Designed by Gordon Buehrig, what was originally conceived to be a “baby Duesenberg” was a sensation at the New York Auto Show in 1935.  Introduced for 1936 as the Cord 810 and renamed 812 for 1937, here was one revolutionary automobile that included Cord’s unique front-wheel drive. The aerodynamic body featured monocoque construction for increased rigidity and lighter weight. It featured hand-operated retractable headlights, dual taillights with separate license plate light, a roof-mounted radio speaker, a hidden gasoline cap, full wheel covers, an instrument panel with clustered gauges, and styling that was free of running boards with a low, step-down floor. Even the hood was hinged at the rear as on today’s cars rather than from the sides or center, as was the norm at the time.

It would be another 30 years before another manufacturer would attempt front-wheel drive in an American automobile. Powering the car was a 289 c.i.d. Lycoming V-8 that produced 125 h.p. at 3,500 rpm. The addition of a $415 Schwitzer-Cummins centrifugal supercharger produced 170 h.p. at 4,200 rpm with a 0-60 mph time of 13 seconds and a top speed over 110 mph. Problems with early cars had been sorted by 1937, but their reputation was damaged and Cord closed later in the year.