Relive the Glory of the Classics – Rent a 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster
Auburn was an American automobile manufacturer that produced automobiles from 1900 to 1936. Like many other early automobile manufacturers, Auburn automobiles were created by horse-drawn carriage manufacturers Frank and Morris Eckhart of Eckhart Carriage Co. Early Models car dealerships were experiments as they were handcrafted cars and distributing them only in the Auburn area.
Over time, Auburn cars became known for their advanced engineering and striking appearance.
The styles of this car were mainly designed by notable car designers Gordon Buehrig and Alan Mealy. These imaginative designers were hired by Erret Loban Cord when he ran the company from 1924 to 1937. The advanced engine was a flat-mount single-cylinder placed in the center of the car and produced 10 hp (7.5 kW). An A.2 speed planetary transmission was also fitted to complement the features of the Boattail Speedster.
Due to material shortages during World War I, in addition to the financial fallout in the depression-era market, manufacturing at Auburn became too expensive, and the plant eventually had to close. Today, however, its art deco headquarters in Auburn has been converted into an automobile museum and became a National Historic Landmark in 2005.
But even with the car company’s untimely demise, its legacy of creating classic cars has been immortalized by the imprint its products left on American culture. In movies and television only, Fred Astaire can be seen driving a Cord 810 Convertible in the 1937 musical comedy film “A Damsel in Distress.” And in the 1974 movie “The Great Gatsby,” Bruce Dern was seen sailing a 1927 Auburn 8-88.
The 1936 Auburn Speedster also appeared in many Remington Steele episodes as the designated company car. Remington Steele, I might add, was the television series starring Pierce Brosnan. The role eventually got him compared to Roger Moore, which then led to him being considered and ultimately landing the coveted role of the suave super spy, Agent 007 himself, James Bond.
In addition to this, the 1984 Indiana Jones installment “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”, the Speedster also appeared in the opening scene as the car driven by the character Short Round.
It’s truly unfortunate that America’s revered cars were killed off prematurely by the Great Depression, especially when the plug was pulled at the height of these cars’ automotive life. However, it is comforting to know that the remains of its greatness can still be felt and relived in none other than the magical city of Las Vegas. Here, the glory days of the Speedster are rejuvenated once again in the showrooms (and then on the road) of classic rental cars.
Rental car dealers in the city offer you a wide range of rides, from classic to exotic to luxury types. And here in Las Vegas, you’re sure to find an Auburn Speedster waiting for you to give you that crazy spin from the 1920s. It is also a pleasure to know that these car rental companies also offer a lot of services on their easily accessible websites. Information on car models, rental prices, policies and reservations can be acquired on these websites. VIP offers such as a personal driver, 24-hour emergency access and pick-up services are possible on request.
So, for whatever reason, take a ride in a classic rental. If you’re a Remington Steele fan and loved that Pierce Brosnan drove this car, you’re sure to enjoy spinning this baby’s wheels. Or even if you’re just a classic car lover, there’s no reason for you to venture off the road and into one of these great American classics.