburns for around $35,000 to $60,000, depending on mileage, condition and options. Original 1936 Auburns go for about $400,000 and up.”
THE BOTTOM LINE
“I feel like I’m going back in time,” Scancarelli says. “The car is very unique. I always enjoyed looking at older cars. I also remember my grandfather telling me stories of cars he wished he’d kept. The deco lines of the car are so unique it’s like rolling artwork. Purchasing a replica Auburn gave me the opportunity to enjoy a classic car with all the modern performance at a price I can afford. I look to have many more years of enjoyment with the car, with my kids and going to car shows and cruise nights.”
RSS Feed
