Vehicle Description
1937 Cord 812 Beverly 4-door Sedan
Designer: Gordon Buehrig
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Estimate: $65,000 - $90,000
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Chassis Number: �1704A ���Engine Number: FB2105
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Engine: Lycoming 288 cid L-head V8
1-barrel Carburetor/125 HP bhp
4-Speed Transmission with Pre-Selector, Front Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
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Odometer: �50,500 miles
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Timeless Styling
Restored, Ready for Show or Go
Full Classic Status by CCCA
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The Model: Never has a production automobile featured so many
trendsetting ideas as did the design Gordon Beuhrig created for the
Cords of 1936 and 1937. Let alone the innovative front-wheel drive,
or the powerful Lycoming V8 under the hood, its elegance of design
was simple, streamlined presenting low and sleek bodies, that were
also quite roomy and very comfortable. Bodies were assembled by
another of E.L. Cord's holdings, Central Body located in
Connersville, Indiana, with these sedans being one of the first to
feature a full metal "turret" top. Had this design been created for
a more conventional vehicle it would not have played nearly as well
as it did on the Cord. Often referred to as the "Coffin-Nose"
design, they were elegantly understated, no massive chrome grille,
just a front end design that seemed to wrap the engine compartment
before flowing into the elegant passenger cabin.Smooth fenders with
headlights showing only when used at night created a seamless
vision of beauty. Sadly, it was to be the last hurrah for Cord as
the economies of the day just couldn't produce a demand for such an
elegant vehicle.
The Car: When new both the Beverly and Westchester sedans from Cord
came with the same base price of $2,445. Mind you, at this same
time a V8 Ford Deluxe Fordor Sedan would set you back less than
one-third the cost of a Cord, so it was a fairly expensive car for
the day. This 812 Westchester, with its smooth, flowing
fastback-like design exudes the less-is-more concept that Buehrig
was after. It was treated to a full restoration about 20 years ago
and has been kept in excellent condition by a marque specialist.
Fitted with a factory heater, as well as an instrument cluster
filled with gauges including a clock and even proper radio,
everything it right with this car. Finished in a rich maroon
exterior color, the seat match in a color-keyed fine wool
broadcloth including the fold-down armrests in for front and rear
seat passengers. Under the hood features a fresh look restored to
its original appearance including the proper fabric-shrouded
ignition wires. One of the few concessions to modernization is the
addition of a vintage Yankee turn-signal system. Reportedly, this
Beverly sedan starts and runs with ease. Like all Cords, this 812
sedan is considered a "Full Classic" by the CCCA and would be
welcomed at any A-C-D event. A great opportunity to own one of the
most beautifully styled automobiles ever produced.
