E.L. Cord

1935 model 851 Salon Phaeton Sedan, manufactured by the Union City Body Company, then shipped to Connersville, Indiana, where final assembly was accomplished. In all, the Connersville plant assembled 6,316 Auburns, which included 627 Phaetons of all trim levels. Today, the eight cylinder Auburns are among the cars recognized by the Classic Car Club of America as Full Classics. According to the research done by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club, fewer than 25 -  851 and 852 Phaetons are known to exist today.

1934 Auburn Twelve Salon Cabriolet

1933 - 34 Salon Phaeton Models

Presented to Babe Ruth at Yankee Stadium.

In 1929 E.L. Cord assembled a holdings company called The Cord Corporation. The holdings would eventually total 150 Companies including Auburn, Duesenberg, Central Manufacturing, Lycoming Engine, limousine Body, Union City Body Company, Columbia Axle and Checker Cab. In the 1930's he added Stinson Aircraft Company, Century Airlines, American Airways which later became American Airlines and New York Shipbuilding Corp.

Salon Cabriolet from the 1930's film "The Mayor of Hell" with James Cagney at the wheel.

In 1924, a group of investors enlisted E.L. Cord to salvage the faltering Auburn Automobile Company. He took over the general manager position at no salary with the provision to acquire a controlling interest in the Company if his efforts were successful. Cord had the large stock of unsold cars repainted in bright attractive colors. Sales moved forward, and by 1926, Cord was president of the company.

The 1933-34 Salon models are very unique in as the body, headlights, interior trim, wheels, frame, brakes, and bumpers are different from standard models. Salon models represented Auburns attempt to provide the market with an upscale Auburn.

851 PHAETON

1934 Auburn Twelve Salon Brougham

Salons were available as eight and twelve cylinder cars in 1933 and 1934. The most identifiable features separating Salons from Custom and Standard Auburns are the Salon's more sweeping front fenders and shorter grille shell, and of course the  "Mustache Bumper" on the early models.

Babe Ruth with his 1926 8-88 Auburn Roadster

Auburn Salons were not production line Automobiles and were hand built like a Duesenberg