When it comes to certain makes and models, it’s practically guaranteed that replicas will be made at some point. The car in question is simply so coveted, so exotic that there’s no way limiting its production to the scarce quantity of original models will ever satisfy the masses. That’s certainly the case with the iconic Cord models, which were the epitome of excess in the art deco era, and a design and engineering masterpiece. While affordable in project car form, finished ones are quite pricy and putting one back together that’s been essentially stored in boxes for decades is a monumental task. So why not buy a replica, like this Samco Cord Warrior, equipped with a Chrysler 440 Magnum? It’s listed here on Barn Find Classifieds for a reasonable $19,850.
There were two models and two engines offered; a short- and long-wheelbase, and either the 440 in this car or the traditional Ford 302 V8. The replica was built in a factory, not assembled in someone’s garage, and limited to 400 examples. There’s always some skepticism attached to these replica models in terms of the final build quality, or the materials used to dress up the interior or exterior, but most accounts indicate the company behind the Samco replica wanted to limit production in order to create a tribute car that felt as solidly built as the original. Unlike some replicas that look half done even when complete, the Samco does appear to be a well-executed design.
The body features suicide doors with proper door panels, and the cabin is decked out with bucket seats, a back seat, leather trim, woodgrain dash and center console, and full carpeting. All of those features make a tribute vehicle feel closer to the real thing, even if the proportions are clearly off by a fair amount and the interior still isn’t as ornate as the original. To me, it says the original builder was actually trying to create a vehicle of value as opposed to just making a body that looked like the car in question and then throwing some bargain basement bin components into the cabin. How many replicas have you looked at where the VW Beetle-derived components extended well past the running gear and included the seats and steering wheel, too?
Out of the possible configurations, I like this Samco the best: the short wheelbase and healthy 440 Magnum engine. The seller notes it’s also appointed with other desirable features, like power windows, power steering, a power seat, air conditioning, genuine Kelsey Hayes wire wheels, and new tires. The Samco has been in Southern California all of its life, and while the paint is original, it does sport some flaws up close (but is said to still polish up nicely.) The mileage isn’t listed but most of these Samco Cord replicas lived fairly sheltered lives and weren’t used as daily drivers, yet these aren’t so rare that you should feel reluctant to take it out on just about any nice day you wish. Would you drive a replica, or save your pennies for the real thing?
Sorry, nothing says I need a giant leather bench seat more than this car.
I couldn’t quite pick out the one thing that was off about this ride, and I think you nailed it, Mr. Banger.
Yeah, and the front of the hood and grille are way too wide. Also, those cheap side pipes aren’t very attractive.
A SAMCO Warrior was a featured car in some television series, the title of which eludes me.
I believe you’re thinking of “A Man Called Sloane” starring Robert Conrad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8PFvf7wC70
Forward to the :30 mark.
The headlights and lack of FWD are unfortunate but I can understand SAMCO’s decision. Still a flat floor would permit a bench seat and moving the shifter to the column. Without hidden headlights the frontend doesn’t look right.
The seller should include images which show the interior, especially the dashboard.
Never liked the exposed headlights on these either. Or bucket seats, floor shifter, “modern” chrome spoke wheels, etc. Glenn Prey did it better and with a more unique powertrain layout. Not sure why a full size Cord replica was never made for mass consumption like the thousands of Auburn Speedster replicas in full scale.
Agree the Glenn Pray replicas were better,though they used a Corvair engine.
Also noted, when one takes away the round flush-mounted taillights of the original Cord, the chrome canted windshield, and widen the engine bay….so little of Gordon’s excellent design is left to enjoy. I do like the dark blue color and white trim however.
This is not so much a “replica” as it is a parody. Much like those VW and Pinto powered Gazelles are not Mercedes Benz replicas but parodies.
looks like a Cord and a bug eyed Sprite got interbred.
Weren’t these made of a rubber/plastic Tupperware like substance called ‘Royalite?’ I believe the late Dick Clark drove one.
The 812 being a dying gasp of the Auburn-Cord-Deusenberg conglomeration, the original, while beautiful, wasn’t nearly as well engineered as some would say. When they hit the road, there were still an awful lot of bugs that needed trapping and working out. The replica would be the better choice if you had any intention of actually trying to drive the thing.
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Was this built in Tulsa, Oklahoma?
No you are thinking of the Glenn Pray cars. They were front wheel drive cars. The Corvair drive train was put in the front of the car.
yes, built in oklohoma
I’d much rather have say a ’35 Chevy for less money than this artificial contraption. I think of old cars as time machines delivering the look and feel of a bygone era as while as having existing on that other side of time. Replicas or Neo Classics like this, the Clenet, or the Excaliber are strictly out of my zone. The possible exception I’d make is a 356 Porsche replica that has close enough DNA to the real thing. Also you can drive it not risk a $250K beast being destroyed.
It doesn’t state when this car was produced….or did I miss that?
In college I worked for Stern-Haskill in the Bronx NY and drove some very cool cars. I did drive a Cord replica back then (1970) and I remember it being a quality built (in my opinion). The side pipes I believe are an “add on”.The one I drove didn’t have them. Reasonable asking price!!