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Title:
1936 Cord 810 & 1937 Cord 812
Some history and technical specifications |
www.hfmgv.org
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The term "all-new" is often applied to automobiles, and is almost always an extreme exaggeration. In the case of the Cord it was absolutely true. Buehrig's styling was utterly unlike anything else in 1936. While other cars emphasized an upright radiator grille, the whole theme of the Cord was horizontal. The long coffin-shaped hood, the louvers wrapping around the front end from one side of the cowl to the other, the flowing fenders, the slanting vee-shaped windshield all drew the eye along the length of the car. The effect was enhanced by careful attention to details: headlights, door hinges, gas filler were all concealed. There were no running boards, and even the simple round tail-lights were flush mounted. On convertibles like this Phaeton, the effect was enhanced by a steel tonneau cover that completely hid the folded top. Photo: B.111394 www.hfmgv.org
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The Cord's instrument panel was a sharp contrast to the simplicity of the exterior. It is an eye-catching combination of engine-turned fascia, chrome gauge bezels, and aircraft-type switches. It is often described as the most beautiful ever installed on an American car. The panel is a study in symmetry. The four large round dials are, from left to right speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, and clock. At the left end of the panel is the round water temperature gauge, while the right end holds the round radio dial, and the radio controls. The fan-shaped gauge on the left reports on oil and fuel levels. It is balanced on the right by a fan-shaped ammeter. At the center bottom of the panel are four levers (l. to r. ) headlights, throttle, choke, and dash lights. At the far ends of the dash are the cranks that operate the hidden headlights. Even the steering wheel is different, sporting one of the first horn rings ever seen on an American car. Jutting from the right side of the steering column is the chromed, gated switch for operating the transmission. Photo: B.111396 |
These words were used by someone seeing a Cord for the first time. The Cord 810/812 models of 1936 and 1937 were some of the most visually striking cars of all time, and were the most mechanically advanced of their day. They were also the last products of an underfunded company scrambling to survive the Great Depression. It was an effort doomed to fail. Only 1174 of the 1936 model, called the 810, were produced. For 1937 the model name was changed to 812, and production actually declined to 1146. In the end stunning design and innovative engineering could not overcome production delays, mechanical bugs, and the declining market for cars in the Cord's price range. Auburn Automobile Company, the Cord's parent, filed for bankruptcy in December 1937, leaving behind 2320 cars to be coveted by future collectors and enthusiasts. |
In the end the everything conspired against the success of the Cord. The long delay between introduction and production, the early mechanical problems, the precarious financial state of Auburn itself all made potential buyers leery. The Cord's price further reduced the pool of potential customers. A good $500 more than Cadillac's most popular series, and it was in the vicinity of Packard's Super 8. But even that market was shrinking. Buehrig's Cord could not save E.L.'s empire, but automotive enthusiasts would come to regard it as one of the great classics of all time.
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Specifations
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References:
www.hfmgv.org
www.carnut.com
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LINKS:
Toy Wonders link to 1/24 scale vehicles
Toy Wonders link to 1/18 scale vehicles
Toy Wonders diecast directory |
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