In 1929, industrialist E.L. Cord introduced the mighty Duesenberg Model J, advertised as The World's Finest Motorcar. But he also showcased a new car, a testbed for radically new automotive innovations. This was the Cord L-29, the first front-wheel-drive car sold to the American public. Its long, low, sleek appearance was popular for its styling and superb handling, but it was only a start. For four years he collaborated with his engineers and designers, including Duesenberg styling genius Gordon Buehrig. Features for the new car included a pre-selector transmission, hidden fuel-filler door, independent front suspension, no running boards, pontoon fenders, disappearing headlights, radio, variable-speed windshield wipers, and a wrap-around chrome grille. The most trend-setting American car in history, the Cord 810, was born.
Many of its design innovations would not become standard on other makes for decades. Introduced in late 1935 at the New York Auto Show, the 810 created a sensation. Crowds around it were so deep that people were forced to stand on other display cars just to get a glimpse. Today, this 1937 replica Cord 810 still gets the same attention. It remains one of the most stylish and graceful cars to ever be produced in America.