The Custom Copper Cord

Story and photos by Mary B. Killeen and Tom Dudley

What would Gordon say? Gordon Buehrig was in his mid twenties when he designed the 1936 Cord 810 while working at the Auburn Automobile Co. in Auburn, Ind. A celebration of the Art Deco style, the streamlined Cord automobile commanded much attention with its pontoon fenders and low-to-the-ground design for the era.

What would Josh say? The late Josh Malks, the inspiring editor of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Newsletter for many years, was a well-respected Cord expert, author and lover of all Cords, including his own Cord that he famously named “Moonshadow.”

These questions of our two heroes crossed our minds the day the Copper Cord project finally came together when Tom Dudley declared, “It is done!”

Gordon and Josh, past Cord inspirers of many (including us), inspired Tom and I to embrace the 1936 Cord 810 Phaeton convertible. Our Cord love affair began when, after a hard search, we found our own Cord in 1981 and Tom began its restoration. Our precious restored Cord still sits in a place of pride within our garage. Tom and I learned about the Cord automobile together and it has been a labor of love ever since. Tom has since restored several Cords and, through the years, won many ACD Club awards including Best Cord and Best of Show.

I imagine Gordon and Josh would ask Tom many questions about our recently completed Copper Cord: Why? How? How long did it take? The answers follow, but first I want to take credit for one sacrifice in this project: I am responsible for contributing its 400-hp, 383-cid. GM crate V-8 engine. For the Copper Cord project, I sold my 1949 Ford sedan to pay for the “souped engine,” as I call it. Boy, it sounds good!

The engine is mated to a Corvette transmission, both of which are backed by a Corvette rear differential, making what was originally a front-wheel-drive Cord a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

Why did he do it? Tom started with a desire to push the envelope. As a longtime Cord restorer, he always admired the revolutionary Cord styling. Through the years, he wondered how the Cord would look with a modern design. And now we know!

Tom started with a Cord that was past the possibility of restoration and a Cord title. He hand-formed most of the metal, but largely kept the Cord’s front-end design although he greatly extended the hood by 6 inches and reduced its height by 3 inches. Headlights are hidden behind the fence, which is made of custom-made stainless-steel trim. From the cowl back, the Cord was hand made by Tom except for the modified rear fenders, which are original Cord. Finally, he designed a fastback rake to the rear of the car following the trend of a customized vehicle. The body rides on 22-inch custom Davin Wheels. The car’s two-seat interior is to Tom’s custom design. The base coat and clear coat copper paint was created by Tom and son David and applied by David.

How long did it take? Tom did the upholstery as he has on all his previously restored Cords, taking about one winter to complete the project. David helped with the body work and painting over time. Tom was able to get the project done in about 10 years, a period he considers a reasonable length of time.

The marvelous Copper Cord has been no farther than our front lawn since it is too wide to fit on our car trailer. Hopefully, this year we will find a trailer to fit, and the Copper Cord will hit the road to hopefully inspire others. Zoom!

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