In the tradition of great artists who became truly famous only after their death, Alan Leamy of the Auburn Automobile Company left behind 33 brief years of startling innovation in body contours—a portfolio that was appreciated in its time, but only became legendary decades after his passing in 1935.

The lines he created matched his personality: a boisterous lady’s man, Leamy was a consummate car enthusiast with an eye for simple elegance.

Leamy’s finest design at Auburn was the company’s second generation “boattail” speedster.

The original model, introduced in 1928, had been a smash sensation with its angled door lines, two-tone color scheme, and swept-back pointed tail that practically commanded the owner to test its 100-mph top speed.

Leamy’s successor model featured more rounded, graceful lines with a blunted tail, creating a sensuous curve that wrapped around the rear of the car.

Most prominently, Leamy made no attempt to hide the length of the Auburn’s hood, using the stretch...