By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Cord Museum Archives
Published 3.19.2025
1929-30 Cord Advertising in Life Magazine
The Cord automobile, made in Auburn, Indiana, was a great-looking American vehicle from the early days of the industry. It featured two front-wheel-drive and was introduced in 1929, the same year the stock market crash triggered the Great Depression.
A Cord ad from the Saturday Evening Post
During the early 1930s, Cord lead designer Gordon Buehrig would develop an automobile that would become timeless and keep up with the legacy of the L-29 model. The new design offered front wheel drive powered by a newly designed V8 engine from Lycoming. The model was completed in December 1935 and went into production on February 15, 1936. Unfortunately, many problems occurred during the manufacturing process.
1936 & 37 Cord Illustrations by John Dunscombe
Automotive historians have said for many years that the 1936 and 1937 Cord models were among the best designed automobiles of the 20th Century. These included models like the 1936 Cord 810, the Phaeton and the 1937 Westchester sedan.
1935 Cord Ad from Automobile Digest
In 1936, the Cord models came from the Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg line of automobiles. The 1936 Cord automobiles were manufactured with a 125-inch wheelbase, used a 125 hp V-8 Engine and were available in four body styles.
A 1937 Cord Ad in Time Magazine
For 1937, there was very little change in styling, and the new 812 model still offered their great hidden headlamp design feature. Automotive historians have often referred to the Cord 810 and 812 models as the “Coffin Nose.” The Cord line for 1936-1937 finished in 18th place among American brands for sales.
Another Cord ad from the era
Before television, automobiles were promoted by printed sales brochures and newspaper and magazine advertising. During the 1930s, Cord brand advertising promised a new kind of motoring, emphasizing style and beauty. Most of the Cord advertising was illustrated in black and white by talented artists like Buehrig, along with Paul Gerding and Fred Cole. Cord advertising caused a great sensation and interest among consumers during the 1930s, however, the Great Depression proved to be difficult for automakers. Production of Cord automobiles ceased in August 1937, when company founder E.L. Cord sold the company and retired to California.
A 1937 Cord ad
In conclusion, automobile advertising dates back to the early 20th century. As automobiles became more popular, automakers like Cord realized the need to promote their products through great advertising. Today, these early ads are recognized for their excellence.
Another 1937 Cord ad
Buehrig, Gordon M., and Jackson, William S. “Rolling Sculpture: A Designer and His Work.” Haessner Publishing, Newfoundland, New Jersey, 1975.
Hindes, Martha. “The Maestro of Classic Cars.” Michigan Magazine (Sunday Detroit News), January 16, 1983.
Kimes, Beverly Rae. “Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942.” Krause Publications.
Iola Wisconsin, Second Edition, 1989.Moloney, James. “Encyclopedia of American Cars 1930-1942.” Crestline Publishing, 1977.
Stork, Jeff. “A Brief History of the Cord Automobile.” Motor Trend, July 11, 2014.
