1929 Cunningham Series V-7

James Cunningham & Company, of Rochester, New York, began to build automobiles in 1907, and by the late 1920s, he was offering the most expensive cars made in the United States. Cunningham was one of the first to install a V-8 engine in an American car, in 1916, and thereafter the cars were often referred to as the American Rolls-Royce. In its heyday, it was the choice of movie stars such as Hoot Gibson and Mary Pickford, as well as businessmen such as William Randolph Hearst, who kept one as a touring car at San Simeon.

The 1926 Cunningham Series V-6 and the 1928/1929 Cunningham Series V-7 rested on a 132- or 142-inch wheelbase platform. The 8-cylinder engine in the Series V-6 offered 90 horsepower while the V-7 delivered 106 horsepower. The company (James Cunningham, Son & Company) was incorporated in 1882 and produced vehicles from 1907 through 1936. By 1925, the Rochester, New York-based company was producing exclusive automobiles without suggested prices. They catered to the wealthy, discriminating clientele and built to individual custom order.

The 91-A models rested on the 132-inch platform, while the 82-A had the larger 142-inch wheelbase. Both of these V-7 Series were powered by Volney Lacey's 442 cubic inch side valve V-8 with cast iron blocks and aluminum 3-bearing crankcase. By 1922, Cunningham was using a four-speed transmission, still supplied by Brown-Lippe as was the multi-disc dry clutch. Cunningham relied on the Timken-Detroit spiral bevel drive full floating rear axles which were commonly used in hearses and professional vehicles. Customers had the choice of center-lock wire, and demountable rim wood spoke wheels.

By 1925, the company was using a sharp-edged radiator shell, replacing the prior rounded version. Also near the end of the decade, Cunningham updated their logo.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019