The Auburn Automobile Company introduced the Cord 810 in 1936 and the Cord 812 in 1937. It was the first car designed and built in America with front-wheel drive and independent front suspension. The Bendix transmission extended in front of the engine, negating the need for a driveshaft and transmission tunnel. The result? A car so low that it didn’t need running boards.
Other new features included a distinctive grille, hidden door hinges and rear-hinged hood, variable-speed windshield wipers, pontoon fenders and unique Stinson headlamps that could be hidden with a dashboard hand crank. The Cord was also decades ahead of the industry standards with an engine-turned dashboard featuring complete instrumentation, tachometer and a radio.
While the new car design caused a sensation at the New York Auto Show, reliability and production issues led to the 810s and 812s only being available for one year. Still, its classic design is one of the most distinctive of the 20th century. The 812 is a rare collector’s find, and even the 1960s Hot Wheels toy car is one of the most valuable at over $800.
Mirroring one of the most iconic American designs of all time, this Cord tribute was built in 1994 and is a highly accurate re-creation of the 1937 Cord 812 Sportsman.
The classic features of the exterior and the interior remain true to the original design . . . but in a package that is extremely usable and easy to drive. The trim, bumpers and convertible top are authentic to the 1937 Sportsman. The interior blue leather seats and door panels are high quality, and the dash instruments, gauges and switches replicate those of the 1937 model. Like the original, the concealed headlamps are operated by a crank.
This tribute is powered by a GM V8 engine and has power steering, the Bendix preselector 4 speed with the 4th being an overdrive, power brakes and air conditioning! This classic will turn heads wherever it is driven and give the impression of a true 1937 Cord . . . it’s a classic with a modern drive train and all the conveniences.
