Continuing the exploration Connersville’s past life, today we’re going to discuss the Cord Corporation. If you need to catch up, you can read part one about Auburn Motor Company here and part two covering Lexington Motor Company here.

A former mechanic, car salesman and race car driver, E.L. Cord (the same gentleman who helped bring the Auburn to Connersville) owned and oversaw various factories. But in 1929, he decided to create an upscale vehicle in his own namesake—the Cord.

The first model, the L-29, was front-wheel drive (not commonly found during this period) and low profile. It was built in the Auburn, Indiana factory from 1929 through 1932, with the bodies being made by Central Manufacturing of Connersville.

The second model, the Cord 810, was front-wheel drive with a V8 that was shorter than the L-29’s. It was visually stunning, with its clean lines and hidden headlights—people stood in line to see it and the company received more than 7,500 requests for information.

Unfortunately, the plant and production wasn’t thoroughly finalized and production faltered, flaws showed up in the early cars, and delays in production frustrated many prospective buyers who lost interest. Still, over 1,300 were sold in 1936. The following year, the Cord 812 was offered with a supercharger, featuring 190 horsepower and going from 0 to 60 mph in 13 seconds. Unfortunately, production was halted in 1937 and Cord was ultimately sold off to the Aviation Corporation.

To this day, the Cord 810/812 remains one of the most unique and recognizable vehicles of all time. In 1996, American Heritage magazine proclaimed the Cord 810 sedan ‘The Single Most Beautiful American Car’ and the ‘Classic Cord’ Hot Wheels toy car of the 1960s, a convertible coupe, is one of the most valuable collectibles of its kind.

If you have any stories you wish to share about Cord, we’d love to hear your comments below. If you have accompanying photos, please email them to contact@carbonmotors.com.

Stacy Dean Stephens
Co-Founder and Sales Development Manager
Carbon Motors Corporation

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