Vehicle Description
The iconic Cord 810/812 started life as a "baby Duesenberg"
envisioned by designer Gordon Buehrig 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, a piece of
automotive art treasured by car collectors and design aficionados
worldwide. Cord offered several body styles to suit the individual
buyer's wishes. Four-door models consisted of the Beverly and
Westchester sedans, and long-wheelbase options followed later in
1937. Two open two-door models were also offered - the four-seat
Convertible Phaeton Sedan and the two-seat Cabriolet, both
featuring sophisticated disappearing top designs. The Convertible
Phaeton Sedan is one of the most popular models with collectors, as
it blends the sporty open-cockpit design with the four-passenger
practicality and comfort. This 812 Convertible Phaeton Sedan is a
handsome example presented in an attractive livery of maroon over
tan leather upholstery, featuring a well-maintained older
restoration that has mellowed nicely over the years. It is one of
the rare 812s that retains its original, numbers-matching Lycoming
V8 engine, which has been updated with external exhaust pipes to
mirror the sporty look of the S/C models. This car benefits from
years of knowledgeable ownership, with past long-term owners in the
Saint Louis, Missouri area and on the East Coast. Since 2013 the
Cord Phaeton has been maintained as part of a significant private
collection of important classic-era automobiles. The attractive
maroon paintwork is correct for the period and presents in good
overall condition, with a few minor imperfections found on close
inspection, consistent with the restoration's age. The body is
otherwise in excellent order, with good fit of the doors and
panels. Accessories include a driver's side searchlight and the
optional winged Cord crest on the hood while rolling stock consists
of body-color steel wheels wearing correct chrome wheel covers and
wide whitewall tires. Exterior brightwork all presents very well,
with even, consistent plating all around. Inside, tan leather
upholstery covers the seats and door panels, accented by attractive
deep maroon carpets. The cabin is accurately restored with patterns
and materials that are true to original specs. Occupants are kept
dry by a tan canvas convertible top, which disappears beneath
body-color panels when stowed. Like all 812s, a particular
highlight is the aircraft-inspired dash panel, with its full array
of instruments set into an engine-turned alloy panel. Controls and
switches continue the aviation-like theme, with major controls
falling quickly to the driver's hand, including the delightfully
tactile transmission gear selector. According to published
production records, this Cord 812 retains its original,
numbers-matching Lycoming V8 engine. The engine compartment is well
detailed with authentic fittings and fixtures and was updated in
previous ownership with SC-style outside exhaust flex pipes. The
812 runs and performs well, and since coming into the most recent
owner's care in 2013, it has enjoyed regular maintenance by a noted
classic era specialist. Cord's 810/812 is a legendary,
groundbreaking automobile and one of the defining landmarks of the
Classic Era. This fine example lives up to the legend, with
exquisite styling and advanced underpinnings working in harmony to
create a wholly unique motoring experience, best enjoyed on CCCA
CARavans or similar touring events. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7078-1937-cord-812-phaeton/
