As you may recall, I indicated on New Year’s Eve that I wanted to share with you a series of stories surrounding the rich automotive history here in Connersville. This is the first in that series and we’ll begin with a company that grew out of a 19th century carriage maker.

The company was named after the community in which two innovative automakers and brothers, Frank & Morris Eckhart, lived. The Auburn Motor Company came to Connersville in early 1929 when a salesman, E.L. Cord, came to check out an existing—and empty—auto plant to expand their factory. Production of almost 23,000 vehicles started in early 1929 and the company profited $3.5 million. Central Manufacturing, located in Connersville, built the Auburn bodies. And McFarlan, also located in Connersville, added final embellishments to higher end models.

In 1931, 32,301 vehicles shipped. Sales struggled for the next few years, but in the midst of those struggles emerged, as Richard Stanley calls “one of the most collectible cars of all time, the supercharged 851 Boattail Speedster.” Rumor has it, Stanley notes, that after being assembled, the car was driven on Highway 1 North where it was clocked going 100+ mph (Highway 1 was one lane gravel, one lane concrete).

Despite the exciting endeavors and innovations, the Great Depression’s dramatic and devastating effects on the automobile industry caught up to the company, which was forced to close in 1936. Although the company is gone now, it is far from being forgotten. Generations of skilled workers stemmed from Auburn, burying its roots firmly in the heart of Connersville.

If you have any stories you wish to share about Auburn, we’d love to hear your comments below. If you have accompanying photos, please email them to contact@carbonmotors.com.

Stacy Dean Stephens
Co-Founder and Sales Development Manager
Carbon Motors Corporation

Add a Comment

Carbon Council

Join The Carbon Council and you can provide feedback, make suggestions, participate in contests, surveys, forums, design reviews and more.

» Learn More