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1936 Cord 810

The Cord 810 is one of the few automobiles on permanent display in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It made its debut in November of 1935 and was the work of a team headed by Duesenberg designer Gordon Buehrig. The 810 styling was devoid of running boards, had streamlined wings, 'step-down' floor, hidden door hinges, unitary construction, and a louvered 'coffin nose without the traditional upright radiator. It made its debut at the November 1935 New York Auto Show.

Errett Lobban Cord introduced the L29 in 1929 as a fill-gap model priced between the lower-priced Auburn and the top-of-the-line Duesenberg. Produced until 1931, it had front-wheel drive and a Lycoming straight-eight engine. Its front-drive layout allowed for a low-slung frame and offered unique creativity for coachbuilders to work their craft.

Between 1929 and 1932, Cord produced approximately 4,993 vehicles (the L-29). Four years later, the Cord automobile returned as the 810 (812 the following and final year).

The Cord 810, in a similar fashion to its predecessor, had front-wheel drive but a more compact Lycoming V8 engine mated to a four-speed operated by pressing a European-style pre-selector switch on the steering column. Improved balance was achieved by placing the engine further back in the chassis. In standard trim, the 288 cubic-inch L-head V8 engine offered 125 horsepower. With the help of a supercharger, that figure rose to 170 bhp. Four-wheel hydraulic brakes provided stopping power for the 125-inch wheelbase vehicle, and the suspension relied on an independent front setup while the rear used semi-elliptic leaf springs.

The Cord 810 was available as a Sportsman, Phaeton, and two sedan models - the Westchester and the up-market Beverly. The two sedans were differentiated by their interiors - the Beverly had pleated cloth while the Westchester had flat broadcloth seats. The early examples of the production Beverlys had a unique 'armchair' interior arrangement, with fixed armrests in the front and back. Custom sedans on a longer wheelbase joined the four-model 812 range for 1937.

The Beverly sedan was priced at $2,095, the Westchester Sedan at $1,995, and the Sportsman at $2,145. The addition of the supercharger added approximately forty percent to the base price.

The Cord 810/812 was competitively priced in the $2,000 - $3,000 range. Unfortunately, production delays and the Depression sent them into deep financial trouble; when its proprietor sold up in August 1937, it marked the end for Cord, Auburn, and Duesenberg.

Cord produced approximately 1,764 vehicles in 1936 and 1,066 in 1937. The combined L-29 and 810/812 Cord production was approximately 7,823 units.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Phaeton Sedan
Chassis number: FB1703

Designed by the legendary car designer Gordon Buehrig, the Cord 810 created a sensation when it debuted at the 1935 New York Auto Show. Also known as the Baby Duesenberg, it was Cord's attempt to market a car priced between Auburn and Duesenberg. This model, the 810 Phaeton, sold new for $2,195, a considerable amount of money in 1936. Sadly, Cord's finances couldn't match Buehrig's incredible design and the 810/812 Cord lasted only two years. In 1937, the ACD Automobile Company went out of business, yet another casualty of the Great Depression.

Today, the Cord 810/812 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever built and was honored by the Museum of Modern Art, which named the 810 Cord as one of the ten most significant cars of the 20th century. This beautifully restored example is one of a few 810 Phaetons still in existence and has won many awards over the years.

Sedanca de Ville by Derham

In those early days, car companies came and went. Only the strong survived. And so it was that when the Auburn Motor Company found itself in dire straits in 1924, a young Erret (EL) Lobban Cord was brought in to fix the beleaguered company. Cord, a former race car driver, mechanic and car salesman, was also an astute businessman. By 1928 he controlled Auburn and a year later created the Cord Corporation as a holding company for what eventually was over 150 companies. Holdings included Duesenberg, Lycoming engines, Checker Cab, as well as aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and shipbuilders. Talented and confident, he positioned Cord between auburn and Duesenberg. The Cord 810 was initially envisioned as a 'baby' Duesenberg but was rebranded Cord at the last minute. It debuted at the 1935 New York Auto Show and was a hit. The body was the handiwork of rising star and Duesenberg alum Gordon Buehrig who'd been wooed back to the fold from Harley Earl's prestigious GM design stable.

