More Classics

One of the great American classics is this 1935 Auburn Boattail Speedster 810, powered by a supercharged straight eight engine with magnificent body by Gordon Buehrig, largely made up of elements from his Duesenberg designs. About 500 Speedsters were built and sold for $2,245. An excellent one is now worth more than $100,000. All eight and 12-cylinder Auburns are classics, according to the Classic Car Club of America. The Auburn was built 1900-36.

The most revered nameplate in American automotive history is arguably the Duesenberg, America's answer to Britain's Rolls-Royce and France's Bugatti. This 1936 Duesenberg SSJ Bobtailed Speedster was owned by Hollywood star Clark Gable. One of only two Duesenberg Speedsters built on a shorter 125 wheelbase, the supercharged Speedster was assembled by factory workers who fashioned a Duesenberg body to fit a Cord wheelbase. All Duesenbergs are classics. Duesenbergs were built 1920-37.

Gordon Buehrig's most famous design was the Cord 810 and 812, the so-called "coffin-nose" Cord. Here is a 1937 Cord 812, powered by a Lycoming V-8. The car was famous for its low, modern styling and front-wheel drive. All Cords are designated classics. The Cord was built 1929-32 and 1936-37.