Cord 810 Westchester Sedan
The 1936 Cord 810 Westchester Sedan was a technological and styling masterpiece that stunned the automotive world. Designed by Gordon Buehrig, it featured revolutionary hidden headlights operated by hand cranks, pontoon fenders, and a distinctive coffin-nose front end. The Westchester four-door sedan was the most practical body style offered. Underneath the stunning Gordon Buehrig-designed body was an equally advanced chassis featuring front-wheel drive, independent front suspension, and a semi-automatic transmission with no clutch pedal. The Lycoming V8 engine was mounted transversely in the front.
Front-wheel drive components are complex and parts scarce. Transmission requires specialist knowledge. Look for rust in pontoon fenders. Hidden headlight mechanism often needs rebuilding. Values highest for well-documented, original examples. Coffin-nose and hidden headlights are iconic design elements.
The 810 suffered numerous mechanical problems at launch and production delays. Despite winning numerous design awards, reliability issues hurt sales. The Westchester sedan was the most popular body style. Only 1,174 total 810 sedans were produced for 1936.