Cord was manufactured by the Auburn Automobile Company from 1929 through 1932 and again in 1936 and 1937. Cord was noted for its innovative technology and streamlined designs. The 1st model, the 29-32 L-29, was the first American front-wheel drive car to be offered to the public, powered by Auburn's 301 cu in straight 8. The 2nd model, the 1936 810 and 1937 812, were also front wheel drive, designed by Gordon Buehrig, were the 1st cars to get hidden headlights, they got a 289 cu in V8. they also got hidden door hinges and a rear hinged hood, which was unusual for the time. The most famous feature was the coffin nose, a louvered wraparound grille. Supercharging was made available on the 1937 812 model. These models were distinguished from the normally aspirated 812s by the brilliant chrome-plated external exhaust pipes mounted on each side of the hood and grill, horsepower was raised to 170.