1937 Cord 812 - Auction - Snowmass Village, CO - MUSEUM OF MODERN ART WORTHY
This beautiful 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton was part of the William "Bill" Petit collection. It was mechanically and cosmetically restored when purchased in the early 1990s.
THIS CAR'S PAST
William Bill Pettit purchased this classic coffin-nose Cord in the early 1990s. It was a great addition to his collection, which also included Blue J the extremely original and stylish Model J Duesenberg.
HISTORY OF THIS CAR
The Cord 812 was a second-generation automobile produced by the Cord Automobile division of the Auburn Automobile Company in 1936 and 1937. It was the first American designed and built front-wheel-drive vehicle with independent front suspension. The styling of the Cord 812 was the work of designer Gordon M. Buehrig and his team of stylists, which included Vince Gardner and Alex Tremulis. Originally conceived as a Duesenberg and nearly devoid of chrome, the 812 had hidden door hinges and rear-hinged hood, rather than the side-opening type more usual at the time, both new items. It featured pontoon fenders with hidden headlamps that disappeared into the fenders via dashboard hand cranks. This car was the first ever to include this feature. The Cord 812 was very well received at its debut at the New York Auto Show in November 1935.
RESTORATION
Mr. Pettit had his long-time friend, Harry Van Iderstine, perform a thorough restoration on this Cord 812 Phaeton. The automobile was mechanically and cosmetically restored with appropriate and correct Cigarette Cream over dark red interior accented with white-wall tires.
MARKET TREND
Prices have leveled off since 2009 giving potential buyers the unique opportunity of being able to purchase a beautiful coffin-nose Cord 812 Phaeton.
SUMMARY
This Phaeton is a beautiful example of Gordon Buehrigs masterpiece. This automobile is CCCA and AACA eligible and would be a welcome entrant to ACD meetings.