What year did the Eckhart Carriage Company, the forerunner of the Auburn Automobile Company, begin operations?
- 1874
- 1890
- 1900
- 1910
Correct Answer: 1874
Correct Answer Explanation: The Eckhart Carriage Company was founded in Auburn, Indiana, in 1874 by Charles Eckhart. The Eckhart brothers later expanded into automobiles, creating the Auburn Automobile Company.
What did the Auburn Automobile Company’s early models resemble?
- Modern luxury cars
- Horse-drawn carriages
- Motorcycles
- Electric cars
Correct Answer: Horse-drawn carriages
Correct Answer Explanation: The Auburn Automobile Company’s early models were built upon the foundation of the Eckhart Carriage Company, inheriting design elements and construction techniques from the traditional horse-drawn carriages of the era.
What caused the Auburn Automobile Company to temporarily cease operations during World War I?
- Labor strikes
- A major fire at the factory
- Competition from European manufacturers
- Material shortages
Correct Answer: Material shortages
Correct Answer Explanation: During World War I, the Auburn Automobile Company faced significant challenges due to material shortages, as resources were directed towards the war effort. This forced the company to temporarily halt production.
Who was the investor who took over the Auburn Automobile Company in 1919?
- Errett Lobban Cord
- Frank Eckhart
- Morris Eckhart
- Ralph Austin Bard
Correct Answer: Ralph Austin Bard
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1919, a group of Chicago investors led by Ralph Austin Bard, who later served as a prominent figure in the US Navy, acquired the Auburn Automobile Company.
What event triggered a shift in ownership of Auburn Automobile in 1924?
- The company’s inability to meet its financial obligations
- The invention of a revolutionary new car design
- A decline in the popularity of automobiles
- A surge in demand for military vehicles
Correct Answer: The company’s inability to meet its financial obligations
Correct Answer Explanation: The Auburn Automobile Company faced financial difficulties in the early 1920s, leading to a search for new ownership. This ultimately brought Errett Lobban Cord into the picture, who would later become a major player in the company’s history.
What nickname did Errett Lobban Cord have, reflecting his business acumen?
- “The Car Whisperer”
- “The Automobile Tycoon”
- “The Salesman”
- “The Auto Innovator”
Correct Answer: “The Salesman”
Correct Answer Explanation: Errett Lobban Cord earned the nickname “The Salesman” due to his exceptional salesmanship and ability to successfully market automobiles. His skills would be instrumental in his takeover and transformation of the Auburn Automobile Company.
Which of these car brands was NOT part of Errett Lobban Cord’s automotive empire?
- Duesenberg
- Cord
- Packard
- Auburn
Correct Answer: Packard
Correct Answer Explanation: Errett Lobban Cord’s automotive empire included Auburn, Duesenberg, and Cord, but not Packard. Packard was a separate, established American luxury car brand, while Cord’s companies aimed for a more niche market with their distinctive designs and engineering.
Which popular Auburn model was known for its speed and sleek design?
- Auburn 8-88
- Auburn Model T
- Auburn Speedster
- Auburn Deluxe
Correct Answer: Auburn Speedster
Correct Answer Explanation: The Auburn Speedster was a iconic model, renowned for its performance and stylish design. It became a popular choice for those seeking a luxurious and fast car in the 1930s.
What was the name of the designer responsible for the iconic 1933 Auburn Speedster?
- Alan Leamy
- Gordon Buehrig
- Errett Lobban Cord
- Frank Eckhart
Correct Answer: Alan Leamy
Correct Answer Explanation: Alan Leamy was the designer credited with creating the striking 1933 Auburn Speedster, which helped solidify Auburn’s reputation for stylish and sporty cars.
What significant event in 1929 negatively impacted Auburn’s sales?
- The Great Depression
- World War II
- A major labor strike
- A change in consumer tastes
Correct Answer: The Great Depression
Correct Answer Explanation: The Great Depression of 1929 had a devastating impact on the economy, including the automotive industry. Auburn’s expensive automobiles, like those of Duesenberg and Cord, were particularly vulnerable to the economic downturn, as consumers tightened their spending.
What alternative product did Auburn start manufacturing in the 1930s to maintain its business?
- Kitchen cabinets
- Household appliances
- Aircraft parts
- Military vehicles
Correct Answer: Kitchen cabinets
Correct Answer Explanation: Facing financial difficulties due to declining car sales, Auburn diversified into the production of kitchen cabinets and sinks as a means to stay afloat during the Depression. This unexpected business venture helped the company survive a difficult period.
