In an attempt to improve sales of its smooth, powerful 12-cylinder model in the face of the Great Depression, Indiana automaker Auburn introduced a Salon version for 1933.

The Salon was built upon its own specially strengthened chassis with adjustable vacuum-boosted brakes, and sported numerous unique design features, including a racing-inspired vee’d grille smoothly blended into the hoodline, unique headlamp lenses, fenders edged in chrome brightwork, and the iconic and widely copied “ribbon” bumpers.

These were inarguably some of the most beautiful Auburns ever built, as well as among the most expensive and luxurious, and are today among the most desired by collectors.

They are also scarce; the model was produced only for 1933, although retitled leftovers were subsequently sold into 1934.

The Twelve Salon Phaeton offered here was one of the first Auburns to have its body built by the Limousine Body Company, supplier of the company’s convertible coachwork after the firm was reloca...