New Dean V. Kruse Gallery

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to purchase an Auburn automobile in the early 1920s or to visit an Auburn dealership back then? While the Auburn Automobile Company is no longer producing Auburn automobiles, it is still possible to experience how its dealers might have done business in the 1920s by visiting the new “Dean V. Kruse Gallery • Early Auburns 1903-1924” at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum.

The gallery is decorated to look like an Auburn dealership in the early 1920s, complete with mission chairs and Indian rugs. Many rare Auburn automobiles dating from 1903 to 1924 are exhibited throughout the gallery, and several can only be seen at the museum, “This gallery features many early Auburn automobiles that visitors will not find anywhere else. This gallery is an example of the greatest collection of Auburns from this era under one roof,” said Matt Short, the museum’s executive vice president.

The museum installed a viewing area in the gallery and produced a movie depicting a married couple in the 1920s visiting an Auburn dealer and their experience in purchasing an Auburn automobile. DeKalb County filmmaker, Kelly Lynch, produced the film at the museum in the gallery, “The film is key to the gallery’s interpretation and success. It brings to life the early dealership experience and even lends some humor and history to the experience,” said Short. \

The gallery is sponsored by Kruse Energy & Equipment, LLC and Kruse International Inc., in honor of Dean V. Kruse. “The Auburn Automobile Company is known for the legendary classics of the 1930s that the company built during E.L. Cord’s tenure. Many forget that Charles Eckhart started the Auburn Automobile Company at the turn of the century by bolting engines on to modified buggy chassis,” said Kruse.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum – where the world’s finest cars of yesterday live today! Over 120 classic, antique, vintage and special interest cars are displayed with other automotive related exhibits on three floors. The museum is located in the original 1930s national headquarters of the legendary Auburn Automobile Company and is a National Historic Landmark. Admission is charged, with group and family rates available. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. year round. In 2008, plan a visit and bring your family to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, a place where automotive history comes to life! Visit www.acdmuseum.org