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The Revolutionary Design of the Cord 810/812

The Cord 810/812 is widely regarded as one of the most revolutionary designs in automotive history. Introduced in 1936 by the Auburn Automobile Company, the Cord 810/812 broke new ground with its sleek and aerodynamic styling, advanced engineering, and innovative features. This article will explore the key elements that made the Cord 810/812 a true game-changer in the automotive industry.

One of the most striking aspects of the Cord 810/812 was its futuristic design. The car featured a low-slung body with smooth, flowing lines that were unlike anything seen before. The front end was characterized by its distinctive “coffin nose” grille, which not only added to the car’s unique appearance but also improved its aerodynamics. The absence of running boards further enhanced the car’s sleek profile, giving it a modern and streamlined look.

Underneath its stunning exterior, the Cord 810/812 boasted advanced engineering that set it apart from its competitors. The car was powered by a front-wheel-drive system, a rarity at the time. This innovative layout allowed for a lower floor height, resulting in a more spacious and comfortable interior. Additionally, the front-wheel-drive configuration improved traction and handling, making the Cord 810/812 a joy to drive.

Another groundbreaking feature of the Cord 810/812 was its hidden headlights. At a time when most cars had exposed headlights, the Cord 810/812 featured retractable units that were concealed behind sleek metal covers. This not only added to the car’s aerodynamic profile but also gave it a touch of elegance and sophistication. The hidden headlights became a signature design element of the Cord 810/812 and set a trend that would be emulated by other automakers in the years to come.

Inside the Cord 810/812, the innovation continued. The car featured a dashboard-mounted gearshift lever, a departure from the traditional floor-mounted shifter. This design choice not only freed up space in the cabin but also made shifting gears more convenient for the driver. The interior was also adorned with luxurious materials and finishes, further enhancing the car’s appeal.

Despite its groundbreaking design and advanced features, the Cord 810/812 faced some challenges. The car was introduced during the Great Depression, a time when many people were struggling financially. As a result, the high price tag of the Cord 810/812 made it inaccessible to the average consumer. Additionally, the car’s advanced engineering and unique features made it difficult and expensive to produce, leading to production issues and quality control problems.

Despite these challenges, the Cord 810/812 left an indelible mark on the automotive industry. Its revolutionary design and advanced engineering paved the way for future innovations in the industry. The car’s sleek and aerodynamic styling, hidden headlights, and front-wheel-drive system were all ahead of their time and set new standards for automotive design.

The Cord 810/812 was a true game-changer in the automotive industry. Its revolutionary design, advanced engineering, and innovative features made it a standout among its competitors. Although it faced challenges due to its high price and production issues, the Cord 810/812 left a lasting legacy and continues to be celebrated as a true icon of automotive design.

The Innovative Features of the Cord 810/812

One of the most notable features of the Cord 810/812 is its aerodynamic design. At a time when most cars had boxy, upright bodies, the Cord 810/812 featured a sleek, streamlined shape that was inspired by the design of aircraft. This aerodynamic design not only gave the car a futuristic look, but also improved its performance by reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency.

Another innovative feature of the Cord 810/812 was its front-wheel drive system. While front-wheel drive is common in modern cars, it was virtually unheard of in the 1930s. The front-wheel drive system of the Cord 810/812 allowed for a lower floor height, which in turn resulted in a lower center of gravity and improved handling. This was a major advancement in automotive engineering at the time and set the stage for the widespread adoption of front-wheel drive in later years.

The Cord 810/812 also featured a number of advanced safety features. One of these was its hidden headlights, which were concealed behind a louvered panel when not in use. This not only gave the car a clean, uncluttered look, but also improved visibility for the driver by reducing glare. Additionally, the Cord 810/812 was equipped with a safety glass windshield, which was designed to shatter into small, harmless pieces upon impact, reducing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

In terms of performance, the Cord 810/812 was no slouch either. It was powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine that produced 125 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful cars of its time. The engine was also mounted in a unique way, with the transmission and differential located in front of the engine rather than behind it. This allowed for a shorter overall length and improved weight distribution, resulting in better handling and performance.

The interior of the Cord 810/812 was equally impressive. It featured a number of luxurious amenities, including a radio, a heater, and a clock. The dashboard was also ahead of its time, with a centrally located instrument cluster that was easy to read and access. The seats were comfortable and supportive, and the overall design of the interior was both stylish and functional.

The Cord 810/812 was a truly innovative car that pushed the boundaries of automotive design and engineering. Its aerodynamic shape, front-wheel drive system, advanced safety features, and powerful engine set it apart from its competitors and made it a true icon of its time. Even today, the Cord 810/812 is revered as a classic automobile that represents the pinnacle of automotive innovation.

The Legacy and Influence of the Cord 810/812

The Cord 810/812 is a classic American automobile that left a lasting legacy and continues to influence car design to this day. Introduced in 1936 by the Auburn Automobile Company, the Cord 810/812 was a revolutionary vehicle that pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering and design. Its sleek and aerodynamic body, advanced features, and innovative engineering made it a standout in the automotive industry.

One of the most notable features of the Cord 810/812 was its unique front-wheel drive system. This was a groundbreaking innovation at the time, as most cars were rear-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive system allowed for better handling and improved traction, making the Cord 810/812 a joy to drive. This innovation was later adopted by other car manufacturers and became a standard feature in many modern vehicles.

Another standout feature of the Cord 810/812 was its distinctive styling. Designed by Gordon Buehrig, the Cord 810/812 had a sleek and streamlined body that was ahead of its time. The car featured hidden headlights, a wraparound grille, and a sweeping fender line that gave it a futuristic and elegant look. The design of the Cord 810/812 was so influential that it inspired many other car manufacturers and set the stage for the development of the “streamline” design trend in the automotive industry.

In addition to its innovative engineering and stylish design, the Cord 810/812 also offered a range of advanced features that were not commonly found in other cars of the time. These included a semi-automatic transmission, adjustable suspension, and a hidden radio antenna. The Cord 810/812 was also one of the first cars to feature a dashboard-mounted push-button starter, a feature that is now standard in most modern vehicles.

Despite its many groundbreaking features and innovative design, the Cord 810/812 was not a commercial success. The high price tag, coupled with the economic downturn of the Great Depression, limited its appeal to a small group of wealthy buyers. Production of the Cord 810/812 ceased in 1937, and the Auburn Automobile Company went out of business shortly after.

However, the legacy of the Cord 810/812 lives on. Its innovative engineering and stylish design continue to inspire car designers and enthusiasts to this day. Many classic car collectors consider the Cord 810/812 to be a prized possession, and examples of this iconic vehicle can still be seen at car shows and museums around the world.

In conclusion, the Cord 810/812 is a classic American automobile that left a lasting legacy and continues to influence car design to this day. Its innovative engineering, stylish design, and advanced features set it apart from other cars of its time. Despite its limited commercial success, the Cord 810/812 remains a symbol of automotive excellence and continues to be admired by car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.