Vehicle Description
The Cord 810/812 was originally conceived by designer Gordon
Buehrig as a "baby Duesenberg" to support E.L. Cord's flagship
brand into the late 1930s and beyond. But as the faltering economy
led to Duesenberg's untimely demise, E.L. Cord recycled the concept
as a way to revive his eponymous car company, which had not
produced a car since the last L-29 in 1932. The Cord 810 and 812
pushed the boundaries of technical sophistication with
semi-monocoque construction, front-wheel drive, an electro-magnetic
pre-select gearbox, and an optional supercharged engine. Yet, with
all of that technical wizardry, the styling made the most
significant impact. The fascinating, unconventional shape eschewed
contemporary norms such as running boards and upright chrome
radiator shells. Buehrig's design featured curvaceous, aerodynamic
fenders with hideaway headlights, slab-sided bodywork with hidden
running boards, and a distinct coffin-shaped hood with wraparound
air intake slats. It is widely recognized as one of the most
significant works in industrial design history, treasured by car
collectors and design aficionados the world over. This 1937 Cord
812 is a highly desirable five-passenger Convertible Phaeton model,
equipped from new with the optional Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger.
This magnificently restored Cord has a well-known history back to
the late 1940s and is an Auburn Cord Duesenberg (ACD) Certified
Category 1 original example. It has been exquisitely maintained
since the early 2000s restoration and remains one of the finest of
its type available. The known history began in the late 40s when
Harry and Verona Himebaugh of San Antonio, Texas, acquired the 812
from another local enthusiast, Mr. Bill Hopson. Not long after, the
Himebaughs sold it to Arnold G. Baker Jr., of Monroe, Louisiana,
who enjoyed it on the road during his time in the U.S. Army. Mr.
Baker eventually settled in Florida, putting the Cord in storage
for nearly three decades. In 1979, Baker sold it to T.E. Reed, the
owner of Reed's Museum of Automobiles, a roadside attraction in Hot
Spring, Arkansas. After its time in the museum, the Cord went to
Tennessee with two other owners, and all along was well-maintained
and kept in mostly original condition. Finally, in 2003, then-owner
Tim Whited entrusted Cole's Classics & Antique Autos of Nederland,
Colorado, to perform a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restoration to
concours standards. The Cord was meticulously stripped down to bare
metal and restored in its original colors of Rich Maroon over tan
leather upholstery and a tan top. The restorers paid considerable
attention to details and accuracy, resulting in one of the finest
812 Phaeton's we've had the pleasure to offer. Particularly
striking is this car's beautifully finished interior. The tan
leather is offset by maroon carpets and steering wheel, with a
contrasting cream dash. The aircraft-inspired instrument panel is a
highlight of any Cord cockpit, with an array of instruments and
switches laid out in a central engine-turned inlay. As confirmed by
the ACD Club's Certification program, this is a genuine
supercharged Phaeton. It is noted in Josh Malks' definitive
reference,The Cord Complete, that the engine is a "factory
replacement" fitted by the ACD company of Auburn early in the car's
life. The Lycoming-sourced V8 engine is beautifully detailed with
authentic fittings, hardware, and details, and it runs well. The
L-head V8 feeds the front wheels via a four-speed pre-selector
gearbox, operated by the marvelously delicate H-pattern switch.
This Cord 812's superb condition belies the age of the restoration,
owing as much to the meticulous preparation and thorough attention
paid to virtually every detail. Since completing the project, the
812 has been lovingly maintained in private collections, and it
remains in superb condition, suitable for a wide range of concours
or touring events. Few driving experiences in the realm of Classic
Era motoring compare to that of a supercharged Cord 812, and this
prime example clearly demonstrates why they are so widely revered.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6910-1937-cord-812-sc-phaeton/
