Image of 1936 Cord 810, sourced from heritagemuseumsandgardens.org , Image Link.

Unveiling the 1936 Cord 810: A Pinnacle of Pre-War Innovation

The 1936 Cord 810 emerged as a beacon of automotive excellence during an era where style and substance began to intertwine like never before. Crafted by the Cord Automobile division of the Auburn Automobile Company, this vehicle was not only a product of its time but also a bold statement of futuristic design and engineering. Its unveiling at the New York Auto Show in November 1935 left spectators in awe, marking a notable moment in automotive history with its front-wheel-drive system—a rarity at the time—and its distinctive "coffin nose" design.

Design and Innovation: The Art Deco Masterpiece

The exterior of the 1936 Cord 810 was a symphony of sleek lines and curves, with a lustrous chrome grille that seemed to disappear into the bodywork, giving it an almost phantom-like presence. The hidden headlamps, another novel feature, contributed to its streamlined silhouette. Inside, occupants were greeted with rich fabrics and an aircraft-inspired dashboard that spoke volumes about the era's fascination with speed and flight. The use of high-quality materials such as wood and metal accents underscored the vehicle's luxury status.

Technologically, the Cord 810 was ahead of its time with features like independent front suspension and a four-speed semi-automatic transmission. Color options ranged from subtle hues to vibrant tones, with Gunmetal Grey being a popular choice that accentuated the car's art deco flair. Body styles included the sedan, coupe, convertible coupe, and the highly sought-after phaeton which featured a disappearing convertible top.

Historical Significance: A Legacy Cast in Chrome and Steel

The Cord 810's impact on automotive design was profound. It challenged conventional aesthetics and mechanical configurations, setting new benchmarks for what American cars could aspire to be. It stood out from its contemporaries not just for its looks but also for its technological advancements, leaving a lasting influence on car designs that followed.

Performance and Handling: A Symphony of Power and Poise

Underneath its striking exterior lay a Lycoming V8 engine that propelled the Cord 810 to impressive speeds for its time, with top speeds reaching around 90 mph. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved briskly for a car of its size and era. On the road, it handled bumps with grace thanks to its innovative front-wheel-drive layout and independent suspension, offering a driving experience that was both refined and exhilarating. The hum of its V8 engine provided an acoustic backdrop to what was an undeniably engaging drive.

Ownership Experience: More Than Just a Pretty Face

The Cord 810 found use in various capacities—from daily driving to gracing the lawns at concours events. Maintenance required a discerning hand as some parts were unique to Cord vehicles, but overall reliability was commendable for such an advanced machine. Its complexity did mean that repairs could be challenging for the average owner without access to specialized knowledge or parts.

Fun Facts: The Car That Captured Hearts and Records

The Cord 810 had its share of limelight with rare editions like the supercharged models which are highly coveted by collectors today. Celebrity ownerships added to its allure, while it also set records in endurance tests showcasing its robust engineering. Despite common criticisms about reliability issues related to its advanced features, it remains an iconic piece of automotive history.

Collector's Information: An Investment on Wheels?

Today, the value range for a well-preserved or expertly restored Cord 810 can vary significantly based on condition, originality, and history. With estimates suggesting that fewer than 3,000 units were produced across all body styles, rarity is assured. Price trends have generally seen appreciation over time due to the vehicle's iconic status among classic car enthusiasts. Depending on factors such as rarity and provenance, values can range from mid-six figures for pristine examples or those with significant historical importance.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the 1936 Cord 810

From design innovation to performance prowess, the 1936 Cord 810 stands as a testament to pre-war ingenuity and elegance. Its legacy endures not only in classic car circles but also in the annals of automotive history as a symbol of what can be achieved when creativity meets engineering excellence—a true masterpiece on wheels.

1936 Cord 810 Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9-1/4", Each-AP 24Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9-1/4", Each

1936 Cord 810 Muffler Cushion. 1-7/16" Square, 1/2" Hole. Each-BC 21Muffler Cushion. 1-7/16" Square, 1/2" Hole. Each

1936 Cord 810 Front Stabilizer Bar Bushing-BN 100Front Stabilizer Bar Bushing. 2-1/24" high X 1-5/8" wide X 1-1/2" long. Each

1936 Cord 810 Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3" wide X 3-7/8" long. Pair-CB 21Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3" wide X 3-7/8" long. Pair

1936 Cord 810 Headlamp Cable Grommet. 9/16" I.D., 1-5/16" O.D. Each-CG 32Headlamp Cable Grommet. 9/16" I.D., 1-5/16" O.D. Each

1936 Cord 810 Tail-light Base Pads. Uniform thickness. 5-1/8" O.D-MP 470Tail-light Base Pads. Uniform thickness. 5-1/8" O.D. Pair

1936 Cord 810 Windshield Base Pad. Made in three pieces For Cord Convertible. Each-MP 471Windshield Base Pad For Cord Convertible. Made in three pieces. Each

1936 Cord 810 License Bracket Pad. 5" wide X 4-1/5" long. Each-MP 472License Bracket Pad. 5" wide X 4-1/5" long. Each

1936 Cord 810 Trunk Hinge Pads. 1-5/8" wide X 6-7/8" long. 4-Piece Set-MP 478Trunk Hinge Pads. 1-5/8" wide X 6-7/8" long. 4-Piece Set