Description
Highlights
• Rare Supercharged Cord 812 Westchester Sedan
• Fewer than 3, 000 Cord 810/ 812 models built - under 700 were supercharged
• Extensive, documented restoration
• Running and driving in excellent condition
Overview
The Cord 812 represents one of the most innovative American cars of the 1930s. Designed under Gordon M. Buehrig for Auburn’s luxury Cord division, it combined striking design with advanced engineering. The 812 model is distinguished by its factory Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger, increasing output from 125hp to 170hp.
Notable firsts include front-wheel drive, independent front suspension, and hidden headlights. Power comes from a 4. 7-litre Lycoming V8 paired with a pre-select four-speed transmission.
History
Originally a New York car, this example was imported to the UK in 1990. It is the rare Supercharged four-door Westchester Sedan variant. Following years of limited use, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration from 2011 to 2014 and further technical and cosmetical revision from 2021 to 2025. Ownership has remained careful and custodial, with minimal use since completion.
Restoration & Documentation
Between 2011–2012, the car received a full nut-and-bolt restoration by Moorland Classics, with further follow-up work in 2014. The body was fully stripped, repaired where required, rust-proofed, and repainted in gloss black. Structural repairs included doors, sills, rear valance, and underside panels.
The engine was removed and fully rebuilt, along with attention to the transmission, suspension, and brakes.
Since acquiring the Cord in 2021, the current owner has commissioned significant further mechanical and cosmetic refinement to bring the car to the excellent condition it presents today.
Recent works include a complete transmission rebuild, repair of the transmission’s electrical and solenoid systems, a full brake overhaul, and rebuilding of the front axle, suspension, and steering components. The distributor was overhauled, ensuring reliable running.
Cosmetic improvements include new interior floor and boot carpets, refurbishment of the steering wheel, restoration of the dashboard gauge dials, a partial exterior repaint, and resealing and polishing of the windscreen. Numerous additional detail items were also addressed to ensure the car remains mechanically sound and visually correct.
All work is supported by invoices, correspondence, and photographic documentation.
The Exterior
Finished in gloss black, the Cord presents extremely well. The paint remains deep and reflective. Chrome work, including the distinctive “coffin nose” grille and side-exit exhausts unique to the 812, is bright and well preserved.
The Cord’s advanced design is evident in its concealed hinges, hidden fuel filler, and retractable headlights. Wheels, hubcaps, and whitewall tyres complete the striking appearance of this rare and elegant car.
The Interior
The interior is an impressive blend of luxury and originality, featuring chrome detailing, turned metal surfaces, and distinctive purple cloth upholstery. The seats and door cards were retrimmed in the past and remain in very good condition.
The dashboard is dominated by an array of gauges, all functioning correctly. The fold-out headlamp cranks, positioned at either end of the dash, operate the concealed headlights. Carpets, headlining, seals, and interior fittings are all in very good order, and the cabin presents as both comfortable and distinctive.
The Mechanics
The rebuilt 4, 739cc Lycoming V8 starts easily and runs smoothly, accompanied by the characteristic sound of the mechanically driven supercharger. Power delivery is strong and refined, with no undue noises or smoke.
The pre-select four-speed transmission operates correctly, once familiar with its unique controls. While the odometer shows approximately 2, 720 miles, it is understood that the mileage covered since restoration has been limited. Given the extensive mechanical work carried out, the car drives tightly and confidently for a vehicle of its size and age.
Summary
A rare and technically significant Cord 812, restored to a high standard and maintained carefully since. Fully documented, running, and usable, this example presents an opportunity to acquire one of the most distinctive American cars of the pre-war era.
