Vehicle Description
At first glance, the Cord 810/812 may not seem like it is a car
born of the Great Depression. But at that time, high end
manufacturers were struggling to sell their extravagant machines,
and many resorted to developing lower priced models to make up
sales. Packard developed the Junior series, Lincoln added the
Zephyr and GM introduced LaSalle to fit between Buick and Cadillac.
Even Duesenberg wasn't immune to the pressure and work was begun on
a "baby" Duesenberg that could help pick up the slack in sales.
Partially through its development, the baby Duesenberg idea was
dropped, as it was thought it could cheapen the brand. But E.L.
Cord, the man in charge of Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg, saw enormous
potential in the design and pressed forward to produce it as an
all-new Cord. The Cord L-29 had been out of production for some
time, and E.L. saw this as an opportunity to revive the brand that
bore his name. Development went ahead and the 810/812 was realized
by 1936. Despite its "entry level" roots, technical boundaries were
pushed to the limits. Drawing inspiration from the Citroen Traction
Avant, Cord designers gave the 810 a semi-monocoque chassis, and it
was the first American car with both front wheel drive and
independent front suspension. Motivation was courtesy of a Lycoming
V8 engine, and a solenoid actuated pre-selector transmission. Of
course, the most distinguishing feature of the 810/812 was its
Gordon Buehrig-designed bodywork. The front end featured curvaceous
fenders with hidden headlights - a first for a production car.
Rather than a traditional radiator shell, the Cord's radiator was
hidden behind a sleek and unorthodox wraparound grille and a
uniquely shaped hood, which earned it the nickname "Coffin Nose."
Fully extended doors, no running boards and a sleek, minimally
adorned body gave the 810 its distinct appearance. Nearly 80 years
later, the Cord 810/812 is still considered to be one of the
greatest American car designs in history. As the 810 evolved into
the 812 for 1937, some models gained a supercharger, while others
remained naturally aspirated. The 812 is easily distinguished by
its outside exhaust flex-pipes, a necessity of the supercharged
cars that carried through the rest of the range. Several body
styles were available, from four-door sedans to the open-air
phaeton. During the run of the Cord 812 in 1937, the original pair
of Cord sedans were joined by two Custom models, built on a
wheelbase extended seven inches for a total span of 132 inches. All
the additional length went into the rear compartment, much
improving passenger legroom. Body sheet metal was adjusted
appropriately, with the lines raised slightly to balance out the
equal length, including deeper body sills, a shallower rear door
fender cut, and an eighth louver added to the nose. Cord sales had
already begun to wane by the time of the 1937 model's introduction,
and so the expensive Custom series sold in particularly small
numbers. This stunning 1937 812 Custom Beverly is an exquisite
example of this rare and desirable Cord. Its ownership history can
be traced back to 1968, when it was acquired by longtime collector
Edmund Burchman of Los Alamitos, California. Mr. Burchman retained
the car for over a quarter of a century. It was later acquired by
Jerald Good, an Indiana-based hotelier remembered for his operation
of the Auburn Inn, the elegant headquarters to enthusiasts during
the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club National Reunion for many years. By
this time the car is believed to have been repowered by the present
engine, a correct non-supercharged unit, number FB 2033. In Mr.
Good's ownership the Cord was fully restored by the noted LaVine
Restorations of Nappanee, Indiana, one of the best-known
specialists in the Cord 810 and 812, to their usual extremely high
standards of fit and finish. It is clear that a great deal of money
was lavished upon this car to achieve such incredible results.
Finished in elegant Geneva Blue, this 812 Custom Beverly presents
beautifully, with paint and bodywork reflecting the meticulous
attention to detail typical of LaVine's craftsmanship. The chrome
brightwork, including the correct wheel covers, complements the
blackwall tires, giving the car a sophisticated, almost sinister
presence. According to marque expert Josh Malks's seminal book "The
Cord Complete," the company produced approximately 2,900 cars in
total over the brief two-year production run. Of those, Malks
estimates just 229 came equipped as Custom Beverly sedans, denoted
by the C-105 body number. The additional wheelbase allows for a
spacious and comfortable interior with luxurious accommodation for
five passengers. Striking indigo blue wool broadcloth upholstery
accented with subtle gray piping complements the paint color
magnificently and covers the seats, door panels, and headlining.
The chrome trim and interior handles are in good condition, with
some minor pitting consistent with the well-preserved nature of the
restoration. Restored gauges set into the trademark engine-turned
alloy instrument panel, with the painted steel dash presenting in
good order aside from some minor scuffs in the finish. Options
include a period correct Philco radio and fold-down armrests in the
front and rear. As with every Cord 810/812, power comes from the
288 cubic-inch Lycoming V8 engine, designed specifically for this
model. It pairs with a four-speed pre-select gearbox, operated via
the delicate H-pattern selector on the steering column. The engine
bay and undercarriage are clean and well-detailed, attesting to the
quality of the restoration. Included with the sale are restoration
receipts and photos and owner's manual. This 1937 Cord 812 Custom
Beverly represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most
innovative and beautiful American cars of the pre-war era. With its
extended wheelbase, exceptional design, and expert restoration, it
offers both luxury and style in equal measure. Ready for tours,
shows, or prestigious events, this Cord 812 is certain to make a
lasting impression wherever it goes. Offers welcome and trades
considered. For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7796-1937-cord-812-custom-beverly-sedan/
