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<h1>How to Get Your Auburn Speedster 851 Appraised</h1>
<p>The Auburn Speedster 851 represents one of the most coveted American sports cars of the 1930s, commanding estimated market values between <strong>$80,000 and $90,000</strong> for quality examples. If you own or are considering acquiring one of these iconic vehicles, understanding the appraisal process ensures you have accurate documentation for purchase, sale, insurance, or estate planning purposes.</p>
<h2>Understanding Auburn Speedster 851 Value</h2>
<p>The Auburn Speedster 851 emerged during the late 1930s as a masterpiece of automotive engineering and design. With its sleek aerodynamic body, powerful straight-8 engine, and distinctive styling elements—including a raked windshield and long hood—the Speedster 851 immediately captured automotive enthusiasts' attention. Today, this combination of rarity and engineering excellence positions it as a significant collectible asset.</p>
<p>Only <strong>500 units were produced worldwide</strong> since the model's introduction in 1937, making scarcity a primary value driver. When appraising a classic car like your Auburn, understanding how production numbers directly impact market demand becomes essential. This limited production run, coupled with the passage of decades, means today's surviving examples represent increasingly rare finds in the collectors' market, commanding prices that reflect both their historical significance and relative unavailability.</p>
<div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Valuation Insight</strong></p>
<p>Limited production numbers directly correlate with collector demand. The 500-unit production run for the Speedster 851 creates significant upward pressure on current market values compared to mass-produced contemporaries.</p></div>
<h2>Key Factors That Influence Auburn Speedster 851 Appraisal Value</h2>
<p>Several technical and historical elements directly affect your vehicle's appraisal. Understanding these factors helps you prepare documentation and understand what professional appraisers will examine during their evaluation.</p>
<p><strong>Condition and originality stand as primary value determinants.</strong> An Auburn Speedster 851 in original condition—featuring the factory straight-8 engine, original paint, matching numbers, and unrestored interior—typically commands premium prices within the $80,000-$90,000 range or above. Conversely, vehicles requiring restoration or featuring aftermarket components may fall toward the lower end or below this range. Professional appraisers specializing in <a href="/types/automobile">vintage automobiles</a> examine paint thickness, engine specifications, interior originality, and mechanical functionality to establish baseline condition grades.</p>
<p><strong>Matching numbers represent critical authenticity markers.</strong> Your vehicle's engine block, transmission, frame, and body should all carry corresponding serial numbers. Appraisers verify these numbers against Auburn's historical records to confirm authenticity and rule out unauthorized substitutions. Vehicles with non-matching components experience significant value reductions, sometimes declining 20-30% from comparable matching-number examples.</p>
<p><strong>Documentation and provenance substantially enhance appraisal values.</strong> Title history, ownership records, restoration documentation, and photographs showing the vehicle's evolution all contribute to collector confidence and market positioning. Vehicles with clear ownership histories, original purchase records, or documentation of significant restoration work by known specialists command premiums. When appraising vehicles where you lack extensive documentation, professional appraisers help establish authenticity through technical examination and comparative market analysis.</p>
<table class='appraisal-table'>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Condition Factor</th>
<th>Value Impact</th>
<th>Details</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Original/Matching Numbers</td>
<td>+20-30%</td>
<td>Factory specifications preserved throughout</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Complete Documentation</td>
<td>+10-15%</td>
<td>Title, ownership, restoration records available</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Professional Restoration</td>
<td>Varies</td>
<td>Quality and documentation of work performed</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Non-original Components</td>
<td>-15-30%</td>
<td>Aftermarket or incorrect period parts</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Recent Market Trends and Comparable Sales</h2>
<p>Evaluating your Auburn Speedster 851's current value requires understanding recent market activity. How much is the Auburn 851 Speedster worth today? Current estimates of <strong>$80,000 to $90,000</strong> reflect strong collector demand and consistent appreciation in the classic American sports car market. However, individual examples vary significantly based on condition, mileage, documentation, and specific configuration details.</p>
<p>The classic car market has demonstrated resilience and appreciation over the past decade, with particular strength in rare American marques like Auburn. When researching comparable sales, professional appraisers examine auction results from established venues, private treaty transactions, and dealer inventory to establish market benchmarks. This comparative analysis mirrors the approach used in <a href="/types/personal-property">personal property appraisals</a>, where recent sales of similar items establish fair market value ranges.</p>
<div class="callout note"><p><strong>Market Consideration</strong></p>
<p>Recent auction results provide valuable reference points, though private sales often occur at different price points than public transactions, requiring experienced appraisers to weight multiple data sources appropriately.</p></div>
<h2>Restoration Quality and Its Impact on Valuation</h2>
