1969 Cord Warrior

FROM THE DICK SHAPPY COLLECTION: The 1969 SAMCO Cord Warrior

Cord automobiles were innovative American luxury cars produced by the Auburn Automobile Company, known for groundbreaking Art Deco designs like hidden headlights, front-wheel drive, and advanced technology. Auburn was founded by the Eckhart brothers in Auburn, Indiana, in 1900, growing from their Eckhart Carriage Company, which they had founded in 1874. They later sold the company to transportation mogul E. L. Cord in 1924, who launched the Cord division in 1929. He slashed prices, introduced stunning new designs, and boosted sales dramatically. Ultimately, it wasn't enough to survive the plague of production issues and the Great Depression, and the company collapsed in 1937 despite its iconic status. In the early 1960s, Glenn Pray sought to revive the Cord, working with original designer Gordon Buehrig to create a smaller, 80%-scale replica using lightweight bodies. In 1967, the operation was sold to SAMCO, the Sports Automobile Manufacturing Company, the brainchild of Bill Lear, founder of Learjet. They produced two models, the Warrior and the Royale, utilizing V-8s and automatic transmissions on unique, custom-fabricated frames. Only approximately 400 were produced from 1968 to 1970.


YEAR: 1969

MAKE: SAMCO of Tulsa, Oklahoma

MODEL: Cord Warrior

VIN#: 069W283C

MILEAGE: 44,000

ENGINE: 440 cu. in. Mopar V-8

TRANSMISSION: Three-speed Automatic

PAINT: Yellow (5048)

INTERIOR: Tan Vinyl Upholstery

DASH: Jaeger 140-mph speedometer, a 6k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges

WHEELBASE: 108 in.

WHEELS: 14-in. steel with included wire wheel covers

BRAKES: Front disc

LENGTH: 178 in.

WIDTH: 68 in.

FEATURES: Split Windscreen, Rear-Hinged Doors, Chrome Trunk Rack, Air Conditioning, Power Windows, 8-Track/FM Stereo, Faux side-exit exhaust pipes routed through mesh vents

This 1969 Cord Warrior is a yellow-over-tan convertible that was designed in the style of prewar Cord automobiles and was produced by S.A.M.C.O. of Oklahoma. Power is provided by a 440-ci Chrysler V-8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, and features include a split windscreen, a chrome trunk rack, air conditioning, an 8-track/FM stereo, power windows, and rear-hinged doors. This SAMCO is now offered with records, spare parts, and a clean Montana title that lists the car as a 1969 SAMCO.

The car is finished in yellow and sports faux side-exit exhaust pipes routed through mesh vents. The Warrior featured a 108 wheelbase and is equipped with front disc brakes. The master cylinder and the rear wheel cylinders were replaced in 2023. Wire wheel covers are included. The front bucket seats were reupholstered in tan vinyl and are accompanied by coordinated trim on the dash and door panels. A tan seat cushion has been fitted in the rear compartment. The centrally mounted instrument panel houses a Jaeger 140-mph speedometer, a 6k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 44k miles. The 440-ci Mopar V-8 is equipped with an Edelbrock air cleaner and Moroso valve covers. Work in 2021 involved repairing the radiator and replacing the water pump, and the battery was replaced. Power is routed to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Spare parts and records accompany the car.