Quote:
Originally Posted by daepp
Aren't the engines Dussenberg's?
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These particular models of Cord (the 810 & 812) were produced for only two years....'36 & '37....and had 117hp flathead V8 engines built by Lycoming (still in business today producing aircraft engines). Some '37 cars featured supercharged versions of this motor that put out around 190hp.
A side benefit of using front-wheel drive was that the Cord stood nearly a foot lower than other contemporary cars. It had no running boards....unusual for that era. It had no radiator-like grille....just continuous louvers around the front and side of the hood. Its twin taillights were flush with the body and its gas filler was covered by a lid. The horn blew by touching a ring and the engine-turned dash panel included a tachometer.
Despite it's innovations and spectacular styling, these Cords were not a sales success. Interest was high after it's initial debut but quickly faded after the rushed-to-production cars quickly developed major mechanical problems.