Vehicle Description
Finished in Cigarette Cream with a rich tan-tone interior, this 1937 Cord Custom Roadtser still retains many of the original characteristics and components that made Cord a longtime favorite of collectors. Though it was popular to rebadge 1936 Cords into the preferred 1937 model, this particular vehicle is reported by the consignor to be an actual 1937 Cord Model 812 Westchester Sedan. When the vehicle rolled off the line, it was a Westchester sedan with a non-supercharged engine. This original body was number C90957. Though its documented history only goes back to 1970, this Cord likely had many of its modifications before that time. Modifications include the custom steel roadster body, the convertible windshield and external exhausts. It is reported to still retain its original hood, rear fenders, engine and front-wheel drive unit.
In 1970, records show that this Cord belonged to a Mr. Roy Fuiman. He then sold it at the Hershey Swap Meet, where it was purchased by Tom Ochiuzzo. In 1972, it was registered in the name of Frank Martucci. This vehicle was also featured in a couple of articles in the Auburn Cord Duesenburg Club newsletter: one in issue number 8 of 1972 and one in issue number 2 of 1977.
Cord introduced one of the first front-wheel drive vehicles, the L-29, in 1929 in order to fill the price gap within the Cord Corporation between the popularly-price Auburn and the higher-end Model J Duesenberg, which has also been recently introduced. The FWD vehicles had a lower clearance than other cars, creating a surprisingly stylish silhouette. In 1935, Cord introduced a new vehicle: the Cord Model 810/812. Featuring distinctly Art Deco styling, this new model made quite the impression. This particular custom roadster, one of the last to roll off the line before Cord ceased production, maintains the classic lines that made this model famous. Sold with a title.
