1930s-Era Cord Cars to Get Low-Volume Revival

Taking advantage of relaxed regulations for low-volume car manufacturing, the owner of the rights to the former Cord Corp. plans to relaunch the iconic brand late next year after an 80-year hiatus.

Texas entrepreneur Craig Corbell bought the rights to the Cord name two years ago from the family of Glenn Pray, who had acquired Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Co. in the 1960s. Pray, who died in 2011, previously sold the trademarks for Auburn and Duesenberg.

Founded by E.L. Cord in Connersville, Ind., Cord built cars from 1929 to 1932, and again from 1936 to 1937. Cord models were known for their streamlined designs and technical innovations, including front-wheel drive, retractable headlamps, standard radio, hidden fuel door and steering wheel horn.

The revival is made possible by the Low-Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act. Approved last year, the bill allows companies to produce as many as 325 replica classic cars per year without having to meet the latest safety requirement.

To qualify, vehicles must have been out of production for at least 25 years, and the replicas must meet current fuel economy and emissions standards. Corbell says he is talking with several potential engine suppliers.

Two other companies also are planning to relaunch classic cars under the act. The revived DeLorean Motor Co. aims to start low-volume production early next year of the 1980s-era DMC-12 sports car with gullwing doors. And British carmaker AC intends to offer Mk IV Cobras powered by a General Motors‘ 6.2-liter LS V-8 engine.

More information about Corbell’s efforts is available online at www.cordrevival.com.