A Two-Seater American Icon That Redefined Automotive Design and Innovation
When the Cord 812 debuted in 1935, it didn’t just turn heads — it sparked a sensation. Designed by the legendary Gordon Buehrig, this two-seat convertible coupe embodied the sleek elegance of Art Deco design, merging visual drama with groundbreaking mechanical engineering.
The 812 was available in four distinct body styles, yet the two-seat convertible coupe stood out as the most coveted of them all. Its imposing front end conveyed gravitas and strength, while the streamlined rear exuded a sense of lightness and motion.
Under the long, louvered hood of the supercharged variants, four flexible chrome exhaust pipes emerged with visual flair — instantly distinguishing these high-performance models. Unlike conventional designs, the Cord’s nose lacked a typical grille; instead, it featured horizontal vented air intakes, emphasizing aerodynamic smoothness. And then came a world-first: pop-up headlights, ingeniously concealed within the fenders, contributing to the car’s futuristic, wind-cutting silhouette.
Ahead of Its Time in Every Detail
The Cord 812 wasn’t just a showstopper — it was a tech showcase. It featured:
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Hidden door hinges
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Variable-speed windshield wipers
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A fully equipped dashboard with advanced gauges
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A factory-installed radio
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And finely crafted leather upholstery
Its convertible soft top folded neatly into a concealed rear compartment, ensuring uninterrupted lines even with the roof down.
Performance Meets Innovation
At its heart, the standard Cord 812 came with a 4.7L V8 engine delivering 170 horsepower. But the example you see here is one of only 64 units fitted with a Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger, boosting output to a stunning 289 horsepower.
It also marked a pivotal shift in American automotive engineering:
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The first American car with front-wheel drive
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The first with independent front suspension — offering superior ride comfort and handling compared to the rigid axles of its era
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A four-speed semi-automatic transmission with overdrive, ideal for high-speed cruising
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Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels
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16-inch wheels wrapped in classic whitewall tires
Just one year earlier, only the French Citroën Traction Avant had introduced similar technological advancements.
A Revolution Wrapped in Art
The 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Convertible Coupe is more than a collector’s dream — it’s a symbol of visionary design and unmatched innovation. With only a handful ever produced, and even fewer in this configuration and condition, it remains one of the most desirable American classics of the pre-war era.
Price: $240,000
Verdict: A technological revolution wrapped in an Art Deco sculpture on wheels.
