OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
Chassis No.
32408F
One of the greats when it came to creating elegant cars to grace the roadways was Gordon Buehrig, whose work made him one of the premier designers of cars during the height of the Classic Era. Buehrigs talents were recognized very early in life when, at the age of 25, he was chief body designer for Duesenberg. His work there was prominently displayed on what is arguably the most beautiful car ever built, the famous Model J. Throughout his entire his life he designed beauty in motion and his talent never disappointed. Although Buehrig is responsible for some excellent automotive artwork, many today will say the pinnacle of his talent is reflected in the famous Cord 812. Clean lines, precise curves, and proportions that are near perfect are just a few of the ways to describe the beauty of the 812. If all of the wonderful design elements werent enough to grab attention on the 812, a supercharged eight-cylinder engine complete with elegant and eye-catching side pipes certainly did the trick.
The advanced mechanical systems on the 812 were also far ahead of their time that they would not show up on other production cars for several decades. The front-wheel drive concept might have been pioneered on the famous Miller race cars, but Cords use of the concept in a production car took it to a whole new level. The front-wheel drive configuration allowed Cord to build the 812 so low to the ground that it didnt require running boards, a feature on most cars at that time. It also used independent front suspension when most cars still used a straight axle. Then there were those famous hidden headlights, a feature that gave the 812 a clean and smooth look in the front end. The clean and unbroken lines of the 812 are interrupted only by its menacing dual exhaust pipes that exit at the sides of the hood toward the rear of the car. With its beautifully proportioned nose and thin lateral lines around the front, the Cord 812 had a look that was all its own.
Buehrigs work is on full display in this 1937 Cord 812 SC Sportsman Cabriolet finished in a classy black over a black interior. Acquired by the current private estate collection in 2005, it was the recipient of a fresh comprehensive restoration that was carried out by RM Auto Restoration of Canada. Prior to being acquired, it is noted in a letter from Stan Gilliland that this Cord 812 was owned from the 1950s through the 1980s by the late Bob Harkey, a former professional Indy 500 driver.
Beneath the hood lies a Lycoming 288-cubic-inch L-head eight-cylinder engine that has been upgraded to supercharged specifications with the iconic pipes that flow from the engine. Mated to a four-speed pre-selector manual transmission, it delivers a unique and rewarding driving experience.
Inside, the spacious cabin features a lovely engine-turned dash, a Cord signature, that houses all the gauges as well as an under-the-dash radio. Combining Gordon Buehrigs timeless design with impressive supercharged performance, this desirable Cord 812 SC Sportsman Cabriolet represents one of the most iconic and innovative American automobiles of the Classic Era, and one that will be a welcomed example at ACD Club and CCCA events and tours.
* Highly desirable Sportsman body style
* Recipient of an older comprehensive restoration
* Upgraded supercharged specification
* Formerly owned by Indy 500 driver Bob Harkey from the 1950s though the 1980s
* Acquired by the current private estate collection in 2005
* Eligible for CCCA and ACD Club events and tours
From the Kruse Auctions
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