The Swing Shift Shuffle is a radio program of swing, big band, jazz, boogie woogie and other popular music from the 1930's and 40's that airs every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (US Central Time) on WEVL 89.9 FM in Memphis, Tennessee, with a live webcast at wevl.org. In addition to the radio show, this blog is dedicated to all aspects of the Swing Era, including art, automobiles, cartoons, comics, history, movies, music, news, science, technology, and anything else that happened during that time. It also includes announcements about events in the Memphis/Mid-South area related to the Swing Era, such as classic movies, concerts, dances, lectures, etc. If you see something that fits the description, send it to me at tim@wevl.org. If you would like more information about the radio show, just go to the Radio Show FAQ page.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

E.L. Cord: The Maker of "Different" Automobiles

E.L. Cord made possible some of the grandest, most innovative vehicles to ever grace the American roads, or any other roads for that matter.  He took over a dying car company based in Auburn, Indiana; bought Duesenberg motors; and developed a new car, bearing his own name, with revolutionary front-wheel drive technology.  As a result, the Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg line of automobiles became legendary for their design, performance and luxury.  Modern Mechanix posted this article from a 1930 issue of Modern Mechanics that gives some contemporary insight into his success.  If you are ever in Auburn, Indiana, I highly recommend a visit to the Auburn, Cord & Duesenberg Museum, housed in the old A-C-D headquarters and showroom.  It is an exciting collection, even for someone who is not that interested in cars. 

No comments: