A major step forward for automotive engineering, the Cord 810/812 left people slack-jawed at the 1936 New York Auto Show. Featuring very modern technologies like front-wheel drive, independent front suspension, electrically selected semi-automatic 4-speed transmission, and Lycoming 289 CI V-8 engine available with a supercharger, the 810/812 was also wrapped in an earth shattering body designed by Gordon Buehrig with help from a young Alex Tremulis and Vince Gardner. Hidden headlights, striking wrap-around grille, exceedingly low profile, no running boards and more gave the Cord the appearance of something truly unlike any other. The 810/812 was available in six body styles – Convertible Coupe, Beverly Sedan, Custom Beverly, Custom Berline, Phaeton, and Westchester Sedan. Each offered something for everyone, but prices started around $2,600, and quickly rose with every option – the Supercharger was $450 all by itself, and by 1937 Cord tacked on an additional $450 to the base price of every car. In a world of $600 well-equipped Fords, the Cord was a difficult sell, but absolutely marked something extraordinary from the industry.
This Cord 812 SC Westchester Sedan has a wonderfully well-documented history of enthusiastic owners. Originally purchased in California by the DuPont family, the car has lived with many other caring owners around the country, weaving a network of previous caretakers keeping in touch with one another to help document and clarify the history of the car. An ACD Certified Category 1 Original, this factory supercharged Westchester Sedan wears a beautiful Black paint job over Dark Red upholstery. According to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg judging sheets, the numbers are matching and the color combination is factory original – that, coupled with the vivid ownership history make this a very special vehicle indeed.
HIGHLIGHTS
- ACD Certified Category 1 Original
- Supercharged Lycoming V-8 engine
- 4-speed transmission
- Bendix brakes
- Safety hangers
- Black with Maroon wool interior
- 150 MPH speedometer
- 125 inch wheelbase
- Front and rear bumper guards
- 16 inch wheels
- Whitewall tires
- Retractable headlamps
- Fog lights
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I can dream the impossible dream......................
ReplyDeleteWhy did white walls go out of style?
They were popular up until muscle cars made the scene. Don't know exactly why.
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