Image Credit: RM Sotheby's.Some classic cars are remembered for their performance, while others earn their place in automotive history through unforgettable design. The 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster managed to deliver both, becoming one of the most recognizable American automobiles of the prewar era.With its sweeping fenders, exposed chrome exhaust pipes, and elegant boattail rear, the Auburn looks spectacular even by today's standards. Its styling captures the extravagance of the Art Deco period, when automotive designers were willing to embrace dramatic proportions.Although the Speedster became an icon, it arrived during a difficult period for Auburn Automobile Company. The manufacturer was struggling financially during the Great Depression and hoped that an exclusive, high-performance flagship would revive interest in its lineup.Now, an exceptionally significant example has emerged from a long history of private ownership. RM Sotheby's offers what is recognized as the very first Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster produced, with an estimated value approaching seven figures.An American Automotive LegendImage Credit: RM Sotheby's.Designed by Gordon Buehrig, the Auburn 851 Speedster combined a prominent front grille with sweeping pontoon fenders and a distinctive tapered rear end. Its long hood, low doors, and sharply angled windshield gave it a dramatic appearance unlike most American cars of the period.The example offered by RM Sotheby's carries serial number 851 32050 E, body number U47-200, and supercharger number 1001. These identifying numbers, together with several unusual construction details, support its status as the first production 851 Speedster.Among its distinguishing features are more enclosed front fenders and exhaust pipes emerging through the hood louvers. According to Auburn historian John Ehresman, those exhaust details appeared on only the first four examples.A Supercharged Straight-Eight With 150 HorsepowerImage Credit: RM Sotheby's.Under the lengthy hood sits a supercharged 4.6-liter Lycoming straight-eight producing approximately 150 horsepower. That was impressive output for 1935, particularly in a car designed to combine luxury with genuine high-speed capability.Power reaches the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission and a Columbia dual-ratio rear axle. The system effectively provides two selectable final-drive ratios, giving drivers additional flexibility at different speeds.Each Speedster also carried a dashboard plaque claiming it had reached 100.1 mph before delivery, complete with racer Ab Jenkins' engraved signature. RM Sotheby's acknowledges that the individual testing claim was exaggerated, although Jenkins genuinely exceeded 100 mph in a stock Speedster at Bonneville.Once Purchased For Just $200Image Credit: RM Sotheby's.The car's documented history stretches back to the early 1950s, when Martin Papazian reportedly purchased it for just $200 after an accident. In 1956, it was given to Paul Walker, who owned it for three decades and replaced its damaged original frame during an amateur restoration.Renowned Auburn specialist John Ehresman acquired the vehicle in 1986 and secured Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club certification. Subsequent ownership brought a comprehensive restoration by RM Auto Restoration, completed in 1994.The restored Speedster went on to win major honors, including Best Auburn at the ACD Club National Reunion. More recently, over $15,000 was invested in mechanical and cosmetic improvements between 2025 and 2026.Close To A Million-Dollar Piece Of HistoryRM Sotheby's offered the Auburn as Lot 226 at its 2026 Hershey auction, with an estimated value of $850,000 to $950,000. The auction listing now identifies the vehicle as sold, although the provided information does not disclose its final selling price.Its combination of exceptional provenance, early-production features, and award-winning restoration makes this Auburn particularly desirable. Few surviving examples can claim such a direct connection to the beginning of one of America's most celebrated classic-car designs.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.