1937 Cord 812SC Phaeton

289ci Supercharged Flathead V-8 Engine
Single Stromberg Carburetor
170bhp at 4,250rpm
4-Speed Pre-selector Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Gorgeous example of the iconic "Coffin-nose" Cord
*Powerful supercharged engine and innovative pre-selector gear shift
*Rewarding project vehicle

THE "COFFIN-NOSE" CORD

One of the few automobiles deemed worthy of inclusion in the Museum of Modern Art in New York and arguably the most easily recognized American car of all time, the Cord 810 debuted in November 1935, where it received a rapturous reception at US automobile shows. Originally conceived as a baby Duesenberg, this amazing design was the work of a team headed by Gordon Buehrig, who had previously designed the famous Duesenberg Beverly style and the stupendous Duesenberg "Twenty Grand" for the 1933 Chicago World's Fair.

The Cord was re-designated 812 for 1937 when custom sedans on a longer wheelbase joined the range, although it is doubtful whether any independent offering ever matched Buehrig's original Beverly fastback sedan for sheer style. Supercharging was made available on the 1937 812 model, and these can be distinguished from the normally aspirated 812s by the chrome-plated external exhaust pipes mounted on each side of the hood and grille. Priced competitively in the USD 2,000 - 3,000 range, the 810/812 should have been a huge success, but this was not to be. The Cord Corporation was in deep financial trouble, and when Mr. Cord sold up in August 1937, it spelled the end not just for Cord, but for Auburn and Duesenberg as well. At the close, a little fewer than 3,000 810/812s had been made.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Cord 812 is definitively one of the sleekest and boldest cars of the 1930s. Its innovative design featured Cord's typical front drive setup while simultaneously being one of the first vehicles to introduce covered headlamps to the world. Documents on file lead one to believe that this lovely Supercharged Cord Phaeton was purchased for the purpose of conducting a full restoration. Unfortunately, the project was never completed, and the car remains non-operational today. Under the hood, the engine can be found along with numerous auxiliary components. Furthermore, the interior is relatively complete, but will need some serious attention like the rest of the car.

An immensely desirable classic once completed, this open top Cord is sure to be the star of any car event once complete.