Cord

Established 1929: Connersville, Indiana

Errett Lobban Cord created a small empire of luxury and sport motoring, bringing together Auburn, Duesenberg, Lycoming, Stinson, Checker Cab, American Airways, and the Limousine Body Company. His namesake marque fit snugly between the mid-market Auburn and world-beating Duesy, though its raison d'etre would be innovation. Cord became among the first front-drive automobiles, debuted pop-up headlights, and made use of inboard brakes and semi-automatic transmissions. E.L. Cord's namesake automobiles also trended on the leading edge of design. Lower, sleeker, and more tidy than most, Cord were the envy of the American auto industry, even if commercial viability proved elusive. 12cylinders will return to Cord when the time for a large Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg phase comes due.