The 810 featured a semi-automatic four-speed transmission that extended in front of the engine, eliminating the need for a transmission tunnel and making for spacious, five-passenger seating. It was also front-wheel-drive with an independent front suspension. Weighing in at just over two tons, it had 125 horsepower from a high-compression (6.5:1) 289 CID Lycoming-designed V-8.

This car features a Derham-designed three-position disappearing top and a one-piece windshield. It was commissioned by Dr. John Dorrance, founder of Campbell's Soup, for his daughter as a wedding present.

This 1936 Cord 810 Sedanca de Ville is fitted with coachwork by Derham of Rosemont, PA. It was built for Mrs. Charlotte Durrance Wright, heiress to the Cambell Soup fortune. The Cord was a wedding present from her father. This Sedanca de Ville features a three-position, three-piece top and is also fitted with a one-piece windshield. The Cord has such outstanding features as hidden headlights, the absence of a running board, and a radio with an antenna under the car.

The car is powered by a 288.6 cubic-inch Lycoming V8 engine developing 125 horsepower. It rides on a 125-inch wheelbase. It has a Bendix pre-selector transmission coupled with front-wheel drive.

Beverly Sedan

The new car caused a sensation at the 1936 New York Auto Show in November. The crowds around the 810 were so dense, attendees stood on the bumpers of nearby cars to get a look. This was the car of the future. The body design of the Cord 810 was the work of designer Gordon M. Buehrig and his team of stylists. Nearly devoid of chrome, the new car was so low that it required no running boards. Pontoon fenders, wraparound grille and concealed headlights were featured. Its engine-turned aircraft-style dashboard featured a tachometer and built-in radio. Mechanically the car was innovative with front-wheel-drive, a pre-select gear transmission, and a Lycoming engine with performance to match its looks.

Although it was designed and built on a very limited budget during the Great Depression, the 810 sported a few distinctive features and industry firsts, including the 'alligator' hood hinged at the rear, lateral louvers in place of a traditional upright radiator, hidden door hinges, and concealed headlights.

The 125-inch wheelbase was made possible by the 289 cubic-inch 90-degree V-8 Lycoming engine that was specifically revised for front-wheel drive and produced around 125 horsepower. The 1937 models - known as 812s - would offer an optional centrifugal supercharger, producing 195 horsepower.

Other features included a four-speed transmission, a Stromberg dual-downdraft carburetor with a new type of automatic choke, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, and a four-speed pre-selector Bendix transmission with vacuum/electric shifting.

Cord produced around 3,000 of the 810 and 812 models; it is estimated that approximately two-thirds of those cars survive today.

This vehicle is a 1936 Cord 812 Beverly owned by the Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg Museum. The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum is located in Auburn, Indiana, in the company's magnificent block long art-deco showroom. This example once belonged to its designer, Gordon Buehrig.

Convertible Phaeton Sedan
Chassis number: 2729H
Engine number: 1562

The Cord 810 Phaeton was an impressive vehicle, complete with front-wheel-drive, pre-selector pneumatic steering, and retractable headlights. The radio antenna was hidden, adding the vehicle's clean lines.

This example has been shown at Meadow Brook and Pebble Beach. It is an Auburn-Cord Duesenberg Club 1st Junior and 2nd Senior on two occasions. It is seen here at the 2007 Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance.

There were approximately 3,000 Cord 810 and 812s produced over a two-year period. With a selling price of around $2,000, Cords could not compete with models from GM and Ford where engineering costs could be spread across a much larger number of cars produced. Auburn ceased car production in 1937.

This example was the last Phaeton made in 1935 and has been in the same ownership for nearly two decades.

The Cord Model 810 was introduced in November 1935 at the Los Angeles auto show. It had advanced aerodynamic styling, plus mechanical features that would not be seen again for many decades. With front-wheel-drive, electric pre-selector shifting, unit-body construction, retractable lights and optional supercharging, they were certainly ahead of their time.

