Serial No. 1975 H

Frame No. 975

Engine No. FB 2582

Body No. C 91 121

Gordon Buehrig's innovative design for the Cord 810 and 812 has been widely praised since its introduction, but what is rarely considered is how unusual the four-passenger Phaeton body style was for its time. This was one of the first production convertibles to have rear quarter windows, eliminating the aptly named "blind quarter" of earlier versions of this style. Use of the rear quarter windows not only provided better vision but allowed for one of the convertible Cord's trademarks, a relatively low-profile top that disappeared entirely under a flush metal lid when lowered.

The 810 Phaeton offered here is body number C 91 121, which, as noted in the car's ACD Club Certification paperwork, was only the twenty-first Phaeton produced – making it an exceptionally early survivor of the open Cord, with correct early-production features including "onboard" tail lights in the rear deck lid and early-style glove box doors.

First recorded in the Club's records as in the ownership of Carl Elmendorf of Rochester, New York, in 1962, the car was at some point prior to this listing equipped with a later replacement engine, number FB 2582. The 810 was subsequently acquired by George Gallo of nearby Elmira. Mr. Gallo undertook a meticulous restoration in the authentic Cord color scheme of Palm Beach Tan with a maroon leather interior and a black top bound in maroon, accessorized with amber fog lights and radio. At the conclusion of the restoration, the car was shown in ACD Club competition at the Annual Reunion in Auburn Indiana, earning Mr. Gallo the Bill Bocock Award for the best owner restoration in 1995, followed by the prestigious Gordon Buehrig Award for Best 810/812 in 1996. It also competed in AACA events, achieving its Grand National First Prize in 2004.

Mr. Gallo later sold his Cord to Jack Buchanan of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who fitted seatbelts for road touring and enjoyed driving it before selling it to the Gateway Automobile Museum in 2012. It has remained on display in the collection for over a decade. Showing 1,999 miles at the time of cataloging, it exhibits some signs of light age and use since the restoration. However, the quality of the original workmanship is still highly evident, with the finishes of the chassis and undercarriage being extremely tidy, and attention to detail visible throughout. Accompanying the car are its Certification documents, several pieces of reprinted literature, and a booklet of detailed restoration and show photos supplied by Mr. Gallo at the time of his sale of the Cord.

This is a lovely example of the early 810 Cord, restored by a passionate owner and since lovingly maintained, and exhibiting one of Gordon Buehrig's fine designs to fine effect.

Collection Guarantee Disclosure

Please note that as part of a larger collection to be offered at live and online auctions, the Consignor of the Gateway Collection has been guaranteed a minimum price for certain cars, including this Lot, by Broad Arrow. Depending on the final Hammer Price obtained for those Lots, Broad Arrow may benefit financially.