Cord Automobile

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Image:1929 Cord.jpg

Cord was the brand name of a United States automobile, manufactured by the Auburn Automobile Company from 1929 through 1932 and again from 1936 to 1937.

The Cord Corporation was founded and run by Errett Lobban Cord as a holding company for his many transportation interests, including the Auburn Automobile Company. Cord was noted for its innovative technology and streamlined designs. It is said that Mr. Cord had a philosophy to build truly different, innovative cars; however, it wasn't necessarily a good philosophy for building cars that would sell well and turn a profit.

1 Innovations
2 "Coffin-Nosed Cord" model 810
3 Demise of the Cord
4 Revival
5 External links
6 See also
7 References

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Innovations

Image:1930 Cord L-29.jpg Image:Cord.jpg Image:Cord inter.jpg Cord innovations include front wheel drive on the L-29 and retractable headlights on the 810. Front wheel drive became common only in the 1980s. Retractable headlamps did not become common as a standard feature until the 1960s, although mainly on sportier models.

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"Coffin-Nosed Cord" model 810

The body design of the Cord 810 was the work of designer Gordon M. Buehrig and his team of stylists that included young Vince Gardner. The new car caused a sensation at the 1936 New York Auto Show in November. The crowd around the 810 were so dense, attendees stood on the bumpers of nearby cars to get a look. Many orders were taken at the show, but the cars were not ready to deliver until February. The engine featured a transmission which came out of the front of the engine (rather than sideways or out the back and front again as in modern cars). As a result, the front wheels were well forward of the engine. This also enabled the floor of the car to be much lower than the typical automobile.

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Demise of the Cord

Early reliability problems, including slipping out of gear and vapor lock, cooled initial enthusiasm. Although most new owners loved their sleek fast cars, the dealer base shrank rapidly. In 1937, after producing about 3000 of these cars, Auburn ceased production of the Cord. The Cord empire was sold to the Aviation Corporation, and E.L. Cord moved to Nevada where he earned millions in real estate and other enterprises.

The design of the Cord 810/812 remains the most distinctive of the entire 20th century. In 1996, American Heritage magazine proclaimed the Cord 810 sedan, "The Single Most Beautiful American Car." The "Classic Cord" Hot Wheels toy car of the 1960s, a convertible coupe, is one of the most valuable, and commands up to $800 (2006) if still in an unopened package.

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Revival

From 1964 to 1970, two attempts were made to replicate the original Buehrig design for limited production. Both Oklahoma-based companies soon halted production amid financial difficulties.