Westchester Sedan
Chassis number: 2307A

The Cord 810 Sedan was named the Westchester after the New York City suburb which, during the 1930s, was synonymous with wealth and good taste. It had unique styling and was well ahead of its time. It was aerodynamic and elegant and caused a sensation where it traveled. At the front was the trademark 'coffin nose' hood that concealed the 288.6 cubic-inch Lycoming V8 engine. A total of 1629 Cord 810s were constructed in 1936, with each different body style being a rarity in modern times.

This example is finished in ivory color and has traveled 64,865 miles during its lifetime. Several years ago, it was treated to a complete restoration and has been maintained with several extensive cosmetic refurbishing since that time. Most of its chrome, glass, and rubber is new. The interior is white-trimmed burgundy and mounted on all four corners are period-correct Firestone wide whitewall tires.

In 2008 this Cord 810 Westchester Sedan was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $80,000. The car was offered without reserve. The estimates proved to be accurate and the car was sold for a high bid of $60,500, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Westchester Sedan

When introduced at the 1935 New York Auto Show, the 810 created such a sensation and crowds that attendees stood on the bumpers of the other display cars just to get a glimpse of the future. Today, the Museum of Modern Art has named the 810/812 as one of the top ten finest industrial styles of all time. The Gordon Buehrig design is sleek, low, and devoid of running boards, the door hinges and headlights are concealed, the fenders pontoon to surround a wrap-around grill, and the dashboard is in an aircraft style. The mechanics are equally unique with front-wheel drive and a Lycoming 288 cubic-inch 125 horsepower engine. The Auburn Automobile Company produced Cord 810 was priced at $2,195.

Cabriolet

E.L. Cord was the founder of the Cord automobile. The L-29 would be his first car to be manufactured in 1929. Soon after, the stock market would crash and plans for the new project, known as the 'Baby Duesenberg' would be put on hold until 1936.

The body design of the 810 was the work of designer Gordon M. Buehrig and his team of stylists. This car was the basis for a new medium-priced front-wheel-drive platform that would go on to be among the most sought-after collector cars of the era.

The artistic styling included a coffin-nose, pontoon fenders (sans running boards), retractable headlights, rear-hinged doors and an art-deco dashboard. There were four different designs - two coupes and two convertibles. The coupes were called Westchester and Beverly, while the convertibles were four-seater Phaetons and the rare two-seater Cabriolets such as this example.

The price when new was $3,100, and only 205 Cabriolets were built in their two-year period of production. This car is powered by a Lycoming L-Head V8 with a 288 cubic-inch 125 horsepower engine and an electric vacuum-operated pre-select 4-speed shifter.

The 810 caused quite a stir at the 1936 New York Auto Show, and the design of the 810 remains one of the most distinctive of the 20th century. In 1996, American Heritage Magazine called the 810 'The Single Most Beautiful American Car.'

Purchased new in Hawaii by a Naval Admiral, it was later sold to Dale Palmer in California. In 1954, Palmer moved to Minnesota, taking the car with him. He would own this car well into the 1990s, although it was offered for sale in 1990 to a good friend of the current owner. The car would change hands and undergo a basic restoration. Later, in 2007 it would undergo a meticulous nut-and-bolt restoration returning it to its original as-delivered glory.

This 810 Cabriolet is a multiple national award winner and is exceptionally road worthy.

Convertible Phaeton Sedan

It was Gordon M. Buehrig and his team of stylists who designed the body for the Cord 810. Virtually devoid of chrome, the new car was so low it required no running boards. Pontoon fenders were featured, complete with headlights that disappeared via dashboard-mounted hand cranks. A Lycoming V8 engine powered the car, which was among the first to have front-wheel drive, as well as numerous other innovations. This particular Cord has been the property of a Cord collector and enthusiast Ric Simpson since 1959. The car was purchased as a very poor 'hot rod' and it took the owner eight years to complete its initial restoration. The second restoration took 5,000 hours and three years.

