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A rare supercharged 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton, Thoroughly restored and kept up with authentic period-specific elements alongside contemporary mechanical upkeep, this vehicle has emerged once again in the collector car marketplace. It provides an insight into one of the most groundbreaking American cars from before World War II.
This impressive specimen, painted vividly in yellow with burgundy leather interiors, merges classic Art Deco design elements with technological enhancements that were far beyond their era. Currently being sold via dealership consignment in Arizona, this vehicle has seen considerable refurbishment since its acquisition by the present owner back in 2011, featuring a comprehensive mechanical revamp carried out by the Alan Taylor Company from 2016 through 2018.
Equipped with a refurbished 288-cubic-inch Lycoming V8 enhanced by a Schwitzer-Cummins centrifugal supercharger, the Cord 812 yields an impressive 170 horsepower—a remarkable output for the late 1930s. Power from the engine reaches the front wheels through a pre-selector vacuum-operated four-speed transaxle, which was similarly refurbished as part of the restoration process.
The Cord 812 First introduced as the 810 in 1936 and then relaunched under a new name for 1937, this vehicle gained recognition primarily due to its groundbreaking design attributed to Gordon Buehrig. Its standout characteristics included retractable headlamps, concealed door hinges, a distinctive coffin-shaped front grill, along with externally mounted side exhausts, which made it highly notable during an age marked by handcrafted automotive luxury.
Inside, the phaeton boasts meticulously refurbished burgundy leather seating, bespoke Wilton wool floor coverings, twin glove compartments, and a machined aluminum dashboard equipped with historically accurate instruments and an AM radio. The metal dashboard has been repainted in burgundy, while minor enhancements such as Optima Red Top batteries and contemporary braking system servicing enhance its dependability without compromising its classic appeal.
One of just a handful of remaining supercharged phaetons, this Cord 812 stands as a testimony to the bold engineering of the Auburn Automobile Company and still inspires awe almost ninety years since its introduction.
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