Summary

A triumph of clean, sharp and efficient modern Machine Age design with a powerful Lycoming V8, mated to an advanced electrically shifted pre-selector transmission. This is an absolutely gorgeous, restored example that is a strong runner as well.

Details

The Cord 810 is one of the immortal designs of the American automobile industry. Selected for exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art, Gordon Buehrig's hidden headlight 'Coffin Nose' Cord is a triumph of clean, sharp and efficient modern Machine Age design. In his patent application, designer Buehrig described the 'New Cord of 1936' as being a 'new, original, and ornamental design for an automobile.' That was a classic understatement. The Cord boasted extremely aerodynamic styling, with a louvered hood that lacked a traditional radiator shell and headlights hidden in the curve of the front fenders. Unitary body construction and a 'step-down' floor that predated, by a dozen years, the Hudson that made those features famous. The door hinges were hidden and there were no running boards, because the Cord did not need them. The front-wheel drive lowered it several inches below other American automobiles, and driving those front wheels was a powerful Lycoming V8, which was mated to an advanced electrically shifted pre-selector transmission. This 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton is an absolutely gorgeous, restored example that is a strong runner as well. Finished in the characteristic color of Cigarette Cream with gorgeous burgundy leather interior, and complimented by a black Haartz cloth top. The exterior has outside exhaust pipes, original chrome hubcaps, correct cord fog lamps and wide whitewall tires to complete the look. This elegant Phaeton runs and drives extremely well with a healthy, throaty rumble from its V8 and a smooth-shifting 4-speed gearbox. It is a wonderfully presented example of one of the most respected cars of its time.