Test Drive - 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton!

This is a beautifully restored 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton that has earned its ACD Category 1 Certification three times, meaning that all the major components are original and correct. This is a top-quality no expense spared restoration that can be shown at any concours event worldwide. This Cord is documented with 75 years of titles, bills of sale, registrations, letters and more, making this a wonderfully documented example. With only 217 miles completed since restoration, this Cord is a very high point concours quality example.
By 1948, this Cord was owned by Bill B Hopson or San Antonio, TX. On the 2nd of March 1949, it was acquired by Captain Harry Himebaugh in San Antonio and Enid, OK. Later that year the Cord was acquired by Arnold Becker of Monroe, LA who then stored it for three decades. By 1980, Terry Reed retrieved it from storage and sold it to Steve Hamilton of Jackson, TN. Mr. Hamilton commenced the first phase of its restoration and while it was only partly restored had it ACD certified on September 30, 1992 (C-214). The meticulous restoration was performed by Cole’s Classic and Antique Autos of Nederland, CO with mechanical restoration performed by Allison Restoration Shop of Auburn, IN. The Cord was certified two other times, on December 31, 2003, for Mr. Tim Whited from Nederland, CO and on May 13, 2017, for Mollianne Cameron of Westfield, IN.
Serial No. 32194H
Engine No. FC3303
Transmission No. T-3332
Supercharger No. V553
The restoration was completed just before setting what was at the time a world record value of $324,000 at the January 2004 Barrett-Jackson auction. The Cord is now offered on consignment on behalf of the estate of the owner. (See the Classic Promenade website to see the 125 photos and three videos)
The Rich Maroon livery is stunning with its perfect chrome and stainless-steel trim. Being a concours quality restoration, nearly everything is in excellent condition throughout. The paint has a couple of very small touched up areas from erecting the gorgeous tan canvas convertible top. The white walled tires are also as new and the original correct stainless steel exhaust pipes emanating from the engine compartment are spectacular.
The interior is also as new and in excellent concours condition. The rich tan leather interior is soft and supple with no signs of wear. The tan wool carpeting is also as new and looks and feels great. The dashboard is beautiful, and the instruments look and function well. We love the design and layout of the instruments and the engine turned dash panel. How many cars of the 1930’s featured a 150-mph speedometer!
The engine compartment and chassis are also in show quality condition. The venerable 289 CID Lycoming engine is strong and powerful and is enhanced by its original Schwitzer-Cummins centrifugal supercharger with 4.5 pounds of boost. The combination produces a massive 170 hp. The transmission is the semi-automatic pre-select four speed transmission. The Cord runs and drives perfectly for shows and concours, but before touring would need to be fully lubricated and commissioned for touring (this is normal for classics that have been used for display and shows since restoration). On our five miles of test drives we had a wonderful time putting the Cord through its paces.
The Cord comes complete with documentation from the 1940’s through today. This is an investment grade example that will always be treasured.
We have this Cord priced very well. The Hagerty No. 1 Value is $251,000 and the No. 2 Value is $193,000. This is without question closer to a No. 1 car.
For more information and details, please call or text Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at [e-mail]. The Cord is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.

[@broadstreet21]

I notice old supercharged cars hiss on acceleration. Definitely the supercharger in action, something I don't hear on new cars.

[@Steven5teven]

A Beautiful Grand Old La.dy

[@ClassicPromenade]

She is!! Just gorgeous. Thanks for watching.