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1936
Cord 810 & 1937 Cord 812
Some history and technical specifications
www.hfmgv.org
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
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.
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.
Specifications
References:
www.hfmgv.org
www.carnut.com
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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