Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg closed their doors in 1937. There were some prototype 1938 models running around, but none that I can find that match the car in the picture.
I think Lee already confirmed that it's not a Cord. I know that the "1939" reference came from the title of the photo, "39 SCTA," but that could also just be photo #39. SCTA, of course, is the Southern California Timing Association, not surprising since the photo appears to have been taken at either Bonneville or El Mirage. Looks like the car was sitting on display at an SCTA function of some sort.
It's a very complicated story. Certainly, the depression had a lot to do with it. E. L. Cord also got sideways with FDR and the US government. Some feel that Victor Emmanuel's takeover and dismantling of Cord's empire was part of a government plot. E. L. Cord wa an aggressive businessman who started out as a car salesman and eventually owned a conglomerate. He aggressively pursued business takeovers, and used tactics that are commonplace today, but that angered people in high places in the day. I've yet to find a source that tells the whole story, but I'm sure it would be fascinating. Apparently Griff Borgeson wrote a biography of Cord, but I haven't been able to find a copy of it.
Yes, I know it's not a Cord, I was merely replying to Writerguy's feeling that it was a '39 Cord, something that doesn't exist. I still believe it's some sort of replica. The basic styling is almost a direct copy with the exception of the slanted, tapered hood.
Could it be an earlier cord body? my 39 was from the picture but I am wondering about the styling too. It just says CORD to me. oooh here is a thought 1937*Cord*812 Beverly Sedan Image Unavailable, Please Login
No. Cord started production in 1929 with the L-29. The famous coffin-nose Cord 810 revolutionized car design when it debuted at the NY & LA auto shows in November, 1935. Note that the car in the picture is very similar in style to a Cord 810 with the exception of the coffin nose. The nose on that car is tapered and sloped. Cord never sold a car with that nose, nor can I find a prototype with that nose. The company folded in 1937. This is why I think it's a replica of some sort. I didn't know they built Fieros in those days!
The nose and pop up headlights frenched into the fenders is why I keep thinking about Cord Can anyone help with getting us closer?
Okay, before this thread disappears into nowhere, here are the answers to the last two cars that I posted: The "Opel-looking" one is a South African GSM Flamingo. The other is a French Salmson 2300S. Now... Lee?
Sorry, guys, life stepped on my FC time, I forgot this thread The car is a one-off, Cord front fenders, but is rear drive, built purportedly by Murphy in Pasadena, drawn by GB himself. There's a Stutz under there. Very murky history, with very nice workmanship. Wheels look to be Ford/Merc items. I thought someone would know this car, it spent time at Bonneville. I really want to know the real story on this thing, but I think those who know are no more. Sorry for the suspense, I just checked PM tonite. Here's one you guys should get, keep the ball in play Again, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa Image Unavailable, Please Login
Maserati 250F "Streamliner" (or "Monoposto Aerodinamica") recreation. Supposedly built on chassis #2510 and created to look like chassis #2518 (ex-2512).
