1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton
- Only 198 SUPERCHARGED Phaetons Produced.
- 190+ Horsepower Front Wheel Drive.
- One of the most iconic and cutting edge automotive designs in history.
- New tan Stayfast cloth top.
The 810 / 812 Cord's were the last foray of the infamous Auburn Cord Duesenberg empire that EL Cord created. The Cord 810 / 812 project was dubbed the Baby Duesenberg and was the last attempt to save Cords Automotive Empire. Unfortunately this great design came along too late, to save the company. Gordon Buehrig's design of the Cord body style was truly one of his most iconic creations. Buehrig's creations were looked upon by him as rolling sculpture, a design was not finished until the car could be viewed from any angle (even above), to display its flowing curves. The cord was truly a one of a kind car, and stunned the public in 1936. It was the first car to integrate full pontoon fenders, retractable headlights, and a host of mechanical innovations. Powered by a Lycoming Supercharged 190+ HP V8 the 812 was the pinnacle of the design and very rare. Less than 3000 810 and 812 Cords were produced, in all the body styles, and of that only 610 were phaetons, with only 198 of the phaetons equipped with superchargers. The phaeton body style is best viewed with the top down, with a fully disappearing top, and a back seat so 4 people can tour comfortably. It is a design that will be a welcome addition to any collection.
About this car:
Our 812 Supercharged Phaeton, is a very original 19,000 mile example of a west coast car that until a few months ago has lived in California its entire life. Correct and original in every way, the Cord is still equipped with its optional factory radio, and has all its correct original components, right down to the AA25 carburetor that was only used on the supercharged models. All the proper original and ID tags remain on the car, and match. Restored in the 1970's and receiving a national award in 1976 it still remains in very good condition to this day, and has benefited from a major servicing detailed below. Although much of the early history is unknown, it has resided in a very private west coast collection that has never been seen until recently, surrounded, by an original Ferrari California spider, a P51 mustang, and one of Howard Hughes airplanes. It was appreciated for its cutting edge styling.
The Cord had sat for many years since restoration and has been fully serviced, in the last few months. It is evident that the car received a full restoration in the 1970's, and upon removal of the top and bottom end of the motor it is apparent that the motor and drive line were rebuilt at that time and do not show any signs of problems. THe front end is tight and does not leak. The drive line is quiet and in good condition. A comprehensive serve was preformed.
The Cord, has just received a major servicing, detailed below:
The Supercharger has been rebuilt and is functional.
THe AA25 Carburetor has been rebuilt, as well as the original fuel pump.
New aircraft grade aluminum heads were installed with a 15% higher cooling capacity, along with new copper head gaskets (over $3000).
Starter and generator fully serviced with a new regulator.
Oil pan removed, checked and cleaned with new gaskets installed.
Full master cylinder rebuild and brake servicing with all new brake hoses.
All new radiator hoses, Water pump rebuild with modern ceramic seals. as well as a new shaft in SS and improved design impeller.
All new fluids and oil throughout the car.
Cosmetically for a car that has been restored 30 years, the restoration has faired very well. The paint does have some flaws, with some minor cracks, as well as some chips and a dent in the top of the front fender. The chrome is in good shape, with only 2 hubcaps showing scuffs. The leather interior is still very nice and has a patina of a car that can be driven and enjoyed. The top does have a rip in it, as seen in the photos. This very rare Supercharged Cord, will be an excellent car to enjoy as is, or with some minor cosmetic improvements could return to Concours competition.
A wonderfully opportunity to acquire a correct and proper low mileage 812 Phaeton.