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: FB2540

This 1936 Cord 810 Convertible Coupe was purchased by Dr. Atwood from a California owner in 1984. A restoration soon followed, bringing it back to sound mechanical and cosmetic condition. After the work, the car earned its AACA National First Junior and Senior awards and its Grand National First status in 1986, and Preservation in 1987.

It is painted in black and has a tan canvas top and brown leather upholstery, with matching interior panels. Brown carpeting is matched by the lining in the trunk. The odometer reads 95,519 miles.

There were just 194 examples of the Convertible Coupes construction out of a total of 2,900 810 and 812 Cords produced during the 18 months of production. Just 63 were fitted with superchargers.

In 2009, this Convertible Coupe was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was expected to sell for $175,000 - $225,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $181,500, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Beverly Sedan

The Cord 810 featured disappearing headlights, a 'coffin nose' hood, and an aircraft-style instrument panel. Thanks to its low profile, it did not have running boards. It was built by the Auburn Automobile Company, which was owned by E.L. Cord.

The 810 was powered by a V-eight motor by Lycoming Motors (another Cord-controlled company) that developed 125 horsepower.

Four body styles were available on the 810: a Beverly sedan, a Sportsman, a Phaeton, and the Westchester sedan. The base price of the Westchester sedan was $1,995.

This Cord 810 is especially significant since it was formerly owned by its original designer, Gordon M. Buehrig, who also designed automobiles for Auburn and Duesenberg. Many years after its original introduction, this car was presented to him by his wife as a birthday gift. Following his death, the car was donated to the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana.

Beverly Sedan

President Roosevelt requested that the 1936 automobile show be moved up to mid-November from the scheduled mid-January dates. As the Auburn Automotive Company had chosen their new 810 Cord to make its debut at the show, the company now had only seven and one-half months to get the Cord ready to exhibit. The Automobile Manufacturing Association only allowed production vehicles to be exhibited, which meant Cord had to produce at least 100 examples. Auburn attempted to build the 100 needed Cords by hand in 116 days. This example is one of the hand-built prototypes and is restored as a show car with copper accents.

In 1936, the Cord 810 Sedan sold new for $1,995. Power was from a 289 cubic-inch Lycoming V-8 engine offering 125 horsepower.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe

Cord produced approximately three thousand 1936 and 1937 Cords, and only three of them were hardtop coupes, and only one of them was like this vehicle. Robert A. Stranahan, Sr., President and founder of Champion Sparkplugs, commissioned this one-of-a-kind Cord to be built by himself. There are many unique features included in this car, including chromed Auburn headlights, a padded leather top, an Auburn hood ornament, and LaSalle ventports on the sides of the hood. After being in Ohio and abused in California, the Cord was discovered in Montreal, Canada, in very decrepit condition by an Auburn Cord Duesenberg enthusiast. After a multi-year restoration, this one-of-a-kind Cord was donated to the ACD Museum.

by ACD Museum

by Dan Vaughan

Westchester Sedan

The Cord 810 made its introduction at the 1936 auto shows in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Show rules required that 100 cars had to be produced in order to be displayed. Auburn built the 100 cars in 116 days, just in time for New York. The show car, with copper accents, was very well received.

This car is one of 22 exported to Canada. It was disassembled in the 1940s and stored in a shed for 30 years. It was re-assembled in the 1970s. The current owner purchased the car in the mid-1990s and restored it to the beautiful condition you see today.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Phaeton Sedan

The descendent of the L-29, the Cord 810, was intended to be a 'baby Duesenberg.' Its 1935 debut featured the iconic 'coffin-nose' hood. The Gordon Buehrig design was sleek, stylish, and unique.

Its short 125-inch wheelbase was made possible by the 289 cubic-inch, 90-degree V-8 Lycoming engine that was specifically revised for front-wheel drive and produced around 125 horsepower.

It featured a four-speed transmission, a Stromberg dual-downdraft carburetor with an automatic choke, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, and a four-speed pre-selector Bendix transmission with vacuum/electric shifting.

