The Auburn Boattail Speedster 851 is an iconic vintage car that was produced from 1935-1937. This vehicle is one of the masterpieces of American automobile industry, known for its remarkable design and advanced technology. The Speedster was designed by Gordon Buehrig, one of the leading automotive designers of that era. Under the hood, there's a 4.6-liter inline-eight-cylinder engine with a supercharger, producing 150 horsepower and propelling the car to a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) in the 1930s. This made the Boattail Speedster one of the fastest production cars of its time. The Auburn 851 also featured an aerodynamic bodywork that gave it its distinctive "boat tail" rear end. The production years of this vehicle were marked by several significant events, such as the release of the famous song "Summertime" by George Gershwin and the first airplane flight across the Atlantic by Amelia Earhart.
This 1/18 scale model car, manufactured by ERTL American Muscle Classics, is a detailed replica of the original Auburn Boattail Speedster 851. The miniature car is made of a mix of various materials, ensuring its durability and authentic appearance. This replica captures the unique elegance and style of the original, from the curved bodywork to the meticulously detailed interior. The striking red paintwork and intricately crafted chrome accents make the car particularly desirable to collectors. The exterior mirrors, headlights, and faithfully replicated grille are examples of the high level of precision in crafting this model. The fine reproduction of the air vents and the detailed wheels also significantly contribute to the realistic representation. Any collector who appreciates intricate miniatures will value this model.
The Auburn Boattail Speedster 851 was known for its technical innovations. The supercharged engine mentioned earlier provided the car with exceptional performance for its time. The body was made of aluminum, reducing the vehicle's weight and enhancing its performance. Another technical feature was the "Dual Ratio" rear axle, allowing the driver to choose between two different gear ratios to achieve either higher top speed or better acceleration as needed. This advancement not only made the Speedster fast but also a very driver-friendly automobile. The Auburn 851 was produced in various color variations, but the vibrant red, as seen in the collection model from Modelly member "Mells," was a popular choice.
The model car is interesting not only for its scale accuracy but also for its accurate reproduction of the shapes and colors of the original. It offers collectors, especially those fond of historical vehicle models, a valuable addition to their collection. The level of detail on the wheels, especially the red rims and white tires, is impressive. The interior of the model is also intricately designed, showcasing the cockpit with various instruments and controls. The curved fenders and classic lines of the vehicle are perfectly captured in the miniature version. It's evident that great emphasis was placed on authenticity and precision in making this model, manufactured by ERTL American Muscle Classics. This fine reproduction of one of the most iconic American cars of the early 20th century is a must-have for any serious model car enthusiast.