Vehicle Description
The iconic shape of the Cord 810/812 was initially a proposal by
the great industrial designer Gordon Buehrig as a "baby Duesenberg"
to support E.L. Cord's flagship brand into the late 1930s. But as
the faltering economy led to Duesenberg's untimely demise, E.L.
Cord recycled the concept to revive his eponymous car company,
which had not produced a car since the L-29 of 1932. The Cord 810
and 812 pushed the boundaries of automotive design, employing
semi-monocoque construction, front-wheel drive, an electro-magnetic
pre-select gearbox, and later, an optional supercharged engine.
Yet, with all of that technical wizardry, the styling made the most
significant impact. The unconventional yet striking shape eschewed
contemporary norms such as running boards and flashy upright chrome
radiator shells. Buehrig's advanced streamline form featured
curvaceous aerodynamic fenders with hideaway headlights, slab-sided
bodywork, full-length doors that concealed the running boards, and
a distinct coffin-shaped hood with wraparound air intake slats in
place of the traditional radiator grille. 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.
Cord offered several body styles to suit the individual buyer's
wishes. Four-door models consisted of the Beverly and Westchester
sedans, with long-wheelbase options coming later in 1937. Two open
two-door models were also offered - the four-seat Phaeton and the
two-seat Cabriolet, both with sophisticated disappearing top
designs. The two-seat Cabriolet as presented here has become
colloquially known as the "Sportsman" among Cord enthusiasts,
despite the name never appearing in period literature. Nomenclature
aside, the Sportsman is one of the most desirable of all Cord
models, and with a total of just 195 built, superb examples such as
this are prized by collectors. According to production records
compiled by marque historian Josh Malks, chassis number 2431F is a
genuine Cabriolet, originally sold as an 810. It is believed that
it returned to the factory early in its life and fitted with a
supercharger to upgrade it to 812 specifications. Interestingly,
the owner chose to omit the signature outside exhaust pipes,
retaining the purity of the original design and making this one of
only six supercharged cords without the "pipes." Mr. R.W.
Ballantyne of Orchard Lake, Michigan, acquired the 812 in 1953 in
its current specification with the factory-installed supercharged
engine. He owned the car for decades, and it changed hands just two
more times after his ownership. During that time, it received a
world-class restoration by the renowned experts at Classic and
Exotic Service. It has made numerous concours appearances since,
earning a class award at the 2010 Meadowbrook Concours, a coveted
Best Cord award at the Auburn ACD Festival, and a CCCA Senior
Premier award (#1725). As offered, this Cord 812 is in superb
condition, and the restoration has been impeccably maintained
through the years. The black paint perfectly complements the 812's
sophisticated form, and highlights include wide whitewall tires and
correct chrome wheel covers. The convertible top disappears beneath
a body-color panel for a sleek profile. Exterior brightwork is
minimal, though the bumpers, handles, and other fittings are
impeccably restored. Dark red leather upholstery is restored to
factory-authentic standards, and only a hint of character from use
is evident on the driver's seat. The Cord has one of the most
stylish instrument panels of the era - with an array of
aircraft-inspired dials set into an engine-turned alloy fascia with
chrome accents and switches. Gear selection for the pre-select
transmission is handled via the H-pattern selector jutting from the
steering column. Fit, finish, and detailing are superb throughout
the cabin. It was common practice for Cords to return to the
factory for service and upgrades, and this car is no exception.
Originally produced as an 810, it is understood to have returned to
the works early in its life for updates to supercharged 812
specifications, and it retains its "FC" block. It is recognized as
one of the 64 supercharged Sportsman cabriolets and is one of only
six examples without exposed exhaust headers. At the intersection
of art and the automobile sits the Cord 812. The stunning form
remains one of the most recognizable in history, and no significant
collection is complete without one. With its superb restoration and
highly desirable specification, this 812 Sportsman Cabriolet would
be a welcome addition to any gathering of important automobiles.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7064-1937-cord-812sc-sportsman/
