Cord 810/812

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Cord

Cord 810/812

1937 - 1938
Country:
USA
Engine:
Side Valve V8
Capacity:
4730 cc
Power:
170 bhp
Transmission:
4 spd. man
Top Speed:
100 mph / 160 km/h
Number Built:
n/a
Collectability:
5 star
Cord 810
Cord 810/812
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 5

Introduction



Founded in 1929, this prestigious American manufacturer is best known for the 810/812 series released in 1937. Already known for making front wheel drive vehicles, this Cord was no different however instead of using a straight 8 it was powered by a side valve V8.

The car featured retracting headlights and wrap around grille that sat below a long sleek hood. For the day, a V8 engine producing 170bhp and boasting a top speed of 100mph was considered extremely powerful and quick. The last of the Cords was also the last of the American front wheel drivers for some 30 years, until the Oldsmobile Toronado was released.

Cord Model 810/812



The Cord Model 810/812 are probably the best-known of the company's automobiles. Styled by Gordon M. Buehrig, they featured front-wheel drive and independent front suspension; the front drive enabled the 810 to be so low, running boards were unnecessary. Powered by a 4,739 cc (289 cu in) Lycoming V8 of the same 125 horsepower (93 kilowatts) as the L-29, the 810 had a four-speed electrically-selected semi-automatic transmission, among other innovative features.

The car caused a sensation at the New York Auto Show in November 1935. Orders were taken at the show with Cord promising Christmas delivery, expecting production of 1,000 per month. Production delays pushed the expected delivery date to February 1936. This proved optimistic; the first production vehicles were not delivered until April. In all, Cord managed to sell only 1,174 of the new 810 in its first model year. The car is well known for the flat front nose with a louvered grille design. The front was so similar in look to a coffin, the car was often called "Coffin Nose".

Demise of the Cord



Early reliability problems, including slipping out of gear and vapor lock, cooled initial enthusiasm, and the dealer base shrank rapidly. Unsold left-over and in-process 1936 810s were re-numbered and sold as 1937 812s. In 1937, Auburn ceased production of the Cord. A single 1938 Cord prototype with some changes to the grille and transmission cover was built, and we believe this car still exists. The Cord empire, amid allegations of financial fraud, was sold to the Aviation Corporation, and E.L. Cord moved to Nevada where he earned millions in real estate and other enterprises.

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Also see:


Cord History (USA Edition)
Cord Specifications
Cord Brochures
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