Auburn Boat Tail Speedster
by Glenn Pray
VIN A866 - 171
Just 4,640 Original Miles
Indisputably the finest Glenn Pray Auburn Boat Tail Speedster available on the market. It is believed that only 54 of 114 examples exist. This beautifully hand built A866 was completed on June 23, 1976 and has all its original Auburn factory parts on a rolling FMC chassis powered by a Lincoln Continental 460 engine and top loaded floor shift automatic transmission. Recently acquired from a prominent and discriminating collection its current owner commissioned The Last Detail to complete a thorough, no expense spared, re-commissioning in early 2015 after being on static display for decades.
Every aspect of this vehicle was inspected and, regardless of costs, sorted out to assure there exists no comprise to authenticity, performance and safety. All engine, mechanical and electric components including brakes, master and wheel cylinders, pumps, filters, shocks, seals, gaskets, hoses, cooling system, electricals and even the internal transmission seals were rebuilt and/or replaced using NOS parts. New period correct Diamond Back radial tires were fitted together with all fresh leather to the seats and door panels and the canvas convertible top, tonneau cover and carpet to factory specifications. The engine and frame still bear the original and readable factory engine and chassis labels and its original lacquer paint and bright work is in near flawless condition. Tippes Speed Lights, twin Universal Mfg. spot lights and wing deflectors compliment both the appearance and functionality. New period correct Stewart-Warner gauges were installed and the SW originals, including the sealed odometer at 4,297 miles, accompany this vehicle together with documented ownership history, an unbroken record of all service and repair invoices and original factory brochures.
The working but bulky engine bay factory air conditioning components were removed. They can be easily being re-connected. Cosmetics are wonderful and the original lacquer finish, pin stripped waist-line accents and bright work are terrific.
In 1960 Glenn Pray bought the Auburn Cord Duesenberg factory and all its original parts inventory, shop drawings, bucks and jigs, to create, as astute automobile collector and former Ford Chairman Lee Iacocca stated, A continuation of an American Classic. Due to an omission in the purchase of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company the Auburn Boat Tail Speedster trade mark lapsed into public domain allowing kit car builders to make replicas with re-manufactured parts. This is not a kit car. The same omission in protecting a trade mark occurred with Carroll Shelby Cobra and the Ford GT 250 allowing replicas into the market.