<p>How do restoration quality and originality affect valuation of a 1930s Auburn Speedster? This question directly influences appraisal outcomes. Original, unrestored vehicles generally command premium prices due to their authenticity and the skills required to preserve them. However, quality restorations by recognized specialists can enhance market appeal and functionality while potentially maintaining or exceeding values of deteriorated original examples.</p>
<p>Professional appraisers distinguish between different restoration philosophies. A conservative restoration respecting original design while improving reliability may enhance value. Conversely, modifications that depart significantly from factory specifications—modern engine swaps, custom interiors, or non-period paint schemes—typically reduce collector value. When seeking an appraisal, transparent documentation of any work performed, including before-and-after photographs and receipts from reputable restoration facilities, helps appraisers accurately assess modifications and their market impact.</p>
<h2>Preparing for Your Auburn Speedster 851 Appraisal</h2>
<p>When scheduling a professional appraisal, proper preparation maximizes accuracy and efficiency. Compile all available documentation, including the title, purchase receipts, maintenance records, restoration documentation, and photographs showing the vehicle's current condition. If you've invested in professional restoration work, gather invoices and detailed reports documenting specifications and materials used.</p>
<p>Ensure your vehicle is clean and mechanically functional for the appraisal appointment. Appraisers need to examine both exterior and interior conditions thoroughly, evaluate the engine's operability, and assess wear patterns that indicate actual usage history. High-resolution photographs from multiple angles—particularly documenting any unusual features, modifications, or areas of concern—provide valuable reference materials for appraisers preparing comprehensive reports.</p>
<div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Preparation Best Practice</strong></p>
<p>Organize all documentation chronologically, including title history, insurance records, and any authentication certificates. This compilation demonstrates diligence and facilitates thorough appraisal evaluation.</p></div>
<h2>Insurance and USPAP-Compliant Documentation</h2>
<p>Why is professional appraisal documentation important for insurance purposes? Insurance companies require <a href="/blog/the-many-uses-of-automotive-appraisal-reports">USPAP-compliant appraisals</a> to establish agreed values and ensure appropriate coverage. Your Auburn Speedster 851, valued at $80,000 to $90,000, requires accurate documentation to protect your investment adequately. Underinsured vehicles face significant financial risk should damage or loss occur.</p>
<p>Professional appraisals from credentialed experts provide insurance companies with defensible valuations based on market analysis, comparable sales, and detailed condition assessment. AppraiseItNow connects you with certified appraisers trained in <a href="/blog/a-simple-guide-to-automobile-appraisal-services">automobile appraisal methodologies</a>, ensuring your appraisal meets USPAP standards and insurance industry requirements. Documentation prepared for insurance purposes also serves sale, estate planning, and tax purposes, making professional appraisal investment versatile and practical.</p>
<h2>Working with Specialized Automobile Appraisers</h2>
<p>Finding qualified appraisers experienced with Auburn and other classic automobiles requires specific attention. Look for appraisers who specialize in <a href="/blog/appraising-vintage-and-collectible-cars-determining-their-true-worth">appraising vintage and collectible cars</a> and possess credentials from recognized organizations like the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) or International Society of Appraisers (ISA). These designations indicate formal training, ethical standards, and commitment to professional practice.</p>
<p>Experienced classic car appraisers understand Auburn's design evolution, recognize significant variations within model years, and maintain current knowledge of market trends. When selecting an appraiser, inquire about their specific experience with 1930s American sports cars, ask for references from previous clients, and verify their familiarity with matching-number authentication and restoration evaluation. The expertise investment results in accurate valuations that protect your interests across all transaction types.</p>
<h2>Tax and Estate Planning Considerations</h2>
<p>Beyond insurance and sale purposes, professional appraisals support tax planning and estate administration. When vehicles factor into estate valuations, probate proceedings, or charitable donation scenarios, documented appraisals provide essential justification for tax purposes. The Internal Revenue Service increasingly scrutinizes valuations for classic vehicles, requiring comprehensive appraisal documentation that explains methodology and supports conclusions.</p>
<p>An appraiser specializing in classic automobiles can prepare documentation suitable for tax professionals, estate attorneys, and financial advisors. This coordination ensures all parties have consistent, well-documented valuations that withstand potential IRS review. For your Auburn Speedster 851, an appraisal establishing its $80,000-$90,000 value provides defensible documentation for whatever purpose you ultimately require.</p>
<hr />
<div class="callout note"><p><strong>Key Takeaway</strong></p>
<p>Professional appraisal of your Auburn Speedster 851 provides accurate market valuation, insurance documentation, and transaction support grounded in expert analysis of this rare American classic. Whether preparing for sale, protecting through insurance, or estate planning, USPAP-compliant appraisals from credentialed specialists ensure your investment receives appropriate recognition and protection.</p></div>
