Classic 1930s Car Example: The 1936 Cord 810

An example of a classic 1930s car is the 1936 Cord 810. Celebrated for its futuristic design and engineering, the Cord 810 became an icon of prewar American automotive innovation, capturing the era’s blend of art deco style and mechanical experimentation. Widely regarded as one of the decade’s most distinctive automobiles, it introduced features that set new benchmarks for both aesthetics and performance.

Why the Cord 810 Stands Out

Debuting for 1936, the Cord 810 arrived at a time when carmakers were pushing boundaries in streamlining, safety, and power. The 810 embodied that spirit: its clean, unadorned lines, advanced drivetrain, and clever packaging made it a standout on the road and a design-school staple for generations.

Design and Innovation

Styled under designer Gordon Buehrig, the Cord 810 featured a “coffin-nose” grille, retractable headlights, and a low, aerodynamic profile that looked like nothing else of its time. Underneath, a front-wheel-drive layout and a semi-automatic preselector transmission showcased advanced engineering uncommon in mainstream American cars of the 1930s.

Key Features of the 1936 Cord 810

The following list outlines the most notable attributes that made the Cord 810 a landmark vehicle in its era and a sought-after classic today.

• Front-wheel drive: Rare in American cars of the period, it allowed a lower hoodline and improved interior space.
• Retractable headlights: Operated by dashboard cranks, they were among the first on a U.S. production car and contributed to the car’s sleek look.
• Streamlined “coffin-nose” design: Horizontal louvered grille and integrated fenders embodied cutting-edge, art deco styling.
• Lycoming V8 power: The 810 used a naturally aspirated Lycoming V8; the closely related 1937 Cord 812 offered an optional supercharger with external exhaust pipes for a dramatic visual and performance statement.
• Semi-automatic preselector gearbox: A four-speed system that let drivers preselect gears, reflecting the period’s push toward easier, more modern motoring.
• Varied body styles: Offered as sedans (notably Westchester and Beverly) and in open styles such as convertible configurations, appealing to both luxury and sporting tastes.

Taken together, these features positioned the Cord 810 at the forefront of 1930s automotive design, marrying visual drama with forward-thinking mechanical solutions.

Other Notable Classic 1930s Cars

Beyond the Cord, the 1930s produced a remarkable roster of automobiles that shaped automotive history across performance, luxury, and design. The following examples highlight the breadth of the decade’s innovation worldwide.

• 1932 Ford Model 18 (“Deuce”): Brought an affordable, mass-market V8 to the public, defining hot-rodding culture for decades.
• 1931 Duesenberg Model J: Ultra-luxury American icon with a powerful straight-eight and bespoke coachbuilt bodies.
• 1934 Chrysler Airflow: Pioneering aerodynamics and advanced construction, influential despite modest sales.
• 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic: Art deco masterpiece with a lightweight body and distinctive riveted dorsal seam.
• 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K: Supercharged grand tourer combining opulent coachwork with formidable performance.
• 1937 BMW 328: Lightweight sports car famed for agility and race success, emblematic of European engineering finesse.
• 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B: One of the era’s fastest road cars, blending competition pedigree with sculptural elegance.
• 1934 Packard Twelve: V12 luxury flagship symbolizing American craftsmanship and smooth, refined power.

These models illustrate the 1930s as a transformative period, spanning democratized performance, aerodynamic experimentation, and the pinnacle of prewar luxury.

Legacy and Collectibility

Today, the Cord 810 is prized by collectors and historians for its singular styling and technological daring. Well-preserved or correctly restored examples command strong interest at auctions and concours events, with the supercharged 812 variants particularly coveted. Enthusiast clubs and specialist restorers help keep parts, knowledge, and appreciation alive, ensuring the Cord’s influence remains visible across automotive design and culture.

Summary

The 1936 Cord 810 stands as a quintessential example of a classic 1930s car—innovative, visually striking, and ahead of its time. Alongside peers like the Ford Model 18, Duesenberg Model J, and Bugatti Type 57SC, it captures a decade when audacious design and engineering reshaped what automobiles could be.

What would be considered a classic car?

25 years or older
A classic car is typically described as an automobile 25 years or older, although a car’s age is not the only requirement it must meet before being considered a “classic.” However, a standard criteria for recognizing cars as classics does not exist, since different countries use their own rules and have their own …

What was the most popular car in 1935?

Ford was the nation’s top-selling car maker for 1935 and offered five different Standard body styles and 10 different Deluxe models. The Burns’ car was one of 87,336 of the Tudor trunk sedans built, making it the third-most popular car in the 15-car lineup.

What was the most popular car in the 1930s?

Today: the 1930s. If the Ford Model T was the car that put the masses behind the wheel, the ’32 Ford was the car that gave them style and power.

What is an example of classic 1930s car?

Learn more about this classic. The 1932-1935 Graham Blue Streak was a trend setter for the American auto industry during the Depression-era. Its cutting-edge design and performance made the Blue Streak one of the most popular cars at the time.