Summary

The recipient of a restoration with incredible upgrades, including power steering and dual master hydraulic brakes. Fully restored and sorted incredible touring car equipped with the original freewheeling option and exhaust cutout.

Details

Known as 'The McCleary Special,' this 1931 Auburn 8-98A cabriolet was purchased by William E. McCleary on October 8, 1988, for $12,500. It came from California from a long-term owner who had not driven the car, intending on restoring it but never quite getting to it. McCleary set out on a comprehensive and fully documented nut-and-bolt restoration of the car that was completed in 1995. The engine was torn down and fully rebuilt. The undercarriage and suspension were restored to factory-new standards and the chrome, interior and exterior were restored. A tan top was installed, but McCleary changed it to a black top years later. The years passed and, as he got older, McCleary still enjoyed touring the car but wanted to make some improvements to safety as well as drivability. The car was sent to a specialist and had a host of modifications done that did not take away from its matching-numbers originality. The original engine was left in, but a power steering system was fashioned. Additionally, the brakes were converted to hydraulic with a dual master cylinder. The 8-cylinder header was designed to accommodate the changes and was mated to twin carburetors for more horsepower. 'The McCleary Special' is well known in the ACD community and has participated in several ACD and CCCA tours. It is fully eligible for certification - even with the performance upgrades, it still possesses its original engine, frame and coachwork. It is the ideal Full Classic CCCA touring car. None of the modifications are apparent without lifting the hood or performing a detailed inspection. This car is offered for sale for the first time since October 8, 1988. Photos of the entirety of the restoration are included with the car in a binder, as well as an owner's manual and a service manual.