Cord, Errett Lobban

Cord, Errett Lobban

(1894–1974) manufacturer; born in Warrensburg, Mo. A racing car mechanic and driver, he became president of Auburn Automobile Company in Auburn, Ind., which in 1926 acquired the Duesenberg Motor Company in Indianapolis. In 1929 the Auburn plant introduced the Cord L-29, the first successful front-wheel drive car; it remained in production until 1932. Manufacture of all Cords and Duesenbergs ceased in 1937 because of the Depression.