Priced at $2,245, the 1936 Auburn 852 SC Speedster was marketed as a "loss leader" intended to stimulate showroom traffic. This high performance package flaunted a flamboyant design. It featured a racked windshield, tapered "boat tail" rear end, pontoon fenders, cutout doors, chrome trim, and four showy, chrome-plated exhaust pipes.

It was powered by a 4.6L straight eight that, with the popular supercharger option (150 hp), could top 100 mph.

The Auburn Speedster set more than 70 speed records. With racing driver Ab Jenkins at the wheel, one traveled at 100 mph average speed for 12 hours. Jenkins was the first American to achieve this endurance record. In commemoration of this accomplishment, each 852 Speedster was embellished with a dash plaque bearing Ab Jenkins' signature and a guarantee stating that the vehicle was capable of achieving the 100 mph mark.

With the car's $2,245 sticker price, the Auburn Automobile Company lost about $300 on each sale — a hit that likely contributed to the company's demise in 1937. Today, the 1936 Auburn 852 SC has an estimated value of $600,000.

• Wheelbase, inches: 127.0
• Weight, lbs: 3,746
• Length, inches: 194.4
• Width, inches: 71.5
• Height, inches: 58.0
• Production: 1,263
• Base price: $2,245
• Current Value: $600,000

• Displacement: 4589 cc / 280.0 in³
• Engine: Water Cooled, Inline-8
• Compression ratio: 6.5:1
• Horsepower @ rpm: 150.1 hp @ 4000 rpm
• Suspension: Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Hydraulic Dampers
• Torque @ rpm: 230.0 @ 2750 rpm
• Transmission: 3-Speed Manual

• Top Speed, mph: 104.0 mph
• 0-60 mph, sec: 15.0 seconds