1931 Auburn 8-98A Custom Speedster
Alan Leamy’s redesign brought Auburn’s boattail speedster into its second generation with dramatic flair, the 1931 iteration featuring a radically low profile, sharply raked V-windscreen, and the distinctive tapered tail that became one of the most recognizable silhouettes of the early 1930s.
A disappearing convertible top and sweeping fenders emphasized the sporting character while preserving full open-car drama.
Riding on a 127-inch wheelbase, the Custom 8-98A was powered by a 268-cubic-inch Lycoming inline-eight producing approximately 98 horsepower, paired with a three-speed manual transmission. The Custom designation brought free-wheeling capability and upgraded trim and equipment compared to the standard 8-98.
Despite Depression-era economics, Auburn recorded comparatively strong sales in 1931, with the boattail speedster serving as an accessible entry into high-performance motoring versus far costlier European exotics.
Priced significantly above Auburn’s more conventional offerings, the Custom 8-98A still undercut many rivals while delivering genuine 1930s sports-car presence.
Few authentic examples from the inaugural 1931 model year survive today, and many later recreations further underscore how scarce original second-generation Leamy speedsters truly are.
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