LOT 76
1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Chassis no. 633 Engine no. FB1865
Estimate: US$160,000 - US$200,000
Lot 76
1937 Cord 812 Phaeton
1937 Cord 812 Phaeton
Chassis no. 633
Engine no. FB1865
Chassis no. 633
Engine no. FB1865
289ci Lycoming Flathead V8 Engine
Single Stromberg Carburetor
125bhp at 3,500rpm
4-Speed Pre-Selector Electric Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Documented 812 Phaeton
*Well preserved older restoration
*Sophisticated pre-selector transmission
*CCCA Full Classic™
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 810 body style with its louvered "coffin" nose, streamlined wings, concealed gas filler under a modern flap, headlamps that opened by means of hand-cranks on either side of the airplane-style engine-turned aluminum dash and the absence of running boards would prove immensely influential. The following model year, cars all over the world suddenly had horizontal chrome strips along the hood, squared-off grilles and more shapely side treatments. None however, could aspire to the clean, simple and timeless beauty of the original. A front-wheel-drive car like the L-29, the 810 differed from its predecessor by virtue of its more compact Lycoming V-8 engine and 4-speed, pre-selector electric gearbox, modelled on the French Cotal.
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 early history of this particular Cord 812 in not known. It was delivered with engine no FB1865, and Phaeton Body C 91 455. In the 1960s, the car was present in California and was advertised by its owner Mr. C.W. Kimbell of Bell, CA in the Los Angeles Times, on 31 May, 1964.
The cars next recorded owner was Mr. Earnest A. Wright of San Jaun Capistrano. At this time, the car had been fitted with supercharged exhausts and was frequently displayed at Auburn Cord, and Duesenberg events. It achieved its First Senior award and the Tom Mix Award for the Best Cord at the Western Coast Meet in 1978.
The Cord's next owner was Dr. Elwood "Bud" Greist, a longtime Auburn-Cord, enthusiast in Livermore, CA. While in Mr. Greists ownership, the Phaeton was shown at the Pebble Beach Concorus d'Elegance and many other ACD meets on the West Coast. The car would remain in Mr. Geist care until his death in 1987. At this time, the car was acquired by noted Ontario based collector, the late Jay Miller.
In 2008 the car was acquired by Fred Guyton and entered into extensive collection. This past year, it was acquired by its current consigner. Today, the car presents in very good condition overall. A testament to the quality of the restoration and its preservation under the collectors that have owned the car.
The coffin nosed Cord Cabriolet is one of the most iconic cars of the 1930s. With the preselector transmissions and front wheel drive, they were incredibly sophisticated for their time. This is a great car for any number of CCCA or AACA drivers events, or as a great car for weekend shows, or for Concours events.
Saleroom notices
Please note, that this vehicle is titled under its correct engine number
Additional information
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