Cunningham

A close coupled version of the V7.

Cunningham also built commercial bodies, including this ambulance:  http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?47080-Orphan-of-the-Day-12-19-1926-Cunningham-Ambulance

Here is an earlier Cunningham: http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?47370-Orphan-of-the-Day-12-29-1919-Cunningham-V3-Touring

Craig

I've always loved Cunninghams. Considering their rarity and quality, they are really undervalued cars. That original sedan from Hershey is certainly magnificent. 

Bonhams is selling this very nice 5 window sedan.

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25221/lot/81

Ex-Bill Harrah Collection
1928 Cunningham Series V-7 Sedan
Coachwork by James Cunningham, Son & Company
Chassis no. V5141
Engine no. V5217

442ci L-Head V8 Engine
Single Stromberg Carburetor
4-Speed Transmission
Front and Rear Ssemi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Lockheed Hydraulic Brakes

*2016 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Exhibit
*Rare example of this quality car constructor
*Powerful and elegant
*CCCA Full Classic

CUNNINGHAM CARS

By 1925 James Cunningham, Son & Company didn't even post suggested prices for its exclusive automobiles. Its market, always a tiny one made up of wealthy, discriminating clients who appreciated the company's approach to building fine automobiles to individual customer orders, was largely insensitive to price.

Its listings in the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce "Handbook of Automobiles" read only "Prices Upon Application".

The later series cars were offered in two models, the 132" wheelbase 91-A and the 142" wheelbase 82-A, a curious situation where the larger and more expensive model had a lower model designation but one that is in some ways typical of Cunningham's disregard for convention. Both were powered by Volney Lacey's 442 cubic inch side valve V-8 with cast iron blocks and aluminum 3-bearing crankcase. Still rated 45hp by the increasingly outmoded NACC formula, Cunningham in 1923 would announce the engine's power on the engine brake, 90 horsepower. With a 5" stroke and 442 cubic inches its torque was prodigious, and by 1925 it had been improved with an inherently balanced crankshaft.

Also new for 1922 was the change to a four-speed transmission, still supplied by Brown-Lippe as was the multi-disc dry clutch. Cunningham still relied on Timken-Detroit spiral bevel drive full floating rear axles, rugged and proven not only in Cunningham automobiles but also in its successful line of hearses and professional vehicles. Both centerlock wire and demountable rim wood spoke wheels were offered. "Theft locks" became standard equipment but braking was still only on the rear wheels.

Cunningham continued to build its own bodies but, by 1925, they had replaced their prior round shouldered radiator shell with one that was sharp-edged, as seen on this stunning example, and as the decade rounded out their logo was updated also.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This handsome and exclusive automobile would no doubt have been commissioned by one of Cunningham's roster of wealthy clientele and for the last half of its life at least it has continued to be retained by custodians who could match this same care regardless of costs.

The car was acquired by the current owner in the mid-1980s from one of the dispersal auctions of the famed Harrah Collection as a marque that had long been coveted by him. In the last few years, respecting its elegance and pedigree, an exhaustive restoration was commissioned at Chris Kidd's respected Tired Iron Works, south of here in Monrovia, California.

All told, invoices in excess of $250,000 were accrued as the aesthetics were thoroughly refurbished. On the culmination of this work, the Cunningham, now tastefully appointed in dark blue and black paintwork and with a tonal grey blue interior was invited to be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2016 in the American Classics Closed Class.

As a fresh restoration and with this sole showing, it offers its next owner potential for other display outings and/or touring, at a fraction of the cost of its rebuild.

So here is the opportunity to get a late car.  Not the most attractive body, but if you look at the dropbox pictures it is in pretty good shape.

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/75919356_1930-cunningham-towncar

A 1930 Cunningham V7 towncar barnyard find! This is a wonderful example of this rare car. The large, luxurious and expensive 8 cylinder series V7. This model was the last production car made by Cunningham. James Cunningham, Sons and Company manufactured high quality carriages before making the transition to horseless vehicles. The V7 series, one of its most successful, was so expensive at the time, only the very wealthy could afford to buy this car. Originally built for Mr. Abraham Baer, this 1930 Cunningham has sat untouched indoors in a southern California warehouse since 1985. Engine type: V8Displacement: 442 cu. in.Power Rating: 106 HorsepowerTransmission: 3 speed manualChassis: Mechanical brakes This car is in excellent condition and drives perfectly. The owner has kept this car untouched in his warehouse since May of 1985, only driving it one time for a parade. The owner is guaranteeing this car will start and run upon pickup. The car is located in the Southern California Mohave dry desert and has been kept indoors the entire time the current owner has had it in his possession. This Cunningham V-7 has 21,965 original miles. Feel free to call us with any questions at all, thanks!More pics can be seen here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gh4pfa7hxnmlggg/AABBylnwPBDIsdXnk9SJcA3ma?dl=0" rel="external nofollow">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9buif5zzc2fp8sk/AACOLCu8qp2K_PILCaj07Cs4a?dl=0https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gh4pfa7hxnmlggg/AABBylnwPBDIsdXnk9SJcA3ma?dl=0

Actually, a pretty nice car all the way around in looks "Panel Brougham" and older restoration - excepting the wooden wheels do absolutely zero for it. 

Looks like an Auburn Speedster replica thrown in the mix under what's left of a tarp. 

I also noticed the auction estimate.  1,000. to 1,000,000. What a way to narrow it down. 

John_MerenessOct 18, 2019

Actually, a pretty nice car all the way around in looks "panel Brougham" and older restoration - excepting the wooden wheels do absolutely zero for it. 

Agreed on the wheels.  And the radiator shell should be chrome and I'm wondering if the headlights are a later addition.

auburnseekerOct 18, 2019

I also noticed the auction estimate.  1,000. to 1,000,000. What a way to narrow it down. 

Since the very nicely restored and better looking Club sedan only brought 88k at Pebble, I'm gonna guess this car should be somewhere around 20-25k.

I would say poorly publicized and poorly photographed so it may do that, though had they played their cars right it coulda/woulda/shoulda go more in the 40-45K range.   Pretty great engine and lots of potential via body style, plus looks to always have been a decent kept car. The older restoration is not particularly attractive color choice or ...  And the wooden wheels are just hideous on it (especially the sidemont mounts) - will haunt it forever until someone forks out some serious pocket change to convert it to wire.  Agree to the radiator shell needs chromed or it needs a stone guard like a DuPont. And, headlights could stand to be larger or ... - yes just looks "off" in the front. 

auburnseekerOct 18, 2019

I also noticed the auction estimate.  1,000. to 1,000,000. What a way to narrow it down. 

That is a spread

The fundamental problem is getting past the unattractiveness of an otherwise very interesting car that has lasted a long time in decent shape.     Are those Buffalo #5s?   I wonder if the hubs are special to the Cunningham or if they are shared with Stutz and some other more numerous cars that had those wheels.   Swapping in wires would make a HUGE difference.

A slightly different towncar body but with wires.   

So check this out.   From a Cunningham sales brochure circa 28/29.   If this is true it be the only American transmission that I know of with a overdrive fourth gear instead of direct.  Perhaps this is earlier than 28?  I'm surprised they were building their own transmissions. 

A touring, and a commercial chassis ambulance:

If AJ is close on an estimate seems like a cool car.  My Cunningham knowledge is limited, but its not far off from Model A money...