What government agency forced Errett Lobban Cord to relinquish control of his automotive holdings?
- The Federal Trade Commission
- The Securities and Exchange Commission
- The Department of Commerce
- The Department of Justice
Correct Answer: The Securities and Exchange Commission
Correct Answer Explanation: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) intervened in the affairs of Errett Lobban Cord’s automotive empire due to his illegal stock manipulations. Cord was forced to sell his shares, leading to a shift in ownership and eventually the cessation of automotive production for his brands.
What year did Auburn’s automotive production finally cease?
- 1935
- 1937
- 1940
- 1945
Correct Answer: 1937
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1937 marked the end of automotive production for Auburn, Duesenberg, and Cord, as the financial challenges faced by the company during the Great Depression proved insurmountable.
What was the name of the company that merged with the former Auburn Automobile Company in 1940?
- American Central Manufacturing
- Lexington Motor Company
- Willys-Overland
- Ford Motor Company
Correct Answer: American Central Manufacturing
Correct Answer Explanation: Following a bankruptcy reorganization in 1940, the former Auburn Automobile Company merged with the Central Manufacturing Company, creating Auburn Central Manufacturing (ACM) Corporation.
What major military vehicle did ACM play a crucial role in manufacturing during World War II?
- Tanks
- Fighter planes
- Naval vessels
- Jeeps
Correct Answer: Jeeps
Correct Answer Explanation: During World War II, ACM became a major supplier of Jeep bodies, producing over half a million units for both Willys-Overland and Ford Motor Company. Their contribution to the war effort was significant.
What nickname did Connersville, Indiana, earn during the war due to its concentration of automotive industries?
- “The Motor City”
- “The Arsenal of Democracy”
- “Little Detroit”
- “The Jeep Capital”
Correct Answer: “Little Detroit”
Correct Answer Explanation: Connersville, Indiana, became known as “Little Detroit” during World War II, reflecting the town’s bustling automotive industry, which produced a large volume of military vehicles, including Jeep bodies.
Which of these was NOT a post-war product manufactured by ACM?
- Kitchen sinks
- Refrigerators
- Appliances
- Cabinets
Correct Answer: Refrigerators
Correct Answer Explanation: ACM shifted its focus to the production of kitchen sinks, appliances, and cabinets after World War II, recognizing the strong demand for these household products. Refrigerators were not part of their core product line during this period.
What is the name of the museum in Auburn, Indiana, that houses a collection of Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg automobiles?
- The Auburn Automobile Museum
- The Cord Automotive Museum
- The Duesenberg Heritage Center
- The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
Correct Answer: The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
Correct Answer Explanation: The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana, houses an impressive collection of Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg automobiles, preserving the legacy of these once-renowned American car brands.
What was the name of the 1904 Auburn model, known for its single-cylinder engine?
- Auburn 8-88
- Auburn Speedster
- Auburn 10
- Auburn Touring Car
Correct Answer: Auburn Touring Car
Correct Answer Explanation: The 1904 Auburn Touring Car was one of the company’s earliest models, featuring a single-cylinder engine and the ability to carry two or four passengers.
How much did the 1904 Auburn Touring Car cost in US dollars, adjusted for inflation?
- $10,000
- $20,000
- $33,911
- $50,000
Correct Answer: $33,911
Correct Answer Explanation: The 1904 Auburn Touring Car’s original price of $1,000 translates to approximately $33,911 in 2023 dollars, reflecting the significant increase in the cost of living over the years.
Which Auburn model was released in 1936 and featured a Cabriolet body style?
- Auburn 851 Speedster
- Auburn 8-88
- Auburn 654
- Auburn Boattail Speedster
Correct Answer: Auburn 654
Correct Answer Explanation: The Auburn 654 was a model released in 1936, with a Cabriolet body style, offering a stylish and open-air driving experience.
What was the approximate top speed of the Auburn Boattail Speedster with the supercharger option?
- 60 mph
- 80 mph
- 100 mph
- 120 mph
Correct Answer: 100 mph
Correct Answer Explanation: The Auburn Boattail Speedster, with its 4.6L straight-eight engine and the optional supercharger, could achieve a top speed of around 100 mph, making it a performance-oriented car for its time.
What was the name of the car company that built the chassis for the Duesenberg Model J, with whom Errett Lobban Cord partnered?
