A road trip for Cummins’ 1935 Auburn sparks keen interest from antique car buffs 

Appreciating historic cars is a passion held by car enthusiasts and organizations the world over. One such organization is the Auburn Cord Duesenberg (ACD) auto club. ACD meets annually to commemorate the historic automobiles that trace their roots back to Connersville "Little Detroit" Indiana. In August, Cummins was invited to display its 1935 white Auburn 655 diesel car at ACD's mini-meet.

"The presence of the Auburn was an overwhelming hit at the event as most did not know Cummins' story with Auburn," said Tim Diehn, Director of Cummins' Service Diagnostics. "We were able to create some buzz and enthusiasm about the car and our company's history, receiving nothing but accolades and appreciation from club members, attendees and even the mayor of Connersville." 

Clessie Cummins, founder of Cummins Engine Co., was known for improving existing diesel engines, creating new diesel engine designs, and setting world records for endurance and speed in trucks, buses and race cars. Perhaps not as well-known was his early success in promoting the efficiency of diesel power in automotive applications. With no diesel-powered passenger cars in production at the time, in 1935 Cummins briefly collaborated with Auburn Automobile Company to install a prototype Cummins Model A six-cylinder diesel for a 1935 Auburn. Using aluminum block and head for a much lighter engine than typical cast-iron diesel engines, the innovative new engine provided fuel efficiency, getting better mileage using less expensive fuel compared to a gasoline counterpart. 

Fact versus fiction

The Cummins-powered 1935 Auburn 655 and its existence has been largely shrouded in mystery. Until recently, only a handful of ACD club members could confirm its existence, as this single pre-production prototype car had been out of circulation and sitting in storage or the company museum for many years. Most of the members had no idea about the venture between Auburn and Cummins and were excited to see the car firsthand and learn that its story is more fact than fiction.

"It was a great opportunity to get Clessie Cummins' vehicle out into the public and share a piece of Cummins' history," said Greg Haines, Cummins' X15 Design and Development Leader, who partnered with Diehn on the road trip. "We even had requests to show the car next year at the famed Labor Day ACD Festival, an international event attended by thousands, held in Auburn, Indiana."  Tim and Greg are part of a group of Cummins engineers who volunteer their time to restore and maintain the collection of historic engines and vehicles at the Cummins' Heritage Center.  

Until its next road trip, the Auburn has returned to the Cummins headquarters in Columbus, Indiana, where it is proudly displayed with other historic company artifacts. There it serves as a reminder to employees and visitors of the many innovations associated with the company over its 103-year history. 

In 1974, the Auburn was "rediscovered" and restored to its current condition and given to J. I. Miller as a 40th Service anniversary gift. July 22, 1974 - J. I. Miller (then Cummins' Chairman) exiting Auburn. 

View more images and learn more about the event!