A complete set of Auburn V-12 Salon cars will be on display for the first time ever at the 2011 Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s (formerly held at Meadow Brook Hall) on Sunday, July 31st. Displayed by automotive collector William U. Parfet, this is the only complete collection in existence of the five body types available in the Salon series: Sedan, Brougham, Cabriolet, Convertible Sedan and Speedster.
“We are very fortunate to have this wonderful collection of rare automobiles,” said Concours d’Elegance of America Car Selection Chairman Brian Joseph. “It’s astounding to see all five cars at the same time.”
The Salon series was a new offering from Auburn in 1933. The most noticeable new features of the Salon design were the addition of chrome moldings on the fender edge, unique bumpers, radiator grille, headlight and cowl lights lenses, and different interior details and instrumentation. The Salon was intended to be an upgrade from the standard models. The 1933 Model 12-165 and the 1934 Model 1250 were both offered with the Salon design.
The Auburn V-12 engine was introduced in 1932 when Auburn and many other manufacturers were competing in the 12- and 16-cylinder market. The engine had an unusual cylinder head and valve design that set it apart from Cadillac, Packard and Pierce-Arrow. The Auburn V-12 engine was a powerhouse. With Abe Jenkins at the wheel of an Auburn Speedster, it set many speed records, some of which survived until after World War II. The engine was later used as a fire truck engine by American LaFrance until the mid-1960s.
After 32 years at Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester, Michigan, the Concours d’Elegance of America will move to The Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan for 2011. The new location will facilitate a larger show field, an on-site luxury hotel and plenty of opportunities for a robust menu of ancillary events.
For more information, visit www.concoursusa.org.
[Source: Concours d’Elegance of America]
