POST VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF TASMANI

When the PVCC was formed in 1975 the founders of the club chose the Cord model 810 - 812 as the official club emblem. Cord was part of the prestigious Cord-Auburn-Duesenberg company, know for it's stylish and high performing automobiles. Cord itself had only a limited lifespan - the first model appeared in 1929 and the last in 1937.

The 1929 L-29 model introduced front wheel drive, coupled to a straight eight engine. The body was traditionally styled but was long, low and spectacular. The styling was clearly an influence on the great classic car designs of the early to mid 1930s. There was an unusual extension at the front, below the grill, to accommodate an extended engine flywheel as part of the the front wheel drive machinery. The L-29 was luxurious and expensive.

Unfortunately the innovative mechanicals were not always reliable and in 1932 production of the L-29 ceased. It was replaced by a new model in 1935 - the 810, designed by Gordon Buehrig. This model continued the front wheel drive, had modern independent front suspension and a 4.7 litre V8 engine. The body was very modern with retractable headlights and a very smooth bonnet assembly, with horizontal grill bars wrapping right around to the front doors. The door hinges were concealed and there were no running boards - quite unusual for the 1930s.

1937 saw the introduction of the fabulous Cord 812 - similar in appearance to the 810 but with a supercharged engine producing 170 bhp. The 812 was a glamorous vehicle, capable of over 100 mph. Visually the 812 was impressive, with huge external chromed exhaust pipes snaking out of the car's side. Despite all this, however, financial problems plagued the company and by the end of 1937 Cord was no more.