- Auburn Automobile Company
- Cord Corporation
- Duesenberg Corporation
- Lexington Motor Company
Correct Answer: Duesenberg Corporation
Correct Answer Explanation: Errett Lobban Cord, after acquiring Auburn, partnered with Duesenberg Corporation, known for its racing cars, to create the luxurious Duesenberg Model J, a high-priced vehicle that showcased advanced engineering and performance.
What was the name of the famous designer who contributed to both Auburn and Cord, designing the 810/812 Cords?
- Gordon Buehrig
- Alan Leamy
- Errett Lobban Cord
- Frank Eckhart
Correct Answer: Gordon Buehrig
Correct Answer Explanation: Gordon Buehrig, a talented automotive designer, worked for both Auburn and Cord, making a significant contribution to the Cord 810/812 models, which became known for their innovative front-wheel-drive technology and distinctive styling.
What did the name “Auburn” originally refer to?
- A type of automobile
- A town in Indiana
- A specific car model
- A type of engine
Correct Answer: A town in Indiana
Correct Answer Explanation: The Auburn Automobile Company was named after the town of Auburn, Indiana, where it was founded and had its headquarters. The name reflects the company’s close ties to the local community.
What was the name of the Eckhart brother who, along with his brother Morris, played a key role in the transition from carriages to automobiles?
- Charles
- Frank
- Henry
- William
Correct Answer: Frank
Correct Answer Explanation: Frank Eckhart, along with his brother Morris, were instrumental in the transition of the Eckhart Carriage Company into the Auburn Automobile Company, experimenting with automobiles and later leading the company’s growth.
Which year saw the first Auburn model with a four-door sedan body style?
- 1904
- 1910
- 1926
- 1934
Correct Answer: 1934
Correct Answer Explanation: 1934 marked the introduction of the first Auburn model with a four-door sedan body style, offering a more practical and spacious design compared to earlier models.
Which car brand was considered the “Baby Duesenberg” due to its smaller size and more affordable price point?
- Auburn 8-88
- Cord 810/812
- Duesenberg Model J
- Auburn Speedster
Correct Answer: Cord 810/812
Correct Answer Explanation: The Cord 810/812 was often referred to as the “Baby Duesenberg” because it was a smaller and more affordable car than the high-priced Duesenberg Model J, but still featured advanced engineering and a distinctive design.
What was the name of the car model that popularized front-wheel drive in the United States?
- Auburn Speedster
- Duesenberg Model J
- Cord L-29
- Auburn 8-88
Correct Answer: Cord L-29
Correct Answer Explanation: The Cord L-29 was one of the first cars in the United States to feature front-wheel drive, showcasing innovative engineering that set it apart from other vehicles of the time.
What was the approximate number of Jeep bodies produced by ACM during World War II?
- 50,000
- 150,000
- 250,000
- 500,000
Correct Answer: 500,000
Correct Answer Explanation: ACM played a crucial role in the production of Jeep bodies during World War II, manufacturing over half a million units for both Willys-Overland and Ford Motor Company.
What design element helped differentiate the Auburn 8-88 from other Auburn models?
- Its unique engine configuration
- Its distinctive grille design
- Its streamlined body style
- Its use of a supercharger
Correct Answer: Its distinctive grille design
Correct Answer Explanation: The Auburn 8-88 is known for its distinctive grille design, featuring a series of vertical bars that gave it a unique and recognizable look.
What was the name of the company that initially contracted with ACM for the production of Jeep bodies?
- Ford Motor Company
- Willys-Overland
- General Motors
- Chrysler
Correct Answer: Willys-Overland
Correct Answer Explanation: ACM’s initial contract for Jeep body production was with Willys-Overland, the company that developed the iconic Willys MB Jeep, a vital military vehicle during World War II.
What was the approximate number of Willys MB jeeps that ACM produced bodies for during the war?
- 100,000
- 200,000
- 300,000
- 400,000
Correct Answer: 300,000
Correct Answer Explanation: ACM supplied bodies for approximately 300,000 Willys MB jeeps, a significant contribution to the war effort and a testament to the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
What was the name of the automotive industry that developed in Connersville, Indiana, during World War II?
- The Auburn Automotive Complex
- The Connersville Motor Works
- The Little Detroit
- The Jeep City
Correct Answer: The Little Detroit
Correct Answer Explanation: The concentration of automotive industries in Connersville, Indiana, during World War II led to the town’s nickname “The Little Detroit,” reflecting its importance in the production of military vehicles.
