To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Auburn Fall event, 3 - 5
September 2020.
Estimate:
$130,000 - $160,000
- Believed to be a leftover 1936 810 which was renumbered to be
sold for the 1937 model year
- Older restoration in exciting colors
- Upgraded later in life with a factory-supercharged 'FC'
engine
- An iconic Gordon Buehrig design
Sometimes known as the "Baby Duesenberg" and produced only for 1936
and 1937, the innovative "coffin nose" Cord remains an undisputed
collector favorite today. Conceived as the modern successor to the
groundbreaking and handsome but short-lived Cord L-29, the later
810/812 series exemplified E.L. Cord's proven formula for sales
success: a combination of cutting-edge streamlined styling, quality
engineering, and high performance, all at a surprisingly reasonable
price point.
The 812 phaeton offered here is believed to be an early-production
car, actually a leftover 1936 810 which was renumbered to be sold
for the 1937 model year. According to Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club
records, it was assigned the current serial number during
restoration some years ago; based on the chassis frame number not
matching the serial number, it was likely assembled from the front
stub frame and body of two different cars. The car would have been
originally powered by a non-supercharged 'FB' engine which was
replaced at some point with the factory-supercharged 'FC' engine
with its distinctive side exhaust that it features now. The Cord
was sold to the current owner from the estate of Tom Lutzi of
Emerald, Nebraska, in August 2004.
Following acquisition the car underwent a restoration, with the
paint and bodywork finished by a local shop in Omaha, Nebraska, and
the transmission, heads, radiator, and mechanical work by Arbor
Garage; Tom Sewell supplied the interior. The carburetor and water
pump were both rebuilt by the late Henry Portz, a well-regarded
Cord specialist in Arroyo Grande, California.
The seating position has been modified and a hand clutch has been
added.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/af20.
