1931/15 Auburn 8-98 Sturtevant Aero Sports | The Iconic Sale 2026 | 14th Nov 2026

A remarkable one-off special, pairing an underslung 1931 Auburn chassis with a circa 1915 Sturtevant 9.8-litre V8 aero engine. Handcrafted in brushed aluminium and a 2020 Beaulieu Concours winner.

It is the engine that first captures the imagination. At 9.8-litres, the Sturtevant Model 5A V8 fills the Auburn’s long bonnet and gives this special a presence quite unlike that of a conventional vintage sports car. Dating from circa 1915, the water-cooled, side-valve aero engine was acquired from Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg specialist, Glenn Pray, in Oklahoma - the engine was unused new old stock when sourced for the project. It is quoted as producing 140bhp at just 1,400rpm, a figure that hints at the considerable torque available.

The car was constructed by an engineer and enthusiast over approximately three years. Its starting point was a 1931 Auburn 8-98 chassis found in Ypres, Belgium, where it had reportedly been put to use as a farm trailer. The chassis was inverted and underslung to give the finished car its low stance, while the Auburn front axle was retained. Simon Parker made the brushed aluminium bodywork, with removable panels providing access to the mechanical components - there is even a small luggage compartment.

Much of the pleasure of this Auburn lies in exploring how its disparate parts have been brought together. The Sturtevant has an electric starter operating on a bespoke flywheel. Its two ignition systems comprising magneto and battery/coil arrangements. Pumped lubrication, a Castrol R dripper for the upper cylinders, two electric cooling fans and a standby electric water pump form part of the installation.

Drive passes through a dual-paddle clutch to a Ford MT75 five-speed synchromesh gearbox. A Jaguar E-Type final drive has been adapted for twin chain drive to the bespoke rear axle. The 35-inch wheels, spoked to modified Auburn hubs, were made in New Zealand and Auburn drum brakes, fitted with additional cooling fins, are operated by concealed Land Rover hydraulics with servo assistance. Electric power steering, a detachable steering wheel and a stainless steel exhaust complete a specification conceived to make this substantial machine enjoyable to use.

The Auburn was shown at the opening of the new wing of the Sammy Miller Museum in 2018 and won a concours award at Beaulieu in 2020. It has also appeared at CarFest, Sherborne and the Festival of Giants. Our vendor describes it as 'easy to start and great fun' and wherever it goes, its immense aero V8 and purposeful aluminium bodywork are certain to attract a crowd.

Offered with a UK V5C registration document, it is accompanied by a full set of wings and lights. For someone seeking an individual vintage special with a fascinating engineering story, this 9.8-litre Auburn would be a memorable addition to any Collection.