Cord 810/812 812 Supercharged
The Cord 810/812 is the most visionary American car ever produced. When it debuted at the 1935 New York Auto Show, it was so radically modern that crowds stood in stunned silence. Here was a car with no running boards, hidden headlights that disappeared into the fenders, a 'coffin nose' hood with horizontal louvers, pontoon fenders, and a stance so low and wide it looked like nothing else on the road — or wouldn't for another 20 years.
Designed by Gordon Buehrig, the Cord 810/812 was one of the first American production cars with front-wheel drive. This allowed the elimination of the driveshaft tunnel and running boards, giving the car its low, sleek profile. The Lycoming V8 engine (Lycoming was part of E.L. Cord's empire) was fitted with a supercharger on the 812 model, producing 190 hp.
The transmission was equally unconventional — a 4-speed electric pre-selector operated by a small lever on the steering column. You would pre-select the next gear, then engage it by pressing the clutch. It was the world's most advanced transmission system for a production car.
The Cord's design was so influential that the Museum of Modern Art in New York includes a Cord 810 in its permanent collection. It has appeared on virtually every 'most beautiful car' list ever compiled and has influenced designers for nearly a century.
Sadly, the Cord 810/812 was plagued by production problems — the complex front-wheel-drive system and pre-selector transmission were rushed to market, and early cars suffered reliability issues. Combined with the collapse of E.L. Cord's business empire, production ended after just 2,320 units in two years (1936-1937).
The Cord 810/812 is a blue-chip collectible. The pre-selector transmission is the most complex component — ensure it functions properly or budget for a specialist rebuild. The front-wheel-drive system requires knowledge few mechanics possess. Body restoration is straightforward (steel body on steel frame). The 812 Supercharged with chrome side pipes is the most valuable variant. The Sportsman (convertible) is rarer and more valuable than the sedan. Verify authenticity through the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club — replicas exist.
Total production: approximately 2,320 units. 810 (1936): ~1,174. 812 (1937, with supercharger option): ~1,146. Available as sedan, Beverly sedan, Sportsman (convertible phaeton), and custom Berline. The 812 Supercharged (with chrome external exhaust pipes) is the most collectible. Several replica companies have produced copies over the decades.