Cord 810/812 Supercharged
This entry covers the same vehicle family as the Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton above, specifically the 1936 model year that marked the introduction of the 810 and the beginning of this legendary automobile's brief production life. The 810 was the naturally aspirated version, while the 812, introduced for 1937, added the Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger.
The 1936 Cord 810 debuted at the New York Auto Show to tremendous critical acclaim. The public and press were captivated by Buehrig's revolutionary design, and orders poured in. However, the Cord company struggled to deliver cars due to manufacturing difficulties with the complex front-wheel-drive system and the innovative electro-vacuum pre-selector gearbox. Many early orders were cancelled as frustrated buyers tired of waiting, contributing to the company's financial difficulties.
The Supercharged designation refers specifically to the 812 model, which added the centrifugal supercharger for the 1937 model year. The supercharger was visually identified by the chrome exhaust pipes that ran along the hood sides -- one of the most distinctive styling cues in pre-war automotive design. The additional power (approximately 195 hp total with the supercharger) transformed the already-impressive 810 into a genuinely fast car for its era.
The sedan body style, while less dramatic than the Phaeton or Sportsman configurations, offered the most practical expression of the 810/812 platform. The enclosed body provided comfortable four-passenger accommodation with excellent visibility through the generous greenhouse. The front-wheel-drive layout eliminated the transmission tunnel, providing a flat floor that enhanced interior spaciousness.
The Cord 810/812, in all body styles, is a cornerstone of any serious pre-war automobile collection. The design's enduring beauty, the technological innovation, and the romantic narrative of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg empire create a collectible of extraordinary emotional and financial significance.
All Cord 812 buying considerations apply. Distinguish between naturally aspirated 810 and supercharged 812 -- the supercharged version commands a premium. Verify authenticity through the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club.
Built at the Auburn factory in Auburn, Indiana. The 810 debuted in 1936, with the supercharged 812 following in 1937. Total 810/812 production was approximately 3,000 units.