1982 build by California Custom Coach. 400 cubic inch Ford V8 with C6 automatic transmission. Power steering, power disc brakes. Top and side curtains included. Striking, fun, and easy to maintain, this Auburn replica delivers!

The original Auburn speedsters were the Lamborghinis of their era—low slung, fast, and dramatic—and were designed for people who wanted to get noticed. The final iteration of the Auburn speedster, the 851/852 of 1935-36 were easily the most dramatic, combining the boat-tail styling with swept-back fenders, exterior side pipes, and a minimalist attitude that suggested speed was the only goal. Today real Auburn speedsters are knocking on the seven-figure door, meaning that if you’re a person of more modest means, a replica might be the smarter choice. This handsome Auburn replica was built by California Custom Coach in 1982 using primarily Ford components for everyday usability and reliability. The fiberglass bodywork was apparently built using molds pulled from a real 851 speedster, so it’s quite accurate with good proportions and none of the “kit car” look that plagues so many other replicas. It also feels substantial, with doors that close with a solid THUNK, good panel fit, and a nice shine to the two-tone paint, which is now more than 40 years old. A lot of chrome and stainless trim helps replicate the authentic Auburn look, right down to the taillights, which proudly spell out AUBURN on their lenses. As far as replicas go, this is one of the better ones we’ve seen.

The interior sticks to the Auburn formula—two seats and not much else to slow it down. With the rear-hinged doors it’s easy to get behind the wheel, and with a tilt steering column, getting comfortable is not a problem. You sit low, but the raked-back windshield and wind wings do a good job of controlling wind, so it’s comfortable to drive at speed. The bench seat is covered in burgundy vinyl, so it’s durable (it’s an open car, after all) but is showing some cracking after 44 years. Nothing that needs attention, but it’s not perfect. The door panels and carpets, however, are still excellent. The banjo-style steering wheel features a real Auburn horn button and a tan leather wrap, and engine-turned panels do a fine job of replicating the original Auburn look. Newer gauge from Classic Instruments monitor the engine’s vitals, although the temperature gauge is not working properly—possibly a sending unit issue. There’s also a Lokar shifter on the floor to help with the vintage feel, as well as a floor-mounted hand brake. There is no radio, no A/C, but it does have a small heater tucked under the dash for cool night drives. There’s also decent storage behind the seat in the boattail section of the body, accessible by a rear golf bag door or the flip-up decklid, and it holds the removable convertible top and side curtains, just in case.

Mechanically, this Auburn is all late-model Ford underneath. The engine is a 400 cubic inch V8, likely taken from an ‘80s Lincoln or full-sized Ford. That means easy parts availability, reliable operation, and simple maintenance. There’s a 2-barrel carburetor on top and we just replaced the intake manifold with a new aluminum Edelbrock unit to replace the original cast iron unit, which were notorious for cracking. There’s a big radiator up front so it stays cool, and both power steering and power front disc brakes are part of the package (the brakes are a bit touchy at low speeds—the power boost system was obviously built for a much heavier car). The side pipes are not functional, but it does have a dual exhaust system that sounds suitably muscular with twin outlets below the bodywork in back. The chassis is a modified Ford unit, lengthened to a 127 inch wheelbase to match the Auburn and using plenty of reinforcements to make it sturdy. The front suspension is familiar Ford stuff and there’s a C6 3-speed automatic transmission feeding a tough Ford 9-inch rear end with what we believe to be 2.75 gears inside. Floors and rockers are fiberglass, so they obviously don’t rust (and it’s not like this car ever saw a lot of inclement weather), and there’s a fabricated fuel cell hanging in back. 15-inch chrome wire wheels help with the vintage illusion, and they carry 235/75/15 wide whitewall radials for more contemporary ride and handling.

Extras include some articles and documentation on California Custom Coach.

The look is unmistakable and with modern hardware underneath, this Auburn replica makes for high style without the high style headaches. It’s easy to drive and has modern car performance, so it’s quite usable without fears of being a rolling road block in ancient machinery. And, of course, the $955,000 discount compared to a real one is kind of nice. Jump in and start having fun. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.

NOTE: This vehicle is titled as a 1982 Auburn.