The history of SAMCO is the stuff of legend. Players like Howard Williams, Glenn Pray, Bill Landers, William Lear, Gordon Buehrig and major corporations like U.S. Rubber Company all played pivotal roles one way or another in the founding and operation of SAMCO since 1960. Initially started by Buehrig and U.S. Rubber as the Cord Automobile Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1960, the concept was to resurrect the Cord 810 and bring it into the modern world. Using the Chevrolet Corvair powertrain, the new Cord would be front-wheel drive (like the original) and called the Sportsman 8/10. Like so many automotive upstarts, the company struggled on many fronts, ultimately producing only 77 of the 8/10s. Over the years, new investors and engineers brought their talents to the table, and in 1968 the Sports Automobile Manufacturing Company, SAMCO, was established, buying the new Cord company out of bankruptcy court. SAMCO Cords would be split into two models, the Warrior and the Royale, the Warrior using a 108-inch wheelbase and the Royale using a 113-inch wheelbase. Both were powered by either the Ford 302 CI V-8 or the Chrysler 440 CI V-8, offering sprightly performance. Again, the company struggled to turn profits, and the owner of the manufacturing plant, Carl Renstrum, who likewise had a substantial investment in the company, converted the factory from building the SAMCO Cords to producing motorhomes, the popularity of which was hugely on the rise during this time. Through the 1980s, the SAMCO Cords made another appearance, but on a much less dedicated scale, and to most, the 1968-1970 models are the most recognized and popular of the brand. This 1970 Cord SAMCO Royale Roadster is one of the last built and features the 440 CI Chrysler V-8 engine with an automatic transmission. Finished in red with a two-tone red and black interior with a black top, this SAMCO Cord is the longer-wheelbase Royale model, allowing it a more comfortable ride and slightly larger interior. Equipped with air conditioning, power windows, power brakes and other accoutrements, it checks all the boxes popularly used by luxury cars while enjoying the unique style of the original Cords of the 1930s. The interior is fitted with bucket seats, a center console, wood trim and Auto Meter gauges to report vitals. Interestingly, the SAMCO Cord uses bumpers from a 1940 Ford and tail lights from a 1939 Ford, while polished Cragar wheels with knock-offs and blackwall tires add to the muscular but elegant look of the car. A fabulously unique way to enjoy some retro motoring, the SAMCO Cord was not a kit car, but rather a true Class A manufactured vehicle honoring the style and tradition of the original Cord.