What was the original purpose of the Eckhart Carriage Company?
- To build automobiles
- To manufacture farm equipment
- To produce horse-drawn carriages
- To assemble bicycles
Correct Answer: To produce horse-drawn carriages
Correct Answer Explanation: The Eckhart Carriage Company was established in 1874 to produce horse-drawn carriages, reflecting the common mode of transportation at the time.
Which of these automotive brands was known for its luxurious and powerful sports cars?
- Auburn
- Cord
- Duesenberg
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg were all known for their luxurious and powerful sports cars, catering to a niche market of discerning drivers seeking performance and exclusivity.
What was the name of the innovative technology that the Cord L-29 car incorporated?
- Front-wheel drive
- Supercharger
- Automatic transmission
- Diesel engine
Correct Answer: Front-wheel drive
Correct Answer Explanation: The Cord L-29 was a revolutionary car for its time due to its adoption of front-wheel drive, a technology that was not widely adopted in the United States at the time.
What was the name of the Auburn model that became known for its striking “Boattail” body style?
- Auburn 8-88
- Auburn Speedster
- Auburn Boattail Speedster
- Auburn 654
Correct Answer: Auburn Boattail Speedster
Correct Answer Explanation: The Auburn Boattail Speedster was a popular model known for its distinctive “Boattail” body style, which gave it a sleek and aerodynamic look.
Which of these individuals was NOT a key figure in the history of Auburn Automobile?
- Frank Eckhart
- Errett Lobban Cord
- Gordon Buehrig
- Henry Ford
Correct Answer: Henry Ford
Correct Answer Explanation: Henry Ford was the founder of the Ford Motor Company, a separate and prominent automaker, but was not directly involved in the history of Auburn Automobile.
What was the name of the company that merged with the former Auburn Automobile Company in 1940 to form Auburn Central Manufacturing?
- Central Manufacturing Company
- Lexington Motor Company
- American Central Manufacturing
- Willys-Overland
Correct Answer: Central Manufacturing Company
Correct Answer Explanation: The merger of the former Auburn Automobile Company and the Central Manufacturing Company in 1940 formed Auburn Central Manufacturing (ACM) Corporation, a significant event in the company’s history.
What was the primary focus of ACM’s manufacturing after World War II?
- Kitchen sinks, appliances, and cabinets
- Military vehicles
- Automobiles
- Aircraft components
Correct Answer: Kitchen sinks, appliances, and cabinets
Correct Answer Explanation: After World War II, ACM shifted its focus to the production of kitchen sinks, appliances, and cabinets, recognizing the high demand for these household products in the postwar era.
What was the name of the Auburn model that was often referred to as the “Speedster” due to its performance?
- Auburn 8-88
- Auburn 654
- Auburn Speedster
- Auburn Boattail Speedster
Correct Answer: Auburn Speedster
Correct Answer Explanation: The Auburn Speedster, with its powerful engine and streamlined design, gained the nickname “Speedster” for its ability to achieve high speeds and its sporty appeal.
What was the name of the influential designer who contributed to both Auburn and Cord, designing the Cord 810/812 models?
- Alan Leamy
- Gordon Buehrig
- Errett Lobban Cord
- Frank Eckhart
Correct Answer: Gordon Buehrig
Correct Answer Explanation: Gordon Buehrig, a highly talented automotive designer, worked for both Auburn and Cord, making significant contributions to the design of the Cord 810/812 models, which became known for their distinctive styling and innovative engineering.
What year did the Auburn Automobile Company begin producing automobiles?
- 1874
- 1900
- 1904
- 1910
Correct Answer: 1900
Correct Answer Explanation: While the Eckhart Carriage Company was founded in 1874, the Auburn Automobile Company itself began producing automobiles in 1900, marking a significant transition from carriages to motorized vehicles.
What was the name of the designer who created the iconic 1933 Auburn Speedster, known for its sleek lines and sporty performance?
- Gordon Buehrig
- Alan Leamy
- Errett Lobban Cord
- Frank Eckhart
Correct Answer: Alan Leamy
Correct Answer Explanation: Alan Leamy was the designer behind the 1933 Auburn Speedster, a car that became a symbol of Auburn’s design and performance capabilities, contributing to the company’s reputation for producing stylish and fast vehicles.
Which of these was NOT a major factor in the decline of Auburn Automobile’s automotive production?
