Cunningham [1] (United States)

Cunningham was an American automobile manufacturer founded in 1907, originating from the earlier carriage-making company James Cunningham Son & Co. Inc., established in 1838 in Rochester, New York. Initially known for producing carriages, buggies, sleighs, and cutters, the company began experimenting with self-propelled vehicles at the turn of the 20th century, culminating in the development of electric cars. However, it was not until 1907 that Cunningham shifted focus to petrol-powered automobiles, with the first models appearing in 1910.

The early Cunningham vehicles featured both four- and six-cylinder engines sourced from Buffalo and Continental. By 1914, the company introduced its own in-house four-cylinder engine, which produced 40 horsepower. In 1916, Cunningham transitioned to an eight-cylinder engine that developed 100 horsepower, marking a significant evolution in their vehicle offerings. The company became particularly known for its luxurious ambulances and funeral cars, which were designed with high performance and opulent features, catering to an affluent clientele.

Cunningham's production strategy involved building cars in small quantities, with a focus on continuous improvement of their V8 engine, which became the standard for their passenger cars. The company produced a series of models designated from V-1 to V-9, reflecting the evolution of their designs. By 1920, the price of a Cunningham chassis reached $4,800, with custom coachwork costing as much as $12,000. The company sold its vehicles directly to hospital officials and funeral directors, rather than through traditional dealerships, which helped establish its exclusive niche in the luxury car market.

The last Cunningham automobiles were completed in 1931, although sales continued into 1933, with models from these years still being marketed. The company ceased production of its chassis for funeral coaches in 1934 and produced a limited number of town car bodies for Ford V8 chassis in 1935. By 1936, Cunningham's production had concluded, marking the end of an era for this unique manufacturer known for its elegant and high-quality vehicles.