A rare supercharged 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton, fully restored and maintained with period-correct details and modern mechanical care, has resurfaced on the collector car market, offering a glimpse into one of the most innovative American automobiles of the prewar era.
This stunning example, finished in a vibrant yellow over burgundy leather, blends iconic Art Deco styling with mechanical advancements that were considered decades ahead of their time. The car, now offered on dealer consignment in Arizona, has undergone extensive restoration work since it was purchased by its current owner in 2011, including a mechanical overhaul by the Alan Taylor Company between 2016 and 2018.
Powered by a rebuilt 288-cubic-inch Lycoming V8 topped with a Schwitzer-Cummins centrifugal supercharger, the Cord 812 produces an impressive 170 horsepower—an exceptional figure in the late 1930s. The powertrain sends drive to the front wheels via a pre-selector vacuum-operated four-speed transaxle, which was also rebuilt during the restoration.
The Cord 812, originally launched as the 810 in 1936 before being rebranded for 1937, is widely recognized for its innovative design, penned by Gordon Buehrig. Distinctive features such as pop-up headlights, hidden door hinges, a coffin-nose grille, and side-mounted external exhaust pipes set the car apart in an era defined by coachbuilt elegance.
Inside, the phaeton features finely restored burgundy leather seats, custom Wilton wool carpets, dual gloveboxes, and a machine-turned dashboard fitted with period-correct gauges and an AM radio. The steel dash was refinished in burgundy, and subtle updates like Optima Red Top batteries and modern brake service bring reliability to its vintage performance.
One of only a few surviving supercharged phaetons, this Cord 812 remains a testament to the engineering audacity of the Auburn Automobile Company and continues to inspire admiration nearly nine decades after its debut.