This is an early model of the 404 Cord 810 Phaetons produced. It also features many of the optional accessories featured in the Cord-Approved Accessories factory brochure: Bumper guards, fog lights, an ashtray, a deluxe heater/windshield defroster, license plate frames, and a radio. It also features the exceptionally rare compass and trunk luggage rack that was shown in the original Cord factory photograph.

It was acquired by the current owner in 2000. It underwent an extensive eleven-year restoration and was back on the road for Cord's 75th anniversary in 2011. It debuted at the Auburn National Reunion and received first place in the Primary division. It has also been awarded First Place Senior in 2012 and First Place Senior Emeritus in 2013.

Westchester Sedan
Chassis number: 810 1376A
Engine number: FB 2609

The Cord 810 was powered by a Lycoming V-8 engine and mated to a four-speed, electrically-shifted, pre-selector transmission. This was actually E.L. Cord's second attempt at a front-wheel drive automobile. It wore a body designed by Gordon Buehrig which featured a louvered hood with a blunt nose, earning it the nickname 'coffin nose.' It had a 'step-down' floor, unitary construction, hidden door hinges, and was devoid of running boards.

It made its debut in November of 1935 at the New York Auto Show.

This particular example is an 810 Westchester Sedan. It lacks the side exhaust or bustle-back trunk added on later models.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Phaeton Sedan
Engine number: FB 1308

Originally conceived to be a 'baby Duesenberg' the Cord 810 was E.L. Cord's second front-wheel drive car to bear his name. Powering the car is a 125 horsepower 289 cubic-inch Lycoming V-8 made in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The aerodynamic body designed by Gordon Buehrig featured monocoque construction and many engineering advances for the era, including concealed headlights. Despite having roll-up windows, Cord could not resist the cache of using the Phaeton name to describe the car. Ultimately, production delays and various quality control problems hurt sales. At $2,195, fewer than 1,300 were built for the 1936 model year. The company closed its doors following the 1937 model year.

This Cord Convertible Phaeton is one of about 600 built. The Gordon Buehrig-designed body was a bold step forward in automotive design. Its blunt louvered 'coffin nose' hood, retractable headlights and the absence of running boards were revolutionary. Cords have front-wheel drive, unit-body construction and are powered by a Lycoming V-8 engine with a pre-selector, electro-pneumatically shifted transmission. Orders streamed into the factory after being introduced at the 1935 New York Auto Show but quickly diminished after production delays and quality flaws exceeded prospective purchasers' patience.

This 810 series was delivered new by the Cord factory agency in Los Angeles, California with Supercharger trim installed. One former owner was Robert C. Stemple, former President and CEO of General Motors. A previous owner purchased the car in 2012, and a four-year restoration was completed in 2016.

Westchester Sedan
Chassis number: 1113A
Engine number: FB24F

This Cord 810 Westchester is finished in Ivory White with an interior done in shades of dark blue with gray broadcloth. It appears to have been treated to a cosmetic restoration several years ago and is quite presentable today.

by Dan Vaughan

Sportsman
Chassis number: 810 2533 F
Engine number: 1879

This Cabriolet Sportsman was discovered behind a gas station in North Portland in 1971. It was given a restoration and finished in Cigarette Cream over black leather. The car was fitted with the improved front axle U-Joints that allowed for comfort and reliability on long-distance journeys. The car has its original bronze windshield frame, a correct accessory ashtray, and a rebuilt original radio. The original engine, FB 1742, was changed out for another many years ago. The original serial number tag remains on the car.

A prior owner enjoyed this Cabriolet Sportsman for 44 years.

by Dan Vaughan

Westchester Sedan

Errett Lobban Cord's ultimate creations were the Cord 810 and the supercharged 812, both of which featured a front-wheel-drive system pioneered by Harry Miller on the racing circuit. The Cord 810 debuted to rapturous reviews in November 1935, and an example eventually made its way into the Museum of Modern Art in New York. This Cord has a 125 horsepower Lycoming V8 engine combined with a Bendix 4-speed pre-selector gearbox tucked inside designer Gordon Buehrig's iconic 'coffin-nose' body. Created for a General Motors styling competition, the body design was way ahead of its time and failed to impress styling boss Harley Earl, but it was admired by Buehrig's fellow designers as well as E.L. Cord. Sadly, although the 810 caught the imagination of the press, Cord was in financial trouble, and only 3,000 of the 810/812 series were built before production came to a halt in August 1937.

