1937 Cord Westchester Sedan

1937 Cord 812 Additional Info:

1937 Cord 812 Westchester Sedan

The Mid-30s Cord automobiles were mechanically different, and some say way ahead of their American peers. Cord was the first mass produced American car offered with front-wheel drive (introduced in 1929). Elimination of the driveshaft for rear wheel drive permitted a flat floor and a very low aerodynamic profile with no running boards. These luxury cars were expensive when new – favorites of Hollywood stars and sports celebrities. The Cord 810/812 was manufactured for only two years, during the Great Depression, so a total of only about 2900 Cords rolled off the production line in Auburn, Indiana. Remarkably, time has been kind to the marque, and many still survive today. A beautiful specimen is offered for sale here.

The hallmark of the Cord Model 812, and its 1936 predecessor the Model 810, was the unique “Coffin Nose” hood, surrounded by swoopy pontoon fenders with concealed headlights. The rear hinged front doors open suicide style, and the sloping fastback design of the rear quarter added to the reduced drag of this slippery road car. Styled by Gordon M. Buehrig, these great looking vehicles, perfectly compatible with the art deco trends of the time, came with a flathead Lycoming V8 engine, front-wheel drive, a “Pre-Select” 4 speed manual transmission, and independent front suspension.

Inside, a royal blue felted broadcloth covers most all surfaces including the headliner and door panels. The doors are suicide doors in front, conventional in the rear, with hidden hinges - something else uncommon in other cars of this era. Silver piping outlines the seats and blue wool carpeting covers the floor. The headliner is also blue broadcloth with silver piping ribs where the panels are stitched together. The interior was refreshed and shows no wear, no rips, tears, or stains. The plush seats are comfortable and luxurious. Air conditioning was not an option in 1937, but dual cowl vents usher fresh air into the cabin.

The machine turned dashboard bezel houses the round instruments, headlight knobs and throttle and choke sliders. The fuel gauge and clock are inoperable, but the other instruments work properly. All of the wiring in the car has been sorted out and the car has dual Optima gel batteries. Headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals work. The headlight doors have manual cranks on the dash to open them. In addition to updated wiring, the car has a battery shutoff switch, and a vacuum tank.

The body of this Cord remains unmodified. It is free of rust and dents, and is very presentable as it is, showing only a patina of time and minor paint defects, but is very presentable. Close inspection will reveal some evidence of partial touchup repainting. The gray steering column with its gear select arm and the steering wheel give a hint the car was originally dove gray. It was repainted in the 1980s with the metallic midnight blue paint it has today. The hood vents are painted in a contrasting light silver blue hue. The chrome trim, hubcaps, door handles, hardware, and bumpers are in excellent condition. Wide whitewall tires exhibit maximum tread depth, but due to age, should be replaced if the car is to be regularly driven.

The original 289 Cid Lycoming flathead V8 runs flawlessly and the complex transmission functions as it should. Those unfamiliar with the operation of the PreSelect transmission will have to learn a different clutch discipline, requiring the gear to be selected before depressing the clutch. Once the driver is used to how it works, a combination of electric solenoids and a vacuum cylinder easily shifts the 4 speed transmission. Original drum brakes that slow and stop the car as designed.

Buyers are advised that this is a private sale by owner. No financing or trade ins. Payment in full in cash or by bank to bank wire transfer only.