1928 Cunningham Series V-7 Sedan, Coachwork by James Cunningham, Son & Company

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.