Known as "The McCleary Special," this 1931 Auburn 8-98A cabriolet was purchased by William E.

McCleary on October 8, 1988, for $12,500.

It came from California from a long-term owner who had not driven the car, intending on restoring it but never quite getting to it.

McCleary set out on a comprehensive and fully documented nut-and-bolt restoration of the car that was completed in 1995.

The engine was torn down and fully rebuilt.

The undercarriage and suspension were restored to factory-new standards and the chrome, interior and exterior were restored.

A tan top was installed, but McCleary changed it to a black top years later.

The years passed and, as he got older, McCleary still enjoyed touring the car but wanted to make some improvements to safety as well as drivability.

The car was sent to a specialist and had a host of modifications done that did not take away from its matching-numbers originality.

The original engine was left in, but a power steering system was fashioned....