Forgotten Automotive Gems of the 1930s

The 1930s were characterized by turmoil, from the Great Depression to the ominous rise of fascism in Europe. Yet, amid this chaos, the automotive industry flourished, introducing groundbreaking innovations that shaped the cars of today. While many vehicles from this era are well-remembered, several remarkable models have faded into obscurity. Let’s rediscover some of these captivating cars, each a testament to engineering brilliance and aesthetic allure.

Duesenberg Model J (1929 to 1937)

If you sought unparalleled luxury in a car before WWII, the Duesenberg Model J was the quintessential choice. Comparable to Rolls-Royce in craftsmanship, its design was elegant and opulent. Tech-savvy for its time, it boasted hydraulic brakes and a powerful straight-eight engine.

The formidable 7.0-liter engine produced 265 hp at a top speed of 116 mph. Featuring a DOHC design and four valves per cylinder, it represented cutting-edge technology. The attention to detail in construction was striking; counterweights and oversized bearings facilitated a smooth ride, complemented by mercury-filled vibration dampers.

In 1932, a supercharger increased power to 320 hp, cutting the 0-60 time to eight seconds. Inside, the luxury continued — leather and wood filled the cabin, with no use of plastic. At a staggering price of $13,000 (around $300,000 today), only 480 units were produced, with merely 36 equipped with a supercharger, making it a rare collector’s item.

Cord 810/812 (1936 to 1937)

Dubbed the “coffin nose” car — a name that diminishes its aesthetic charm — the Cord 810/812 showcased modernist design principles and elegantly proportioned, streamlined forms. With no spare tire and a minimalist chrome finish, it epitomized Art Deco sophistication.

Noteworthy for its innovation, the Cord featured front-wheel drive, eliminating the driveshaft and allowing for its stunning low profile. Engine options included a 4.7-liter V8, delivering 125 hp with a four-speed manual transmission. A supercharged variant pushed output to 170 hp.

Despite incorporating advanced technologies like variable-speed windshield wipers and a built-in radio, the Cord struggled commercially due to reliability issues and insufficient production capital, with only about 3,000 units created.

Mercedes-Benz 500K/540K (1934 to 1941)

The Mercedes-Benz 500K was a German masterpiece, known for its grand touring style. With a smooth design and potent straight-eight engine, it delivered both elegance and performance. The 5.0-liter engine initially produced 100 hp, with a Roots supercharger boosting output to 160 hp when engaged.

Later iterations introduced a 5.4-liter engine with an impressive top speed of 105 mph and a 0-60 time of 16.4 seconds. Featuring innovative technology for its time, it also offered a fully synchronized five-speed transmission and independent suspension for superior driving comfort.

Inside, the 500K was fitted with top-tier materials, completing the luxurious experience. Priced at $10,780 (around $250,000 today), this car was designed for those who appreciated both aesthetics and engineering.

BMW 328 (1936 to 1940)

While Mercedes-Benz pursued lavish luxury, BMW focused on performance with the 328. This lightweight roadster weighed only 1,720 pounds, emphasizing agility over sheer horsepower. Its 2.0-liter inline-six engine produced 80 hp, allowing it to reach speeds above 100 mph, particularly in racing contexts.

The streamlined design and meticulous tuning of the chassis garnered accolades on the racing circuit, culminating in a celebrated victory at the Mille Miglia in 1940. The 328’s organic curves and oversized kidney grille evoke contemporary BMW designs, making it a beautiful classic.

Auburn 851/852 Speedster (1935 to 1936)

Representing American sports car innovation, the Auburn 851/852 Speedster stood out with its breathtaking Art Deco design. With a muscular front and a boat-tailed rear, this roadster was favored by Hollywood elites.

Powered by a 4.8-liter Lycoming straight-eight engine, it produced 115 hp, with an available supercharged option generating 150 hp. While it weighed approximately 3,400 pounds, it was considered relatively lightweight for its time. The company ceased operations in 1937, yet the 851/852 Speedster remains highly sought after today.

Ford Model 40 (1933 to 1934)

Though less glamorous, the Ford Model 40 was the “Mustang of the 1930s,” making sports cars accessible to the masses. This model introduced a V8 engine, which dramatically changed the market and offered a streamlined design at an affordable price.

The flathead V8 produced 85 hp, giving the Model 40 a respectable performance for entry-level sports cars. The bespoke 1934 Edsel Sport Special Speedster variant featured advanced engineering and a tuned engine that could reach 100 hp, showcasing Ford’s capabilities even when it focused on mass production.

Lincoln Zephyr (1936 to 1942)

The Lincoln Zephyr combined luxury with innovative design features. Sporting a sharp V-shaped nose and flowing lines, it was visually striking and aerodynamically efficient. Powered by a 4.4-liter V12 engine, it produced 110 hp.

As one of the early adopters of unibody construction, the Zephyr was designed to reduce weight and enhance comfort. It achieved sales success, remaining in production until WWII interrupted, a testament to its appeal during its brief run.

Chrysler Airflow (1934 to 1937)

The Chrysler Airflow was revolutionary in its dedication to aerodynamics. Designed using wind tunnel testing, it introduced a fluid body style that was unlike any vehicle before it.

With a 4.9-liter flathead V8 engine, it generated 122 hp, reaching speeds comparable to other sporty cars of its time. Despite its innovations, the Airflow struggled in the marketplace due to a smear campaign by rival manufacturers, culminating in its discontinuation after just three years.

Talbot-Lago T150 C (1936 to 1939)

The Talbot-Lago T150 C is often overshadowed by more famous contemporaries, yet its design and engineering merit significant recognition. This two-seater sported elegant curves and was crafted for both aesthetics and performance.

Its advanced 4.0-liter inline-six engine produced up to 165 hp. Crafted in limited numbers, with only 20 special coupe versions made, the T150 C is now a highly coveted classic.

Vauxhall 10-4 (1937 to 1940)

The Vauxhall 10-4 was a budget-friendly vehicle, offering impressive technology for its class. It was the first British vehicle built with unibody construction and came equipped with numerous advanced features.

While its 1.2-liter engine only provided 34.5 hp, its affordability made it a significant player in the market. Vauxhall produced over 42,000 units until the onset of WWII curtailed production.

Peugeot 402 (1935 to 1942)

The Peugeot 402, recognized for its Art Deco styling, featured hidden headlights and an elegantly flowing body. This family car was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, offering a top speed of 75 mph.

Notably, the 402 was the first production car to offer a diesel engine, contributing to its successful sales, with around 75,000 units sold during its production run.

Citroën Traction Avant (1934 to 1957)

The Citroën Traction Avant stands apart for its innovative engineering, being one of the first cars to feature both a monocoque structure and front-wheel drive. It was designed for comfort and handling.

With various engine options, including a powerful V8, the Traction Avant became celebrated for its driving experience, remaining in production until 1957 with over 760,000 units sold.

Through their distinctive features, these forgotten cars of the 1930s tell a story of innovation amidst adversity. Each vehicle encapsulated the spirit of its time while laying the foundation for modern automotive design and technology.