Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Auburn Fall event, September 1-4, 2016.
Chassis No.
32374H
Estimate:
$250,000 - $300,000 US
The legendary Gordon Buehrig-designed Cord 812 needs little introduction; it is one of the most respected and exclusive cars of its era and remains standing tall amongst the greatest classic cars. It was a car for those who disliked the commonplace; it was only natural for its owners to be in search of a motorcar that would deliver pleasure as well as transportation. Its very power and efficiency made it a very safe car to drive. Featuring the only front-wheel drive system from a major automobile company at the time and with such forward-thinking design as hidden headlights, the Cord was looked upon as being the trendiest car on the road.
Factory writings announced that “The Cord owner has no inferior-car-complex. He is a safe driver, because he does not have to show off. He is secure in the satisfaction of driving the King of the Highway.” It was further noted that “any driver that passes the Supercharged Cord knows he does so only with the Cord driver’s permission.” A period advertisement concluded that “those chrome exhaust pipes on both sides of the hood are not only eloquent signs of power and smoothness, but the coat of arms of motoring royalty!”
When new, Cord felt that each of its cars was a special creation; this has certainly not been diminished in stature over the many decades past. Cords are well represented within the hobby with many having received restorations of the highest order. What sets this fine 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton apart is that it is a highly respected car that is reported to be with only its fourth owner and is widely regarded for being a car with a great deal of original purity. This includes paint that remains mostly original and further integrity is displayed with approximately 30,000 miles on the odometer that the owner believes to be original. The overall condition and presentation certainly seem to back up the assertion, as does its known history.
The two-door, four-seater “Convertible Phaeton Sedan” (as it was named in factory literature) was denoted as C91 on the Central Manufacturing Co. body tag. Approximately 600 of this body style were built in 1937 from the 1,066 total cars produced by Cord that same year. In the fantastic Cord Complete book by Josh Malks; it is written that only 196 of the 1937 Phaetons had the optional supercharger fitted at a price uptick of approximately 40 percent - $3,060 versus $2,645. Cord Complete also lists that this car continues to be presented with the same engine (FC3097), same chassis (32374H) and same body (CF91673) as when new. The engine prefix FC indicates an originally supercharged unit.
Among the many attributes that this car brings is that it reported as never being taken apart or having been comprehensively restored; lovingly applied preservation has been foremost to its condition remaining so impressive. The patina is a pleasure to see, as are the original finishes and details seen under the hood and in its mechanical components and dashboard presentation. Some glass has been replaced over the years and the black car has also been fitted with a new deep red leather interior and new tan cloth top with piping that matches the interior color. The damascene dashboard is perfectly accented with black and white-faced instrumentation and all of the knobs, ashtray and handles are also original in type and style.
The engine has also been rebuilt in the correct manner; when the ACD Museum in Auburn, Indiana had the car on display for multiple years, it is remembered fondly for being the subject of thorough examinations in its ACD certification process that confirmed the authenticity of this fabulous machine. The trunk is believed to carry its original spare tire (Goodrich Silvertown whitewall) and carpet liner, plus a period jack. Manuals with color tabs and the original jack bag and accessories are also reported as included.
The black and dark red presentation is nearly perfect for capturing the youthful spirit that this Buehrig design exemplified. This 812 Cord Supercharged Phaeton also has rarely seen factory options that are illustrated in the Josh Malks Cord Complete book. Along with the Cord-labeled Philco AM radio mounted underdash with the dial on the right side of the dash fascia and inclusionary of the front ashtray when ordered; this example has the very rare luggage rack that is illustrated on page 201 of this Cord opus. It is stated that “in 1937 the factory offered a clever folding trunk rack as an accessory.” The additional storage space was invaluable for an extended journey. The uncommon amber Driving Lamps (per company literature) are also affixed with “Cord Fog Light” tags. These were known as part number N29214 and factory writings from Cord Complete on page 286 stated; “The Cord Driving Lamps are a quality product and their equal is not offered on the market. They provide the finest illumination obtainable and are invaluable in driving through fog, mist and snow. They have amber lenses and add materially to safe night driving.”
The 288.6-cid, 170-hp supercharged V-8 engine is paired with the unique Cord pre-selector four-speed manual transmission and provides all of the driving excitement that Cord promoted when new. All 1937 Cord 812 Phaetons are a coveted automobile; the optional supercharger further adds to its collectability.
The current (fourth) owner has owned the car for over six years; the prior owner was custodian for approximately nine years. This gentleman bought the car from its second owner, who fastidiously maintained the car from his acquisition from owner number one since 1971. The current owner expresses that this original preservation Cord has won “countless awards.” Just recently this Junior- and Senior–badged CCCA car received its CCCA Premier badge that signifies Senior cars with a minimum score of 97 points. This 812 Cord received 99.5 points to attain this respected stature. The car is accompanied by numerous service/maintenance receipts and an impressive list of awards.
This 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton is irreplaceable and will continue to be looked upon as a fine, possibly the best exemplar of the marque in its primarily original guise. The importance of owning and being custodian to such a respected car carries great significance to all throughout the hobby for its distinguished role in connecting the past and displaying it in such an untainted form.
During the time the current owners have owned the Cord it has won the following awards:
April 21, 2012 - 2nd Place in the Primary Division at the Classic Car Club of America, Grand Classic held by San Diego/Palm Springs Region in Rancho Santa Fe
October 21, 2012 - 1st place in Class at the Del Mar Concours d'Elegance
March 2, 2013 - 1st place in Primary Division at the CCCA Annual Meeting held in Pasadena
April 7, 2013 - 2nd Place in Class at La Jolla Concours d'Elegance
June 9, 2013 - Mayor's Trophy for Most Elegant American Prewar Car at the San Marino Motor Car Classic
June 9, 2013 - 2nd Place in the Senior Division at the CCCA Grand Classic held at San Marino Motor Car Classic
June 23, 2013 - Chairman's Award at the Dana Point Concours d'Elegance
June 14, 2015 - 1st Place in the Senior Division at the CCCA Grand Classic held at the San Marino Motor Car Classic
March 12, 2016 - 1st Place Premier Division at the CCCA Grand Classic held by the San Diego Palm Springs Region in Rancho Santa Fe
