The Cord automobile is a fascinating piece of American automotive history. This luxury car, produced by the Cord Corporation, was a innovative and stunning vehicle that was both ahead of its time and a symbol of the art deco era. Although short-lived in production, the Cord automobile left an indelible mark on the American automobile industry.

The Cord Corporation was founded by entrepreneur Errett Lobban (E.L.) Cord in 1929. E.L. Cord had made his fortune as a successful businessman in various industries, including aviation and real estate. The formation of the Cord Corporation signaled his entry into the automotive sector. It was under his leadership that the Cord automobile came to life.

The company’s first model, the L-29, debuted in 1929. The L-29 was a true standout among its contemporaries due to its innovative design and technological advancements. Notably, it was produced as one of the first front-wheel drive cars in America, which allowed for a low-slung chassis design and sleek body styling.

However, it was the 1936 introduction of the iconic Cord 810 (later known as the 812) that truly captured people’s imaginations. Designed by Gordon Buehrig, this groundbreaking car featured retractable headlights that were hidden when not in use – providing a seamless and futuristic look. Additionally, the 810 boasted unique styling with its distinctive coffin-nose front design and wraparound grille.

Despite its striking appearance and advanced technology for the time, such as independent front suspension and a semi-automatic transmission, sales of the Cord vehicles remained low. This can be attributed to several factors, including the Great Depression’s economic impact and consumers’ resistance to embrace unfamiliar technology.

Moreover, while front-wheel drive offered certain advantages, it also led to a complicated design that experienced reliability issues. As a result, rumors began to circulate about excessive
maintenance requirements for the Cord vehicles, which further deterred potential buyers.

The final nail in the coffin for the Cord automobiles was a legal dispute between E.L. Cord and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC accused Cord of stock manipulation, leading to an investigation and negative publicity that damaged the reputation of the Cord Corporation as well as its founder.

In 1937, with sales dwindling and the company’s future uncertain, E.L. Cord opted to sell his businesses and retire from the automotive industry. It marked the end of an era, as production of the Cord automobile ceased that same year.

Although its time on the market was brief, the Cord automobile left a lasting impression in automotive history. Both the L-29 and 810/812 models are highly sought after by collectors today, serving as stylish reminders of their storied past. Ultimately, they continue to be appreciated for their innovative designs and technological achievements that pushed industry boundaries during their time.