Vehicle Description
Gordon Beuhrig’s Cord 812 is one of the most recognizable and iconic American automobiles of the classic era. The 810 and 812 were devised by E.L. Cord as a replacement for the revolutionary, front-wheel drive L29 which ended production in 1932. The four-year gap between the L29 and 810 allowed Cord to take a radical approach with his new car. For the styling, Cord employed Gordon Buehrig, the man responsible for designing such cars as the Auburn 851 Boat-Tail speedster and the Duesenberg model J. Buehrig later when on to work for Ford Motor Company where he was responsible for such greats as the 1951 Victoria Coupe and 1956 Continental MkII. While the Cord L-29 was a beautiful car in its own right, the new 812 was on an entirely different level. Buehrig was essentially given free-reign to design the car and he made radical decisions such as the elimination of the traditional grille and running boards, and of course those signature hide-away headlights fitted in the voluptuous sculpted front fenders. The Art-Deco styled body featured sweeping curves and was notably clean and free of excessive chrome trim. Front wheel drive combined with independent front suspension (a first for any American car) allowed for a low body height thereby allowing Buehrig eliminate running boards. Power was courtesy of the proven Lycoming V8 mated to a pre-selector transmission. The car caused such a sensation when it debuted at the New York Auto Show in 1935 that orders came pouring in, however delays in production tempered excitement and sales struggled once the car hit the market in 1936. For 1937, the 810 was updated to the 812. Some 812s gained a supercharger while some were renumbered and updated 1936 810’s. The Cord 810/812 was perhaps too far ahead of its time, and early reliability issues certainly held it back from greater success, but there is no denying the fact that it is one of the most individual, revolutionary and iconic American cars of all time.
This gorgeous 1937 812 wears the very desirable Phaeton coachwork, and is presented in striking color combination of black over a deep maroon interior with a black canvas top. AN older restoration, it remains in excellent condition and has benefited from a recent mechanical refurbishment to ensure strong and reliable running. The black paint is in beautiful condition, executed to a high standard and very well maintained over the years. While the Cord 812 is notable for its lack of flashy brightwork, what chrome is fitted is in very good condition, showing some light care-wear but is very straight and attractive.
One of the best features of the Cord 812 is the magnificently detailed, aircraft inspired instrument panel. In this example, the engine-turned alloy fascia glows against the black painted dash, and deep red upholstery. The upholstery shows some light creasing which imparts this Cord with a welcoming feeling for passengers. Beneath the long “coffin nose” hood lays a correct and well-detailed Lycoming V8 in naturally aspirated configuration. It presents very well with proper paint colors and fittings and has been recently cleaned and lightly detailed. This gorgeous car would be very well suited to local shows or casual events, and would certainly stand out among the crowd. The open Phaeton bodywork makes it a wonderful choice for touring, as of course the Cord 812 is a recognized CCCA Full Classic. Honest, attractive and thoroughly usable, this is a fine example of Gordon Beuhrig’s stylistic masterpiece.
