The Cord 810/812 has long been regarded as one of the most iconic automobiles of the 1930s, a brilliant combination of engineering innovation and timeless beauty. Fewer than 3,000 examples were built during its short two-year production run, of which 600 were four-place Phaetons. Cord’s incorporation of advanced engineering resulted in an automobile providing thrilling performance, with power delivered through a front-wheel-drive system via a four-speed vacuum-actuated pre-selective gearbox. Gordon Buehrig’s Art Deco-inspired styling was free of excessive ornamentation, with hidden headlamps, no running boards, pontoon-style front fenders, its signature coffin-nose hood, and vertical seven-louver grille.

The 812 Phaeton presented here was acquired by noted ACD enthusiast Tom Beale in a disassembled state from Cord aficionado Jim Ray about 20 years ago. Mr. Beale commenced a concours-level restoration in the 2000s, retaining the talents of respected craftsmen, with the renowned Bill Auerbach performing the majority of the work. To complement the Ivory coachwork, Mr. Beale engaged Mark Larder to complete the 812’s black leather interior in the factory pattern. The brightwork was renewed by Don Sommer’s American Arrow and, significantly, the gearbox was serviced by noted expert Lee Foldenauer during the restoration. The Josh Malks volume, Cord Complete, cites that chassis 1546 H may have received a factory replacement engine; this may have taken place in the late 1930s or early 1940s.

In 2011, Mr. Beale proudly presented the Cord for its post-restoration debut at the ACD Club National Reunion, where the car earned a Primary First Place Award. That same year, the Cord earned class awards at both the Concours d’Elegance of America in Plymouth, Michigan and at the CCCA Museum Experience at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan. Additionally, the Cord was inspected by the certification team at the ACD Club and was awarded Certificate C-428; supporting paperwork is on file.

The Phaeton was acquired by the consignor, a noted collector of concours-level American Classics in 2013, and it has been looked after while on display by his experienced staff in the decade since. Displaying just 51 post-restoration miles at the time of cataloguing, this Cord stands as a prototypical example of E.L. Cord’s eponymous company’s brilliant second act. Surviving examples such as this Phaeton never fail to draw an admiring crowd when they are exhibited, and they continue to provide their owners with satisfying miles behind the wheel, owing to their advanced mechanicals, V-8 power, and truly legendary styling. The care that has been shown to this gleaming 812 by its stewards over the past quarter century is immediately evident, and it awaits its next chapter of enjoyment.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled as 1546H.