1937 Cord 812SC - $275,000 - Pebble Beach, CA - PROVENANCECarter Schaub, Apex, South CarolinaFay Culbreth, Charlotte, North Carolina (acquired from the above circa 1975)George Deschamp, Idaho (acquired from the above circa 1985)Fay Culbreth, Charlotte, North Carolina (re-acquired from the estate of the above in 2005)Mike Ames, Dallas, Texas (acquired from the above in 2006)Lee Munder, West Palm Beach, Florida (acquired from the above in 2006)Current Owner (acquired from the above in 2010)THIS CARThe known history of this factory-supercharged Cord 812 Phaeton begins when Dr. Fay Culbreth discovered it in the collection of noted early Mercedes- Benz collector Carter Schaub in the mid-1970s in South Carolina. Quickly negotiating its purchase, Dr. Culbreth enjoyed the car for the better part of a decade after completing an initial restoration in Cigarette Cream. In the mid-1980s, he sold the Cord to enthusiast George Deschamp, who later retained the renowned Auburn/Cord authority Stan Gilliland of Wellington, Kansas, to perform a comprehensive restoration on the Phaeton. On learning of Mr. Deschamps unexpected passing, Dr. Culbreth was able to regain ownership of the Cord in 2005 shortly before the concours restoration was completed.The bright Ivory exterior is a refreshing and seldom-seen color for the Phaeton body style and captures some of the subtleties of Gordon Buehrigs inspired design. Mr. Gillilands restoration features a red Rick Hulett leather interior with a black Haartz canvas soft top; its precise panel fit, gleaming brightwork, and well-detailed engine bay are great testaments to the quality of the work. Also included were a refurbishment of the engine and running gear, and the transmission received all the modern upgrades available in order to improve its shifting and reliability.Of the 610 Phaetons built, fewer than 200 were equipped from new with the desirable Schwitzer-Cummins centrifugal supercharger an optional feature that adds nearly 50 hp and raises the Cord from an icon of automotive design into a true high-performance touring car capable of cruising at modern highway speeds with relative comfort, safety, and reliability.Completed in 2006, this sensational Cord was eventually sold to Florida collector Lee Munder, whose collection has a particular emphasis on significant automobile designs and striking one-offs. Since being acquired by the consignor in 2010, this handsome 812 has been lovingly maintained in his considerable collection of rare automobiles and, as such, it is poised to compete at CCCA meets and concours across the country. More important, the Cord has been found to be a matching-numbers example, and its components, including the chassis, body, supercharger, and running gear, appear to be original Cord items appropriate for this car.The open Cord 810s and 812s are among the most popular and collectible of all American classics, as their unique design, innovative front-drive engineering, and incomparable styling appeal to a wide variety of collectors and tastes. In light of its known history, condition, colors, and authenticity, this 812 Phaeton is an outstanding representative of the Cord marque and the Art Deco era.
1937 Cord 812SC - $275,000 - Pebble Beach, CA - PROVENANCECarter Schaub, Apex, South CarolinaFay Culbreth, Charlotte, North Carolina (acquired from the above circa 1975)George Deschamp, Idaho (acquired from the above circa 1985)Fay Culbreth, Charlotte, North Carolina (re-acquired from the estate of the above in 2005)Mike Ames, Dallas, Texas (acquired from the above in 2006)Lee Munder, West Palm Beach, Florida (acquired from the above in 2006)Current Owner (acquired from the above in 2010)THIS CARThe known history of this factory-supercharged Cord 812 Phaeton begins when Dr. Fay Culbreth discovered it in the collection of noted early Mercedes- Benz collector Carter Schaub in the mid-1970s in South Carolina. Quickly negotiating its purchase, Dr. Culbreth enjoyed the car for the better part of a decade after completing an initial restoration in Cigarette Cream. In the mid-1980s, he sold the Cord to enthusiast George Deschamp, who later retained the renowned Auburn/Cord authority Stan Gilliland of Wellington, Kansas, to perform a comprehensive restoration on the Phaeton. On learning of Mr. Deschamps unexpected passing, Dr. Culbreth was able to regain ownership of the Cord in 2005 shortly before the concours restoration was completed.The bright Ivory exterior is a refreshing and seldom-seen color for the Phaeton body style and captures some of the subtleties of Gordon Buehrigs inspired design. Mr. Gillilands restoration features a red Rick Hulett leather interior with a black Haartz canvas soft top; its precise panel fit, gleaming brightwork, and well-detailed engine bay are great testaments to the quality of the work. Also included were a refurbishment of the engine and running gear, and the transmission received all the modern upgrades available in order to improve its shifting and reliability.Of the 610 Phaetons built, fewer than 200 were equipped from new with the desirable Schwitzer-Cummins centrifugal supercharger an optional feature that adds nearly 50 hp and raises the Cord from an icon of automotive design into a true high-performance touring car capable of cruising at modern highway speeds with relative comfort, safety, and reliability.Completed in 2006, this sensational Cord was eventually sold to Florida collector Lee Munder, whose collection has a particular emphasis on significant automobile designs and striking one-offs. Since being acquired by the consignor in 2010, this handsome 812 has been lovingly maintained in his considerable collection of rare automobiles and, as such, it is poised to compete at CCCA meets and concours across the country. More important, the Cord has been found to be a matching-numbers example, and its components, including the chassis, body, supercharger, and running gear, appear to be original Cord items appropriate for this car.The open Cord 810s and 812s are among the most popular and collectible of all American classics, as their unique design, innovative front-drive engineering, and incomparable styling appeal to a wide variety of collectors and tastes. In light of its known history, condition, colors, and authenticity, this 812 Phaeton is an outstanding representative of the Cord marque and the Art Deco era.