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Five brands that shaped automotive history — and disappeared: Cord, Duesenberg, Hispano Suiza, Isotta Fraschini and Packard continue to inspire generations, even off the road
Many people imagine that the history of the automobile industry is limited to the great brands that have survived to this day. But the first 140 years of this sector hold hundreds of curious stories, impressive models and brands that, although they have disappeared, have left a lasting impression. legacy striking.
Some of them even rivaled the biggest manufacturers on the planet. And it was precisely these that prompted a question asked to five motorsport experts: What are the five most important brands that no longer exist?
The final selection brought together some big names: Cord, Duesenberg, Hispano Suiza, Isotta Fraschini and Packard. Each one, in its own way, left its mark on the industry, innovated in technologies and helped shape what we know today as a luxury or high-performance car.
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Below is a summary of the history of these five brands that made history — but did not stand the test of time.
Cord: front-wheel drive and aesthetic boldness
Cord was the first American brand to bet on front-wheel drive. This happened in 1929, with the launch of the L-29 model. Its founder, Errett Lobban Cord, believed that the future of the popular car would involve front-wheel drive and constant velocity joints.
The L-29 used a 8 horsepower, inline 125-cylinder engine. But the Crisis 1929 dropped the project. Around 5 units were sold in just three years.
But the brand's big moment would come later: in 1936, the 810 model was launched, a car far ahead of its time. It had independent front suspension, a hood with side fins in place of the radiator grille and did away with running boards on the sides of the body.
The headlights were retractable and inspired by airplanes of the time. The 810 even had a version with a compressor, reaching 170 cv. The propaganda of the time said: "Anyone who overtakes a Cord knows that they only do so with the permission of the Cord driver.. "
Duesenberg: power, luxury and victory on the track
Founded in 1913 in the United States, Duesenberg gained early fame for manufacturing high-performance cars with refined finishes.
Em 1921, received support from Errett Cord, the same from the previous brand, to expand its production. It participated in competitions and won at Le Mans and Indianapolis, in 1924, 1925 and 1927.
The models from the 20s and 30s attracted attention for their design and power. DuesenbergJ, launched in 1929, delivered 265 hp with an in-line 8-cylinder engine, double camshaft and four valves per cylinder. The SJ, created later, used a mechanical compressor and achieved 320 cv.
They cost more than the Rolls-Royces of the time and were a hit with Hollywood stars.
Hispano Suiza: sophistication and aviation engines
The Swiss Marc Birkgt He had the dream of building electric cars, but ended up surrendering to gasoline engines. He founded Hispano Suiza in Spain and was lucky: the king Alfonso XIII became one of the brand's biggest enthusiasts. Birkgt even transferred part of the production to France to gain international recognition.
During First World War, the factory began producing aircraft engines. The automobile line was resumed in 1919, but it was only in 1930 that the HB6 model made history.
It had a 6,6-liter, 135-hp engine and overhead camshaft. Its successor, the H6C, arrived in 1932 with a 12-liter V9,4 and then gained an 11,3 liter version, with 250 cv.
The end began with the departure of the king and the arrival of the dictatorship of franc, in 1939. The brand ended automobile production in 1946, selling its assets to ENASA.
Isotta Fraschini: Italian luxury and innovation in the 20s
Founded in Milan, in 1900, Isotta Fraschini started as a workshop that resold French brands. But the desire to create its own models spoke louder. It gained prominence with the Type 8, which featured the first 8-cylinder engine produced in Italy.
The quality of the finish made the brand considered a direct rival of Rolls-Royce. It also manufactured trucks and aircraft engines. Automobile production was discontinued in 1927, but the company tried to come back several times over the following decades.
Packard: Powerful Engines and American Pride
The history of Packard begins with a dissatisfaction. James Packard owned a Winton car and, after being snubbed by the manufacturer when he suggested improvements, he decided to found his own brand. Thus was born Packard, which soon stood out for its cutting-edge engineering.
In the 20s, he created six-cylinder engines. In the 30s, he invested in V12 to equip their coupes, sedans and convertibles. These engines had a cast iron block and aluminum heads, with 7,3 liters and 160 cv. It has also produced 1, 2, 4 and 8 cylinder engines throughout history.
Despite its tradition and passion for engines, Packard did not resist the post-war market decline. It even merged with Studebaker, but closed its doors in the 50s, unable to compete with giants like Ford and GM.
The legacy of brands that time has taken away
Cord, Duesenberg, Hispano Suiza, Isotta Fraschini and Packard could not resist the economic changes and the advance of their competitors. But each of them left an indelible mark on the history of the automobile.
Their models still arouse admiration in museums, antique car fairs and collections around the world. For car enthusiasts, learning about these stories is more than just curiosity: it is understanding how the past shaped what we drive today.
With information from Autoo.
