1929 Auburn 8-120 Speedster-"the Boxer's Speedster" Fascinating History

Vehicle Description

This car was purchased new by Boxer Johnnie Risko after he famously wrecked the 1928 Auburn Speedster that had been awarded to him by the Cleveland Sports Association for bringing worldwide attention to the burgeoning Cleveland Boxing Scene. The Accident had been covered in newspapers nationwide. Johnnie took his wife on a 4 state honeymoon in the car shortly thereafter, and was regularly cited for speeding in the car, again garnering considerable publicity. Johnnie was a very successful Boxer and hung out with the likes of Bob Hope, who was a childhood fan, and Joe DiMaggio. Johnnie had a very long career for a boxer spanning 17 years and while never Heavyweight Champion, he came as close as one could besting Jack Sharkey and Max Baer, both of which later ascended to that title.

We are very pleased to offer this exceptional fully restored Big 8 Auburn Boattail Speedster-one of the most legendary and stunning sports cars of all time. This car has a remarkable history. It was purchased new by Cleveland Boxer Johnnie Risko after he famously wrecked the 1928 Auburn Speedster that had been awarded to him by the Cleveland Sports Association for bringing worldwide attention to the burgeoning Cleveland Boxing Scene. The Accident had been covered in newspapers nationwide. He would keep the car the rest of his life. Johnnie took his new wife on a 4 state honeymoon in the car shortly thereafter, and was regularly cited for speeding in the car, again garnering considerable publicity. Johnnie Risko was a very successful Boxer and hung out with the likes of Bob Hope, who was a childhood fan, and became a lifelong friend.. He had a very long career for a boxer spanning 17 years and while never Heavyweight Champion, he came as close as one could besting Jack Sharkey and Max Baer, both of which later ascended to that title. His freewheeling lifestyle led to a divorce in 1941 after his final bout, and finding himself newly single at age 39, he had his beloved Speedster customized to a more modern appearance in the early 40s. Overlaying a 1939 Chrysler Grill Shell and adding Chevrolet Fenders to mimic the more pontooned styled cars coming out of Detroit, the rakish windshield and Boattailed body were left undisturbed. Johnnie would regularly chauffeur visiting celebrities around Cleveland in his flashy Speedster, including reportedly Norma Jean Baker (Marilyn Monroe) who did later marry Cleveland Indians Star Joe DiMaggio. Johnnie willed the car along with all his possessions to his second wife who passed 3 years later. Harvey Mace of Lodi Ohio purchased the car in September, 1956 and continued the tradition by courting and marrying his wife in the car. Harvey amassed a varied collection of Classics over his lifetime but refused to part with the Speedster due to the many happy memories he had with the car.

I first saw this car about 10 years ago, after Harvey's Son Mike contacted me about helping to sell his fathers cars. As is often the case, the cars had been held for decades and were only becoming available due to the declining health of the Collector. There were probably close to 30 classics there and no mention had been made of this car. It was covered up with various things, but I instantly identified it as a Speedster and asked to see it. It had been modified in the 40s with some later changes to the fenders and rear end, but the important parts had not been mucked with. I was told it had been owned by a boxer. Of course it was not for sale. I followed up pretty regularly, but gave up after the Son started marketing the other cars himself. Turns out, one of the buyers of one of the other cars also noticed the car when picking up his purchase, and was more persistent than I. He was finally able to acquire the car after the Collector had passed, but only after having to better an offer from the American Pickers, who the Son had eventually contacted as well.

After acquiring the car, the Seller-not knowing exactly what he had just bought-immediately took the car to Auburn Expert Stan Gilliland who identified the car as one of the 8 or so remaining Big 8 Speedsters out of the 100 made. He then took the car to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company of Broken Arrow, OK for a complete restoration to original specification. Remarkably the original Speedster body was in excellent condition and required no wood replacement. He also embarked on extensive research into Johnnie Risko and has compiled a facinating treasure trove of Documentation that accompanies the car, including period photos fo Johnnie Risko in the car..

The car was treated to a no expense spared ground up restoration by the experts at the legendary Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company in Broken Arrow OK. Finished in a striking Blue and Silver color combination this stunning Speedster truly stands out among its peers. Completed in August 2018, it received a First Junior at the ACD Fall Meet that year and a First Senior in 2021. It received a First Junior at the 2021 AACA Fall Hershey Meet and First Senior at the AACA 2024 Western Fall Nationals fat the AACA Saratoga Springs Spring National earlier this year. The car is now eligible for Grand National Competition in the AACA, not to mention the numerous Concours appearances still yet to occur. Driven and shown sparingly since the restoration, the car runs and drives perfectly, and needs absolutely nothing.

I know it sounds cliche but this is really a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a truly special Speedster with so few owners from new and such a storied and well documented history.