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1937 Cord 812 Phaeton
$140,000.00
Description
This 1937 Cord 812 phaeton was purchased in the early 1990s by collector William A.C. Pettit III, who subsequently commissioned a refurbishment by ACD specialist Harry Van Iderstine. The car remained in Pettit’s collection until his 2012 passing and was purchased by us on BaT in December 2022 from the selling dealer. Finished in Cigarette Cream over burgundy leather, it is powered by a 289ci Lycoming V8 that drives the front wheels via a vacuum-operated four-speed preselector transaxle. Additional features include independent front suspension, Richardson front axles, an electric fuel pump, mechanically operated pop-up headlights, a black convertible top, and a radio.
The Cord 810 was introduced in late 1935 for the 1936 model year and returned for 1937 as the 812 before the Auburn Automobile Company ceased manufacture of the Cord marque. Styling was provided by Gordon Buehrig and includes a “coffin-nose” front profile with a louvered wraparound grille, a rear-hinged hood, hideaway headlights raised via dash-mounted hand cranks, concealed door hinges, and a split windshield.
The two-door convertible phaeton was among six body styles offered in 1937, and this example’s coachwork was repainted in Cigarette Cream during the 1990s refurbishment. Work during the project also included re-plating of the brightwork and replacement of the windshield. Chips are noted in areas of the paintwork. The black convertible top can be stowed under a body-color tonneau panel. Some of the selling dealer’s indoor photos date to 2022.
