Vehicle Description
The revolutionary Cord 810/812 came to life amid the dire economic
times of the mid-1930s. As many prestige automakers experienced
plummeting sales, some turned to mid-priced companion lines in
hopes of bolstering lagging sales of their extravagant, high-end
offerings. Cadillac enjoyed particular success with the low-cost
LaSalle, and even Packard experimented with entry-level models at
various times through the 1930s. As the Great Depression wore on,
the few remaining buyers with the means were reluctant to flaunt
their wealth on cars like the flamboyant and fabulously expensive
Duesenberg. Eager to attract new clients and cash in on the
prestige of the name, company boss E.L. Cord suggested a "baby
Duesenberg" to compete in the increasingly competitive mid-priced
luxury car market. With design and development underway, the board
balked and abandoned the project out of fear that a lower-cost car
could cheapen the illustrious Duesenberg name. Going against the
wishes of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg board, E.L. Cord and Gordon
Buehrig carried on with preliminary development. If he couldn't
call it a Duesenberg, he figured it would be the perfect basis for
a dramatic resurgence of Cord Automobiles. Since the demise of the
L-29, Cord longed for another car worthy of his name, and the Baby
Dusenberg presented the ideal opportunity. Engineers and designers
drew inspiration from multiple sources, including Citroen's
revolutionary front-drive Traction Avant. The new Cord featured a
semi-monocoque chassis, front-wheel drive, a pre-selector gearbox,
and independent front suspension. Buehrig replaced the traditional
upright radiator shell with a series of wrap-around louvers flanked
by rounded fenders and flush retractable headlamps - the first
automobile so equipped. The squared-off hood resembled a coffin,
earning the car its nicknamecoffin-nose Cord. Experience with the
front-drive Cord L-29 allowed engineers to set the body much lower
than traditional front-engine/rear-drive vehicles, allowing a
rakish, sleek appearance. The low body also allowed Buehrig to
eliminate external running boards, bringing the door lines fully
down the body. Combined with the grill-less front end, the sleek
styling was breathtakingly futuristic and considered a masterpiece
of automobile styling. Eight decades later, the Cord 810 and 812
stands among the most celebrated designs in the American industry,
and a coffin-nose Cord is a necessity for any serious collection of
Classic Era motorcars. Offered here is an attractive 1937 Cord 812
equipped with the desirable and handsome open coachwork, officially
known as the five-passenger Convertible Phaeton Sedan. These are
among the most versatile of all Cord designs, featuring a
disappearing convertible roof, roll-up glass side windows, and room
for five passengers to travel in comfort. Presented in an
eye-catching livery of cigarette cream with red wheels and
interior, this Cord offers a well-finished older restoration, and
is wonderfully suited for enjoyment on tours, rallies, and driving
events while remaining attractive enough to make its next caretaker
proud. Checking the numbers against Josh B. Malks's essential
reference,The Cord Complete, we learn this car is a genuine Phaeton
that retains its original, numbers-matching, Lycoming V8 engine -
something rarely seen on these cars. Details include the
red-painted wheels with proper chrome wheel covers and ribbed
whitewall tires, chrome windscreen frame, and polished stone guards
on the rear fenders. The bold and attractive livery suits the car
quite well, and while the restoration is older, the finish quality
is excellent, noting only a few minor touchups and imperfections
acquired through on-road enjoyment. Contrasting the cream paintwork
is beautiful dark red leather with a subtly mottled finish. The
leather covers the seats and interior panels, complemented with red
carpets and a red-painted metal dash. There is some modest creasing
in the upholstery from age and use, primarily on the driver's seat,
and the overall appearance is tidy and inviting. A gorgeous
engine-turned alloy instrument panel houses the original
instruments and controls, all of which present in fine cosmetic
condition. Extending from the steering column is the H-pattern gear
selector for the original preselect manual gearbox. Other interior
fittings like door handles and window cranks are in fine order,
indicative of a quality restoration. The engine bay is suitably
tidy and well detailed, displaying a light patina that's
appropriate for a tour-quality car. Fittings include
period-authentic wiring, hose clamps, and accessories, and the
undercarriage is orderly. It is in good running and driving
condition, benefitting from recent service to ensure an enjoyable
experience on the road. The Gordon Buehrig-designed Cord 812 is one
of the most iconic and technically advanced American cars of the
classic era. This attractive example is an excellent choice for
participation in driving events with the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg
Club or Classic Car Club of America and is sure to be a welcome
addition to any collection of driver-focused classic era
automobiles. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6650-1937-cord-812-phaeton/