Cord 812 (1937)Arend from Oosterhout, Netherlands, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cord 812 Supercharged

1937 — USA

Pre-War (before 1946)Luxury CarSedanAmericanV8 EngineTurbo/SuperchargedInvestment GradePre-War Masterpieces
Engine4,729 cc V8 OHV Supercharged
Power190 hp
Torque280 lb-ft
Transmission4-speed manual
DrivetrainFWD
Body StyleSedan
Weight4,200 lbs
0–60 mph13.0 sec
Top Speed110 mph
Production1,146 units
Original MSRP$3,060
BrakesDrum / Drum
SuspensionIndependent, trailing arms / Live axle, leaf springs

Cord 812 Supercharged

Gordon Buehrig's Cord 812 represented the pinnacle of 1930s American automotive design with its coffin-nose hood, hidden headlights, and sleek pontoon fenders. Revolutionary front-wheel drive eliminated the driveshaft tunnel, allowing a lower profile than competitors. The supercharged models featured distinctive chrome external exhaust pipes emerging from each side of the hood. Despite technical innovation and stunning beauty, production problems and the Depression ended Cord production in 1937.

$150,000 – $350,000

Verify front-wheel drive transaxle condition. Hidden headlight mechanisms often need rebuild. Supercharged models most valuable.

Featured front-wheel drive and hidden headlights operated by hand cranks. Gordon Buehrig design won multiple awards. Production ceased 1937 due to Depression and technical issues.