Convertible Phaeton Sedan
Chassis number: 1247
Engine number: FB 1547

This Cord 810 Phaeton has an ownership history that is known back to the early 1960s when it was owned by Robert McCullagh. It had been built midway through the production year of 1936, as distinguished by its trunk lid, which is cut out to clear the spare tire.

Ownership passed to Michael Nigro of Huntington Beach, California, in 1978 and then to David Graham of Santa Ana, in 1993. Mr. Graham commissioned a restoration, which was completed over a period of five years. During the work, a correct original trunk rack was sourced, as well as dual Cord amber-lens accessory fog lights. Upon completion, the car was awarded Best Cord 810/812 and Best of Show twice at the ACD Club's West Coast Meet in 1998 and 2000.

The next owner was Paul Retrovich, who had its restoration considerably freshened, both mechanically and cosmetically. It then joined Orin Smith's collection.

This Cord has its original engine. It was born un-supercharged and remains so today. During the Graham restoration, it was given a supercharged-style side exhaust.

This car has received its ACD Club Category One Certification.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Phaeton Sedan

The styling of the Cord 810 is credited to designer Gordon M. Buehrig and his team of stylists. It is the first American front-wheel-drive car that features independent front suspension. It is powered by a 289 cubic-inch Lycoming V8 engine that produces 125 horsepower. The semi-automatic four-speed transmission (three plus overdrive) is extended in front of the engine. This allowed Buehrig to dispense with the driveshaft and transmission tunnel, and as a result, the car is so low it requires no running boards, as was the norm of the era.

It is believed that the Cord 810 was originally conceived as a Duesenberg. It is nearly devoid of chrome and has hidden door hinges and a rear-hinged hood, rather than the side-opening type, common at the time. It features unique pontoon fenders with hidden headlamps that disappear into the fenders via dashboard hand cranks.

This Cord 810 Phaeton was originally delivered in Pennsylvania to Richard Nicholas, owner of the famous Stonebridge Estate. It spent 35 years in Pennsylvania before changing hands in 1970 to Roslyn Heights, New York Mayor Frank Martucci, and later to collector John O'Quinn in Texas. The Cigarette Cream exterior and red interior colors are the original factory combination.

Cabriolet

This car has sensational 'aircraft' styling with retractable headlights, a lack of running boards, and pontoon fenders. Front-wheel drive by a Lycoming V8 engine, this vehicle has a four-speed Bendix electric pre-selector transmission. It is Auburn Cord Duesenberg certified and was restored in the shops of Boyd Coddington of Southern California. It is one of less than 2,900 Cord automobiles and one of 194 Cabriolets designed by Gordon Buehrig.

Convertible Phaeton Sedan
Chassis number: 810 2361 H
Engine number: FB 1632

This 1936 Cord 810 Phaeton was delivered new in Pennsylvania and first registered on June 11th, 1936. During its ownership history, the car was once cared for by Richard Nicholas, whose home was the famous Stonebridge estate in Chadd's Ford.

For the first thirty-five years of its existence, the car remained in the Quaker State, including ownership by Calvin High. Mr. High sold the car in 1971 to Frank Martucci, the mayor of Roslyn Heights, New York. The Cord remained in Mr. Martucci's care until the early 2000s, receiving a restoration during that time. This is a Category 1 Original Car (the ninth Cord to be so recognized) that earned an AACA Senior First Prize, reportedly with 397 out of a possible 400 points, and Senior awards in ACD Club national judging.

