Pre-War Classics At the Cincinnati Concours

A rain plagued morning limited not only the number of vehicles on display at the 45th Annual Cincinnati Concours d'Elegance but also the number of people showing up to attend the event. Still, a number of amazing vehicles braved the elements and turned up to help benefit the fight against juvenile arthritis. One of the most popular classes is the Pre-War Classics. These are cars built before World War II and have been granted full classic status by the Classic Car Club of America.

This is a 1936 Pierce-Arrow 1601 Sedan that has seen only 37,000 original miles. It is one of only 320 ever built and one of only 45 known to still exist. It sports a 385 cubic inch, 150 horse power straight eight engine.

This is a 1937 LaSalle 37-50 Opera Coupe. The lead designer for the LaSalle was the famed Harley Earl. This was the first year LaSalle sported a flathead V8 engine. The 320 cubic inch 130 horse power engine had previously only been used in Cadillacs. 

Here is a 1931 Marmon convertible sedan that had a custom body by LaBaron. This Indianapolis, Indiana built car is one of only 390 built with the Marmon V16 engine. This was the first year this 491 cubic inch engine that made 200 horse power was available.

The Classic Car Club of America is the care taker of this 1938 Buick 40 Special Model 44. It is the only such car built by Lancefield Coach Works in London, England. Sporting a 248 cubic inch inline eight cylinder engine that generated 107 horse power this car has won numerous prizes including Best In Class twice at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Here is a 1936 Auburn 852 Phaeton. Designed by the famous Gordon Buehrig, this model marked the last year of production for Auburns. It was powered by a 280 cubic inch, 125 horse power Lycoming straight eight cylinder engine.

This 1948 Lincoln Continental Coupe was one of only 847 produced in this last model year for the Continental badge until the middle of the 1950s. The car was designed by famed Ford stylist Bob Gregorie and features a 292 cubic inch side valve V12 engine. It actually had power windows and a power radio antenna.

Here is a very rare 1928 Auburn 8-115 Boattail Speedster. The name comes from the shape of the rear end of the car and was another design by Gordon Buehrig. There were only 226 of these ever produced. It sports a 299 cubic inch Lycoming straight eight cylinder engine that generates 115 horse power.

This is a 1932 Packard Twin Six Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton. Packard used the "twin six" term for their V12 engines. This one is a 7.3 liter (or 445 cubic inch) model that puts out 160 horse power. It's top speed was advertised as "in excess of 85 miles per hour."

This is a 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton. This car was very innovative for its time, featuring hidden headlights and door hinges. It also had a tachometer and a standard radio. It is powered by the famed Lycoming 289 cubic inch V8 and puts out 125 horse power.

Here is a 1937 Packard 1508 All Weather Town Car with body by LeBaron. It is the only one of its kind known to still exist and is a previous award winner at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It has a 473 cubic inch V12 engine that puts out 175 horse power. When new this car cost $5,900.

Finally we have a 1929 Stutz Dual Cowl Phaeton that has coach work by Lancefield. This is one of only 24 supercharged cars ever built by Stutz and one of only 2300 put out by the company in 1929. It is powered by a 322 cubic inch inline eight cylinder engine.