AUBURN – A One-of-a-Kind, 1937 Rena has been added to the Third Annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum Benefit Extravaganza. The event will take place at the museum on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 6 p.m. Seating is limited.

This 1937 Rena was originally built by Thomas Hibbard for the MGM feature film “Babes in Arms” starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, but was never used. The Rena is much smaller than normal cars of its day. It was built on a cut down 1937 Renault chassis with a custom body that was chopped to give it the look of a smaller Ford. The Rena is powered by a 1937 Flathead Ford V-8 mated to a three-speed manual transmission with a 1932 Ford rear end customized to fit the frame. The dashboard instruments are from a 1936 Ford and the steering column is customized from a 1937 Ford. The Rena was later used at the Hollywood Bowl and featured in the 1947 Rose Bowl Parade. The Rena will be offered at NO RESERVE during the event.   

Other automobiles to be offered at NO RESERVE during the benefit include an ACD Club certified 1937 Cord Model 812 Supercharged Beverly with original interior, a 1952 Chevrolet Styleline Two-Door Sedan driven by Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman in the classic basketball movie “Hoosiers,” and a 1931 Lincoln Model K Judkins Two-Window Berline. This custom Lincoln was one of only 72 examples built, and received a $125,000 concourse quality restoration 13 years ago. It has been kept in excellent condition due to quality storage and low mileage since restoration.  The other four cars to be offered at the benefit event will be announced soon.

The evening will feature a “Speakeasy” theme and you will be given the password to get in! Glad Rags of the 1920s and 1930s are optional. Jackets are required for the gents.  

Last year’s benefit was an outstanding success, hosting a sell-out crowd and providing over $100,000 for the not-for-profit museum’s operating fund.

Bill Parfet will once again entertain bidders as the celebrity auctioneer and will be accompanied by celebrity ringmen. Dean Kruse will donate licensed auction services in addition to supporting the event through sponsorship. The cars featured for sale are not from the museum’s collection except for a 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Beverly. Proceeds from the Cord will be restricted to better the museum’s premiere collection.

Other Extravaganza activities include: a live auction of original automotive art featuring premium pieces from the nation’s finest automobile artists, fine jewelry and a refreshing vacation getaway; a silent auction; a gourmet dinner; live music; drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and after-hours museum touring. The Extravaganza is an evening that classic car enthusiasts will not want to miss. It will take place in one of the finest classic car museums in the world, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum.

A limited number of tickets are available at $125 per person. Get your tickets now while they are still available. Proceeds benefit the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. Call Jan Schippers at (260) 925-1444 to reserve your tickets.

Third Annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum Benefit Extravaganzasponsors-to-date include: Kruse International; The Worldwide Group-Auctioneers; Do it Best Corp.; Sandra and Gene Davenport; Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance; A.D.E. Collector Car and Restoration; RM Auctions, Inc.; and Valeo Financial.