Summary

288cid/125hp V8 with a 4-speed transmission. Frame-off restoration in 1997. One of two Phaetons built with the bustle trunk.

Details

The Cord was originally designed as a 'Baby Duesenberg'. It became a Cord when the engineers decided to use front wheel drive to give the car a lower silouette. In 1937, the Cord 812 Series offered 2 models on the 125 inch wheel base and 4 models on the 132 inch wheel base. Crafted in just 15 weeks, Gordon Buehrigs most famous design was often referred to as 'rolling sculpture' and some historians say it's the most distinctive looking American car ever made. Since Cords were virtually custom built by a small company many unique body styles were turned out for individual customers to pull in much needed sales. Only 2 model 812 convertible Phaetons with a bustle trunk like this car were built. One of these cars is pictured in josh B. Malks book 'Cord 810/812: The Timeless Classic.' According to Malk the accessory trunk provided much needed space for luggage. This 34,000 original mile standard wheelbase car has received a Verification of Originality from the Auburn Cord Duesenberg (ACD) Club and is classified as ACD category No. 1 certified original car. The 120mph speedometer and 1936 steering wheel were all original for this vehicle. The offered description dated September 22, 1997 indicates that this is an 'exceptional rare trunk body style' with matching numbers.