Cord 810 Classic Cars for Sale

History of the Cord 810

The Cord 810 was manufactured by the Auburn Automobile Company's Cord division during 1936. Engineered in an era where automotive boundaries were rapidly expanding, the 810 was introduced as a luxury vehicle for buyers who demanded something truly advanced. Production was limited and its commercial life short, yet the car stood out for technological milestones and its ambitious approach. The Cord 810 followed Cord's earlier L-29, furthering the adoption of front-wheel drive in American luxury cars and setting a technical benchmark ahead of its contemporaries.

Model History

The Cord 810 debuted after the Cord L-29, which was the first American car to feature front-wheel drive in 1929. While the L-29 paved the way, the 810 took the concept further by integrating independent front suspension, an advanced feature at the time. Its immediate successor was the Cord 812, which shared much of the 810’s core engineering but introduced supercharging on some variants for increased output. The lineage ended with the 812's discontinuation after 1937, closing an innovative but brief chapter in American luxury motoring.

Highlights of the Cord 810

The Cord 810 represented several firsts in the American auto industry, most notably as the nation’s inaugural front-wheel drive production vehicle combining this drivetrain with an independent front suspension. Its technical prowess and distinctive, forward-thinking design distinguished it on the road and in automotive engineering circles.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Cord 810's successor, the 812, is sometimes equipped with a supercharger, making those models particularly sought after by enthusiasts. While the 810 itself was not produced in various special editions, its advanced features and short production run contribute to its appeal today.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

With its Lycoming V8 engine, the Cord 810 offered smooth yet powerful motoring for the era. The front-wheel drive and independent front suspension granted unique handling characteristics, resulting in better road grip and comfort compared to other luxury cars from the mid-1930s. The semi-automatic transmission also simplified gear changes, a rarity in high-end cars at the time. The standard Cord 810 sedan stands out, primarily for its innovative drivetrain and advanced chassis engineering. Later supercharged 812 versions—sometimes retrofitted to 810s—attract special interest due to increased performance figures.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The Cord 810's streamlined body, conceived by designer Gordon Buehrig, features concealed headlights and a prominent 'coffin nose' hood, both revolutionary at launch. Inside, the dashboard layout reflects art deco influences, complemented by premium upholstery materials for its era. Distinctive design elements, such as hidden door hinges and low-slung stance, helped cement the Cord’s identity as both an engineering and stylistic milestone. Period-correct accessories and rare exterior colours further enhance the vehicle's charisma for collectors.

Other Features

The Cord 810 set a precedent in American automotive culture for integrating advanced technology in luxury vehicles. Its engineering solutions influenced later American and European designs, and it remains a frequent reference point in discussions of pre-war innovations.

Summary

The Cord 810 stands as an unmatched technical and design achievement within the short-lived Cord line. As the sole representative of the brand in both classic car supply and market demand, the 810 embodies a rare blend of advanced engineering, distinctive aesthetics, and limited availability. Enthusiasts are drawn to its compelling mix of front-wheel drive, independent suspension, and unconventional styling—a combination that firmly anchors the Cord 810 in pre-war automotive history.