USA vs USA — 1939 vs 1937
| Zephyr Continental | 812 Supercharged | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 190 hp |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,785 cc | 4,729 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 16.0 sec | 13.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 110 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 18.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,900 lbs | 4,200 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,150 mm | 3,200 mm |
| Length | 5,232 mm | 5,232 mm |
| Units Produced | 404 | 1,146 |
| Original MSRP | $2,840 | $3,060 |
| Value (Excellent) | $175,000 | $350,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental brings lighter weight, greater rarity, better value to the table, and the 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
In the world of Luxury cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental versus the 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged. Both hail from Pre-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged holds a clear advantage in raw power with 190 hp compared to 120 hp, a 70-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lincoln Zephyr uses a V12 Flathead displacing 4,785 cc, while the Cord 812 relies on a V8 OHV Supercharged with 4,729 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged edges ahead at 13.0 seconds versus 16.0 seconds. The Lincoln Zephyr carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 300 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.