1937 Cord 812 Custom Beverly For Sale in St Louis, MO, 2146376955 Tweet

At first glance the Cord 810/812 may not seem like it is a car born of the Great Depression. But at that time high end manufacturers were struggling to sell their extravagant machines and many resorted to developing lower priced models to make up sales. Packard developed the Junior series Lincoln added the Zephyr and GM introduced LaSalle to fit between Buick and Cadillac. Even Duesenberg wasnt immune to the pressure and work was begun on a baby Duesenberg that could help pick up the slack in sales. Partially through its development the baby Duesenberg idea was dropped as it was thought it could cheapen the brand. But E.L. Cord the man in charge of Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg saw enormous potential in the design and pressed forward to produce it as an all-new Cord. The Cord L-29 had been out of production for some time and E.L. saw this as an opportunity to revive the brand that bore his name. Development went ahead and the 810/812 was realized by 1936. Despite its entry level roots technical boundaries were pushed to the limits. Drawing inspiration from the Citroen Traction Avant Cord designers gave the 810 a semi-monocoque chassis and it was the first American car with both front wheel drive and independent front suspension. Motivation was courtesy of a Lycoming V8 engine and a solenoid actuated pre-selector transmission. Of course the most distinguishing feature of the 810/812 was its Gordon Buehrig-designed bodywork. The front end featured curvaceous fenders with hidden headlights - a first for a production car. Rather than a traditional radiator shell the Cords radiator was hidden behind a sleek and unorthodox wraparound grille and a uniquely shaped hood which earned it the nickname Coffin Nose. Fully extended doors no running boards and a sleek minimally adorned body gave the 810 its distinct appearance. Nearly 80 years later the Cord 810/812 is still considered to be one of the greatest American car designs in history.As the 810 evolved into the 812 for 1937 some models gained a supercharger while others remained naturally aspirated. The 812 is easily distinguished by its outside exhaust flex-pipes a necessity of the supercharged cars that carried through the rest of the range. Several body styles were available from four-door sedans to the open-air phaeton. During the run of the Cord 812 in 1937 the original pair of Cord sedans were joined by two Custom models built on a wheelbase extended seven inches for a total span of 132 inches. All the additional length went into the rear compartment much improving passenger legroom. Body sheet metal was adjusted appropriately with the lines raised slightly to balance out the equal length including deeper body sills a shallower rear door fender cut and an eighth louver added to the nose. Cord sales had already begun to wane by the time of the 1937 models introduction and so the expensive Custom series sold in particularly small numbers.This stunning 1937 812 Custom Beverly is an exquisite example of this rare and desirable Cord. Its ownership history can be traced back to 1968 when it was acquired by longtime collector Edmund Burchman of Los Alamitos California. Mr. Burchman retained the car for over a quarter of a century. It was later acquired by Jerald Good an Indiana-based hotelier remembered for his operation of the Auburn Inn the elegant headquarters to enthusiasts during the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club National Reunion for many years. By this time the car is believed to have been repowered by the present engine a correct non-supercharged unit number FB 2033.In Mr. Goods ownership the Cord was fully restored by the noted LaVine Restorations of Nappanee Indiana one of the best-known specialists in the Cord 810 and 812 to their usual extremely high standards of fit and finish. It is clear that a great deal of money was lavished upon this car to achieve such incredible results.Finished in elegant Geneva Blue this 812 Custom Beverly presents beautifully with paint and bodywork reflecting the meticulous attention to detail typical of LaVines craftsmanship. The chrome brightwork including the correct wheel covers complements the blackwall tires giving the car a sophisticated almost sinister presence. According to marque expert Josh Malkss seminal book The Cord Complete the company produced approximately 2900 cars in total over the brief two-year production run. Of those Malks estimates just 229 came equipped as Custom Beverly sedans denoted by the C-105 body number.The additional wheelbase allows for a spacious and comfortable interior with luxurious accommodation for five passengers. Striking indigo blue wool broadcloth upholstery accented with subtle gray piping complements the paint color magnificently and covers the seats door panels and headlining. The chrome trim and interior handles are in good condition with some minor pitting consistent with the well-preserved nature of the restoration. Restored gauges set into the trademark engine-turned alloy instrument panel with the painted steel dash presenting in good order aside from some minor scuffs in the finish. Options include a period correct Philco radio and fold-down armrests in the front and rear.As with every Cord 810/812 power comes from the 288 cubic-inch Lycoming V8 engine designed specifically for this model. It pairs with a four-speed pre-select gearbox operated via the delicate H-pattern selector on the steering column. The engine bay and undercarriage are clean and well-detailed attesting to the quality of the restoration. Included with the sale are restoration receipts and photos and owners manual.This 1937 Cord 812 Custom Beverly represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most innovative and beautiful American cars of the pre-war era. With its extended wheelbase exceptional design and expert restoration it offers both luxury and style in equal measure. Ready for tours shows or prestigious events this Cord 812 is certain to make a lasting impression wherever it goes. Offers welcome and trades considered.For additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7796-1937-cord-812-custom-beverly-sedan/