- The Great Depression
- Errett Lobban Cord’s stock manipulations
- Competition from European manufacturers
- A decline in public interest in automobiles
Correct Answer: A decline in public interest in automobiles
Correct Answer Explanation: While the Great Depression and Errett Lobban Cord’s stock manipulations played major roles in the decline of Auburn Automobile, a decline in public interest in automobiles was not a significant factor. The automotive industry was still thriving in the 1930s, despite economic challenges.
What was the name of the town in Indiana where the Auburn Automobile Company was based?
- Connersville
- Fort Wayne
- Indianapolis
- Auburn
Correct Answer: Auburn
Correct Answer Explanation: The Auburn Automobile Company was based in the town of Auburn, Indiana, a fact reflected in the company’s name and its enduring connection to the local community.
What was the approximate number of Jeep bodies produced by ACM for Ford Motor Company during World War II?
- 50,000
- 100,000
- 150,000
- 250,000
Correct Answer: 150,000
Correct Answer Explanation: ACM produced approximately 150,000 Jeep bodies for Ford Motor Company during World War II, a significant contribution to the war effort and a testament to the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
Which of these models was NOT produced by the Auburn Automobile Company?
- Auburn Speedster
- Auburn 8-88
- Cord 810/812
- Auburn 654
Correct Answer: Cord 810/812
Correct Answer Explanation: While Auburn and Cord were both part of Errett Lobban Cord’s automotive empire, the Cord 810/812 was produced under the Cord brand, not Auburn.
What was the approximate number of Willys MB Jeeps that ACM produced bodies for during the war?
- 100,000
- 200,000
- 300,000
- 400,000
Correct Answer: 300,000
Correct Answer Explanation: ACM supplied bodies for approximately 300,000 Willys MB Jeeps during World War II, making a significant contribution to the war effort and demonstrating the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
What was the name of the company that built the chassis for the Duesenberg Model J, a high-priced luxury car that Errett Lobban Cord partnered with?
- Auburn Automobile Company
- Cord Corporation
- Duesenberg Corporation
- Lexington Motor Company
Correct Answer: Duesenberg Corporation
Correct Answer Explanation: Errett Lobban Cord, after acquiring Auburn, partnered with Duesenberg Corporation, known for its racing cars, to produce the Duesenberg Model J, a high-priced vehicle that reflected advanced engineering and performance.
What was the name of the Auburn model that featured a Cabriolet body style and was released in 1936?
- Auburn 851 Speedster
- Auburn 8-88
- Auburn 654
- Auburn Boattail Speedster
Correct Answer: Auburn 654
Correct Answer Explanation: The Auburn 654 was a model released in 1936 with a Cabriolet body style, offering a stylish and open-air driving experience.
What was the name of the automotive industry that developed in Connersville, Indiana, during World War II, earning the town the nickname “Little Detroit”?
- The Auburn Automotive Complex
- The Connersville Motor Works
- The Little Detroit
- The Jeep City
Correct Answer: The Little Detroit
Correct Answer Explanation: The concentration of automotive industries in Connersville, Indiana, during World War II led to the town’s nickname “The Little Detroit,” reflecting its significant role in the production of military vehicles.
What was the name of the designer who created the 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster, a model known for its sleek lines and sporty performance?
- Gordon Buehrig
- Alan Leamy
- Errett Lobban Cord
- Frank Eckhart
Correct Answer: Gordon Buehrig
Correct Answer Explanation: Gordon Buehrig was the designer responsible for the 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster, a car that became a symbol of Auburn’s design and performance capabilities, further solidifying the company’s reputation for producing stylish and fast vehicles.
What was the name of the company that initially contracted with ACM for the production of Jeep bodies?
- Ford Motor Company
- Willys-Overland
- General Motors
- Chrysler
Correct Answer: Willys-Overland
Correct Answer Explanation: ACM’s initial contract for Jeep body production was with Willys-Overland, the company that developed the iconic Willys MB Jeep, a vital military vehicle during World War II.
What was the name of the Auburn model known for its distinctive “Boattail” body style, which gave it a sleek and aerodynamic look?
- Auburn 8-88
- Auburn Speedster
- Auburn Boattail Speedster
- Auburn 654
Correct Answer: Auburn Boattail Speedster
Correct Answer Explanation: The Auburn Boattail Speedster was a popular model known for its distinctive “Boattail” body style, giving it a sleek and aerodynamic look.