If These Cars Could Talk: 1934 Auburn 652X Brougham

Join us for an in-depth look at the many automobiles in our collection and discover their part in our history. If These Cars Could Talk is a monthly program offered by museum staff for free to the public on the first Saturday of each month.

The 1934 Auburn was the last model that company designer Alan Leamy penned for the Auburn Automobile Company. Compared to his previous designs, it was his smoothest and most streamlined yet. It stood out with its split radiator grills and “Bear claw”-like hood louvers. It was also the first time since 1930 that Auburn included a six-cylinder engine in its lineup. They produced four models, the 652X and 652Y equipped with the six-cylinder engine, and the 850X and 850Y paired with the eight-cylinder engine. The primary difference between the “X” and “Y” were trim and interior options. However, company officials and overall public perception disliked the design, and production of the 1934 line stopped midyear in July. In total, 7,275 Auburns were produced in 1934. Only 1,295 of those were the 652X designation, and only 413 were of the brougham body style. Only two 652X broughams are known to exist today.

This presentation will be held in the museum galleries next to the car from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2022   and is offered to all patrons for free with museum admission. For more information, including the specific location of the presentation, please call ahead at 260-925-1444 or see an associate at the admission desk.