The Cord entered new ownership in 2016 and soon received a new convertible top in brown finished with maroon trim.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Phaeton Sedan
Chassis number: 1975 H
Engine number: FB 2582

Gordon M. Buehrig and his team of stylists, which included Alex Tremulis and Vince Gardner, bestowed radical new styling to the Cord 810 with hidden (pop-up) headlights and a so-called 'coffin nose' front end with horizontal louvers. The front-mounted Lycoming V8 engine displaced 289 cubic inches (4,739cc) and offered 125 horsepower - the same amount as the front-wheel-drive Cord L-29. Also employing front-wheel drive, the Cord 810 was the first American FWD car with an independent front suspension setup. The engine was paired with a semi-automatic four-speed transmission positioned at the front of the engine.

Without a driveshaft and transmission tunnel, the bodies of the Cord 810 rested low on the 125-inch wheelbase. In 1936, body styles included a sedan, a Beverly sedan, a Sportsman, and a Phaeton.

This particular example is an early example - the twenty-first Phaeton produced. It has correct early-production features that include 'onboard' tail lights in the rear deck lid and early-style glove box doors.

This Cord's first recorded owner was Carl Elmendorf of Rochester, New York, in 1962. At some point, the car received a later replacement engine, number FB 2582. It was subsequently acquired by George Gallo of nearby Elmira, who undertook a meticulous restoration in the authentic Cord color scheme of Palm Beach Tan with a maroon leather interior and a black top bound in maroon, accessorized with radio and amber fog lights.

Following its restoration, the Cord was shown in ACD Club competition at the Annual Reunion in Auburn, Indiana, earning Mr. Gallo the Bill Bocock Award for the best owner restoration in 1995. The following year, it won the Gordon Buehrig Award for Best 810/812. In 2004, it achieved its Grand National First Prize.

Mr. Gallo sold his Cord to Jack Buchanan of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who fitted seatbelts for road touring. In 2012, it was sold to the Gateway Automobile Museum and remained on display in the collection for over a decade.

This early 810 Cord has been driven 1,999 miles since the restoration was completed.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Phaeton Sedan
Chassis number: 1452
Engine number: FB 1800

The Cord 810 had front-wheel drive configuration, a Lycoming V8 engine, a four-speed electrically shifted pre-selector transmission, and styling attributed to Gordon Buehrig.

This 1936 Cord 810 Phaeton was owned by Jack Smith during the 1940s, and in 1962 it was in the care of James Gallup of Ohio. The car's next owner was Garth Stemple, who sold it to Tob Wood in 1975 and then to Robert Groff in 1976. In 1988, the car was purchased by Edwin 'Ned' Wright, who undertook a complete restoration of the car in the mid-1990s. The work was rewarded with an Antique Automobile Club of America National Senior First Prize and Classic Car Club of America Senior Premier award.

The car was later sold to Paul Lee of Florida, who sold it in 2008 to its current caretaker, Charles J. Noto, who had it Certified by the ACD Club as a Category 1 Original Car. Mr. Noto gave the car a fresh restoration and finished the exterior in Palm Beach Tan over a dark red interior with a black top.

by Dan Vaughan

The Cord was part of the Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg trinity. Thus their similarities in vehicle design. These three firms also owned the Lycoming engine manufacturing company. This company supplied the 289 cubic-inch V8 engine that gave this vehicle life. The engine was rated at 125 horsepower, with the supercharger, the horsepower increased to 170 bhp. The 125hp engine was capable of 90 miles-per-hour with a zero-to-sixty rating of about 20 seconds. A four-speed pre-selector was used, and the wheels were fitted with drum brakes.

The Gordon Beuhrig design is very classic, clean, and inspired by aviation. The hood was called the 'Coffin Nose' look for obvious reasons. The hood, when opened, would open upwards. The windshield was split in the middle and was small in comparison to other vehicles. This was due to the room needed by the massive V8. The front had a chrome bumper and a wrap-around grill. Two lights were attached to the bumper and two retractable lights were hidden in the front wheel covers.

Production began for the Cords in 1936, and sales were steady. However, the company itself was not doing as well. The industry was very tough during that era due to many obstacles including stiff competition and a poor economy.

In 1937 the car was renamed to the 812 and included a few modifications. The 812S was supercharged and had chromed exhaust pipes attached to the side. It was too little, too late. Production ceased later that year due to the company's financial problems.

by Dan Vaughan