Serial No. 812 31655 F

Frame No. 737

Engine No. FC 2260

Body No. C 92 266

Two convertible versions of the Cord 810 and 812 were offered, the four-passenger Phaeton and the more sporty two-passenger Cabriolet, popularly nicknamed the "Sportsman." The most desirable Cabriolets are the 64 that were originally equipped with the factory-supercharged engine that became available for 1937, offering 190 horsepower. These models were distinguished by bold chromed exhaust emerging from the sides of the hood, a trademark of the Auburn Automobile Company's supercharged models, inspired by those on the supercharged Duesenberg.

The Gateway Automobile Museum's 812 Supercharged "Sportsman" Cabriolet was restored for the collection in Pennsylvania. The basis for the work appears to have been an original example with serial number 812 31655 F and engine number FC 2260. This car was originally delivered in Salt Lake City, Utah, where early in life it experienced numerous nagging mechanical issues that Auburn-Cord dealership mechanics in the area proved unable to fix. August Duesenberg, then living in the area while working with competitors at the Bonneville Salt Flats, was dispatched to the local dealer's garage to attempt to solve the issue. Considerable mechanical work, disassembly, reassembly, and testing followed, to no real avail. When not even the vaunted Augie Duesenberg could find the problem, the Cord appears to have remained with the dealer and then gone to Los Angeles, where it remained for some thirty years.

In the late 1960s, the supercharged Cabriolet's owner, unable to find space sufficient to store it properly, took it apart, to the degree that for many years it was listed in ACD Club rosters as having been dismantled. Many years later, however, the body was reassembled and sold with engine number FC 2260 as well as a large quantity of original parts. Accordingly, the restoration then took place using the body and engine with a front "stub frame" numbered 737, apparently donated by an 812 Supercharged Custom Beverly, and new serial number and body number tags. As in the world of Bugattis, where cars were often taken apart and then put back together years later with as many original pieces as possible, such a restoration is not altogether uncommon with Cords.

The car was finished in the original Cord factory color scheme of Ivory with a red leather interior with matching Wilton wool carpets and a black canvas top bound in black leather. Since restoration, the car has remained largely on exhibition in the museum as one of its most popular attractions, and at the time of restoration showed essentially as-completed with only 72 miles recorded. While it would benefit from a light further detailing throughout, it thus offers the ability for its new owner to take it to shows or to enjoy it on any number of tours, including CCCA CARavans and ACD Club events, to which it will be both warmly welcomed and exceptionally well-suited.

Simply put, this car is an example of a classic American design at its most powerful and desirable, a true head-turner on the road or show field – as amazing to admire today as it was in 1937. There is nothing quite like a supercharged Cord!

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.