Despite difficulties in the 1920s, Auburn made a significant impact in 1932 by introducing a new V12 engine. E.L. Cord played a huge part in successfully reorganizing the Auburn Automobile Company out of financial troubles. Cord eventually took ownership of Auburn and by that point, he owned three of the most prominent American automobile companies at the time, Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg. Cord wanted an automobile capable of competing with the likes of Packard and Cadillac, and it was the perfect opportunity to build a car that would neatly fit the value-leading Auburn philosophy.
The 12-160, their most powerful model to date, boasted 160 horsepower from a 391.2 cubic inch engine. Designed and built by Lycoming, a subsidiary of the Cord Corporation, this V12 featured an intriguing design with a narrow 45-degree V-angle and a nearly horizontal valve train that resembled an overhead cam design despite the cam being in the middle of the block. To manage the increased power the 12-160 chassis was equipped with hydraulic internally expanding drum brakes, variable-ratio steering gear, 17-inch wheels, and an optional dual-ratio rear axle on top-line models. Auburn priced their new V12 competitively, costing less than a contemporary eight-cylinder Dodge. Due to its reasonable price, many units were exported from the United States, particularly to Europe.
Given the influence of Cord and Duesenberg on Auburn, it’s no surprise the cars were capable of special modification. Duesenberg had already established its engineering capabilities with Indy 500 wins and the Mormon Meteor land speed record car. Auburn had been building their famed Speedster for a few years now as well. Auburn undoubtedly used engineering aspects of Duesenberg in the development of the Twelve. While famous for their road cars, Auburn did build a handful of racecars, including a reported entry for the 1932 Indy 500 that ultimately crashed and did not race. Additionally, a few eight-cylinder cars were also constructed as racecars proving Auburn’s versatility like their sister company, Duesenberg.
This remarkable vehicle was constructed in the late 1940s by Georges Bigata, who grew up working in his family's compressed natural gas business in Bordeaux, France. Bigata discovered an Auburn 12-160 chassis in the French countryside and recognized that converting it into a powerful automobile powered by his family’s product would attract business. With the help of his son Marc, Bigata lowered the Auburn’s chassis, bringing it closer to the ground, while retaining the original 12-cylinder engine.
The unique, monoposto-inspired body of the Auburn is entirely hand-formed aluminum, featuring concealed headlights behind a shapely Delahaye-like grille and a fully instrumented dashboard. The body was designed and built by Marcel Dassault, who was a close friend of the Bigata family and a renowned figure in the French aircraft industry. Beginning in the First World War, Dassault was essential to the French war effort, helping to arm their Air Force. Despite facing persecution during the war, Dassault continued his work post-war and formed Dassault Aviation, continuing to develop aircraft for the French well into the 1960s. To this day Dassault Aviation is still a well-respected aircraft manufacturer producing defense and private aircraft, including Falcon business jets.
Initially, the engine ran on compressed natural gas from two large tanks which necessitated the curved full-figured shape of the bodywork. Power is delivered through a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, reportedly allowing the Bigata Douze to reach a top speed of nearly 200 km/h. Georges completed the car in 1949, a remarkably quick turnaround. According to correspondence with a relative of Bigata, he entered his creation in the 1949 Bordeaux Grand Prix and won the race.
The car was later discovered by enthusiast André Varenne who returned it to functional order and showcased it at various historic events. Legendary motorsport figures, such as Juan Manuel Fangio, have test-driven the car with photographs of Fangio behind the wheel featured in several magazine articles within the history file. Mr. Varenne parted with the car in 2008 and shortly after it was converted to run on conventional gasoline for ease of operation under the care of a collection in the Netherlands.
Recently the Bigata was reappropriated to the United States where it has received mechanical recommissioning. In its current condition, the Dassault aluminum body shines in the sun, the patina has been left untouched to not disturb the story this car has amassed. The large wire wheels are imposing, adding to the scale of the car and monoposto-style look, and have been fitted with new Firestone tires as part of the recommissioning. The deep rumble of the twelve-cylinder is very apparent thanks to the straight piped exhaust fitted by Bigata as well. The cockpit utilizes a red leather bench seat and shifter modified by Bigata. The aircraft-inspired dash carries full instrumentation easily allowing the driver to monitor the operation of the vehicle. Lastly, “G. Bigata Special Douze” badging adorns different parts of the motorcar, truly displaying its uniqueness.
Storied with a past of racing and innovation, this Auburn Twelve Special truly is a distinct piece of Franco-American engineering. From aircraft-inspired looks to its race history in the French wine country, the Auburn remains essentially as it was found with a marvelous patina and brimming with character. It is a fascinating expression of French aviation and American engineering and would make an eye-catching centerpiece to any collection.
Offers welcome and Trades Considered
$275,000
Stock number 7689
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