Cord L-29 812 Supercharged Phaeton
The Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton is one of the most visually stunning and technically innovative automobiles of the pre-war era. While the listing indicates 1929 (the year the L-29, Cord's first model, was introduced), the 812 Supercharged was actually produced in 1937 as the final evolution of the Cord line. The 812 featured Gordon Buehrig's legendary coffin-nose design, a Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger, and front-wheel drive -- a combination that was decades ahead of its time.
The 812's engine was a Lycoming V8 producing approximately 190 horsepower with the supercharger -- impressive for 1937. The centrifugal supercharger, visible through the distinctive chrome exhaust pipes that emerged from the hood sides, added approximately 50 horsepower over the naturally aspirated 810 model. Combined with the four-speed electro-vacuum pre-selector gearbox and front-wheel-drive layout, the Cord offered a driving experience unlike any other car of its era.
Buehrig's design for the 810/812 is considered one of the greatest achievements in automotive design. The coffin-nose front end with its louvered hood, hidden headlights (that cranked up and down manually), wraparound grille, and flowing fender forms created an Art Deco masterpiece. The Phaeton body style, with its open top and sweeping lines, was the most dramatic configuration, offering the full visual impact of Buehrig's design.
The Cord 812 was part of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg empire, and like its stablemates, it was a brilliant product doomed by the economic realities of the Great Depression. The Cord company ceased production in 1937, making the 812 the company's final model. The brevity of the 810/812's production run (1936-1937, approximately 3,000 total units) and the enduring beauty of the design have ensured its place among the most valuable and sought-after pre-war automobiles.
Today, the Cord 812 Supercharged is a trophy car of the highest order, regularly appearing at the most prestigious concours events and commanding prices that reflect its significance in automotive history.
Authentication is critical, as reproductions (both Cord-replica kits and re-bodied cars) exist. Verify through the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club registry. The pre-selector gearbox requires specialist maintenance. The supercharger should be checked for proper operation. The front-wheel-drive system should be inspected for wear. The Lycoming V8 is robust but requires specialist knowledge.
Built at the Auburn factory in Auburn, Indiana. The 810/812 series was produced from 1936 to 1937, with total production of approximately 3,000 units across all body styles.