Mark Osborne
Global Director of Motorsport
LOT 37 ¤
1936 Cord 810 Westchester Sedan Chassis no. 2144A Engine no. FB1385
Sold for US$54,880 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 37¤
1936 Cord 810 Westchester Sedan
1936 Cord 810 Westchester Sedan
Chassis no. 2144A
Engine no. FB1385
Chassis no. 2144A
Engine no. FB1385
288.6ci L-Head V-8 Engine
Stromberg 2-Barrel Downdraft Carburetor
125bhp at 3,500rpm
Front Wheel Drive, Four-Speed Preselector Transmission
Independent Front Suspension with Transverse Leaf Spring, Live Rear Axle with Semi Elliptical Leaf Springs
Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
* Milestone Gordon Buehrig "coffin nose" body style
* Acquired from Arizona in 1964 and preserved since with cosmetic restoration
* Lycoming engine designed for front wheel drive
* Dramatic Ganges Green color with matching interior
THE CORD 810
Initially developed as the "Baby Duesenberg" project, the Cord 810/812 was introduced in the depths of the Great Depression as a medium-priced quality automobile to save E.L. Cord's automotive enterprise. Gordon Buehrig's clean and unadorned coffin-nosed, retractable headlight design created a standard by which cars are still judged today and may be the most immediately recognized body design in history. The Cord was an instant sensation when introduced in November 1935 at the New York Auto Show.
The 289 cubic inch flathead V8 engine was built by Lycoming (another of E.L. Cord's companies) and produced a very healthy 125hp and 223 lb-ft torque. Front wheel drive, which at the time was enjoying great success on America's racetracks, was used both to provide greater interior space and for its superior road holding and handling. The 4-speed transmission was shifted by vacuum from a tiny shift gate mounted on a steering column stalk.
The Cord 810s were remarkably advanced automobiles for their time, in performance, comfort, appearance and handling, and are today recognized for those attributes, particularly their striking appearance which seems as radical and attractive today as it did 90 years ago.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1936 Cord 810 was acquired in 1964 from Stanley J. Allen in Phoenix, Arizona and it must have been in good condition as Harrah's paid $2,750 for it, a notably high figure for Harrah's in those days. It was subsequently restored for Harrah's in 1969 by Charlie Hall.
Finished in the striking color of Ganges Green, it is upholstered in green broadcloth and features a radio, Cord's signature wide hubcaps and wide whitewall tires.
Although the Harrah's file reflects a restoration, this Cord is largely original with a sound but erratically masked exterior repaint applied while it was assembled with its trim. The engine compartment likewise is restored but shows age and lubricant seepage. The upholstery appears to be original with some fraying on the driver's seat back bolster.
Displayed for many years and likely without coolant or fuel, it appears to be a sound and mostly original car that came into the hands of the Harrah's Automobile Collection. It is a sound and attractive Cord deserving a recommissioning and to be put back on the road.
Footnotes
Titled under its engine number.
Additional information
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| ¤ | No Reserve |
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