Vehicle Description
During the economic boom of the 1920's, luxury car manufacturers
began to fill down-market gaps between their high end and mass
market offerings. General Motors slotted LaSalle below Cadillac but
above Buick, Ford's Lincoln-Zephyr slotting similarly between the
Lincoln Model K and the Deluxe Ford. However, the Auburn Automobile
Company did not have the same financial breathing room for new
models, only offering the premium Auburn Six range and
market-topping Duesenberg Model A. The lack of market share left
the company in need of strong leadership that understood why their
cars were worthy of the cost and could capitalize on that identity.
The man chosen as manager was a successful entrepreneur, Errett
Lobban "E. L." Cord, whose counteroffer amounted to buying the
company out entirely, and was accepted in 1924. Five years later,
Cord's eponymous brand released the L-29, featuring a beautiful
albeit traditionally styled body, and a Lycoming engine and
three-speed transmission mounted backwards, becoming the one of the
first front wheel drive production cars. Cord's goal for the next
car was a "Baby Duesenberg," and tasked Auburn Speedster and
Duesenberg Model J designer Gordon Buehrig with the project.
However, in the wake of the Crash of 1929, the project evolved to
become the next Cord, the 810. Buehrig's design for the 810, and
subsequent 812, was a radical new streamliner based on the L-29's
engineering principles, instantly recognizable for the pronounced
hood, the sleek, wraparound louver grille, and the retractable
headlights in the curvaceous fenders - a first for a production
car. This styling gave the 810 and 812 the "Coffin-Nose Cord"
moniker, but the Duesenberg roots are evident in the steep rake and
narrow glass of the split windshield and the delicate slope of the
rear end. The "Baby Duesenberg" received a pre-select four-speed
transmission, and a standard-equipment radio and under dash
speaker. High-style meets high-tech was the goal for the 810, the
front doors are mounted on hidden hinges and open towards the front
of the car in the "Coach" style, two circular flush-mount tail
lamps sit in the corners of the trunk lid, and an interior with an
engine-turned alloy dashboard panel. This example is an extremely
desirable "Phaeton" body style with an older, but very high-quality
restoration with recent servicing that presents beautifully.
Finished in Palm Beach Tan, an original color for the 810, over
Burgundy leather and a convertible top, with oval-shaped glass
window and chrome surround, is finished in black broadcloth with
burgundy piping. The interior shows just as beautifully, the
three-spoke steering wheel's center cap and dash-mounted controls
for exterior lights and engine management are color-matched to the
exterior. The burgundy leather seats, door panels, arm rests, and
matching carpets on the flat floor show next to no wear. The
complement of gauges in the engine-turned dashboard includes: a
120mph speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature,
voltmeter, clock, and controls for the standard-equipment radio.
Additionally, there is no evidence of brightwork neglect on either
bumper, any window frames, grille louvers, nor on the grille ring,
or gearshift toggle switch. This level of excellence was recognized
when it received certification from the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club
(Certified Vehicle C-455) and won Antique Automobile Club of
America's (AACA) First Prize Junior in 2015. Cord's 810 is a
defining landmark of design, creativity, and engineering
breakthroughs among Classic cars. It's this singularity that has
established it as a staple of museum collections and a car enjoyed
by the luckiest of collectors for decades. The unique brand
identity and "outside the box" thinking has also built a community
of owners is so tight knit that many recognize the cars left in
existence or can say when a car was built and what came before and
after it in production. But whether shown as a museum piece or
driven and enjoyed for the unique motoring experience, the 810 will
always be unique classic and this example is ready to give the next
owner that same experience. Offers welcome and Trades Considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7662-1936-cord-810-phaeton/
