1936 Cord Model 810 Westchester Sedan
Gordon Buehrig’s design team created one of automotive history’s most recognizable forms with this front-wheel-drive sedan.
Hidden headlights operated by hand cranks on the dashboard, a louvered “coffin nose” grille, and streamlined pontoon fenders without running boards gave the 810 a futuristic appearance that caused a sensation at the November 1935 New York Auto Show.
The Museum of Modern Art in New York later recognized the design’s significance by adding the Cord 810/812 to its permanent collection.
Front-wheel drive allowed the chassis to sit unusually low, eliminating the need for running boards. Power came from a Lycoming 288-cubic-inch (4.7-liter) V8 producing 125 horsepower, paired with a four-speed electrically operated preselector transmission controlled by a small lever on the steering column.
The Westchester represented the entry-level sedan variant at $1,995, distinguished from the more upscale Beverly model by its flat broadcloth upholstery rather than pleated cloth. Production difficulties plagued early deliveries, with the first cars not reaching customers until February 1936 despite promised Christmas availability.
Only 1,174 examples of the Model 810 were sold in 1936 before Cord’s financial troubles forced the company to cease production in August 1937.
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