When you go to a automobile present, you generally see so many of the identical mannequin that they’re all grouped collectively. Let’s simply say they’re victims of their very own success. Unless you are taking it to an Auburn Cord Duesenberg proprietor’s assembly, our Pick of the Day will completely stand out at a car show: a 1936 Cord 810 Westchester sedan posted on ClassicCars.com by a non-public vendor in Texas.
That’s partly attributable to its rarity—on a number of ranges. “The New Cord” got here out as a 1936 mannequin, a couple of years after the L-29 was discontinued. Unfortunately, it solely lasted by way of 1937, altering identify from 810 in ’36 to 812 the following yr. Production complete estimates range, however they present Cord produced fewer than 3,000 autos between these two years. After 1937, Cord, the firm itself, was executed.
Then there’s the most evident motive this Cord 810 would flip heads at a automobile present: the styling. Just have a look at it. What makes it much more engaging—if solely on an mental degree—is how uncommon it’s for a automobile of its time. Instead of an upright radiator shell in the center of massive, uncovered headlights and huge operating boards, the 810 has a “coffin nose” with what Cord referred to as “Venetian type louvers,” hid headlights that may be revealed with hand cranks, and open house under the rocker panels. The entrance finish does have fairly an underbite, however there’s a great motive for that: as soon as once more, Cord did issues otherwise, choosing front-wheel and putting in the {hardware} for it behind the entrance bumper.
Cord’s company cousin Lycoming produced the 810’s 289ci V8, which was factory-rated at 125 horsepower at 3,500 rpm. Instead of a three-speed stick, the 810 delivered its output to the street by way of a four-speed pre-selector transmission, which allowed the driver to choose the subsequent gear she or he would use with a Bendix Finger-Tip Gear Control, then press the clutch pedal to interact it when obligatory.
The Cord firm could also be lengthy gone, however the 810 Westchester sedan you see right here has obtained a second lease on life due to a beauty restoration and mechanical overhaul. As half of the course of, the physique was refinished in Cadet Grey, and the inside was reupholstered in darkish blue wool. Most importantly, the engine and transmission had been rebuilt by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company, which is aware of a factor or two about engaged on Cords.
And now you know some of the issues that make this 1936 Cord 810 Westchester sedan cool and weird. All you must determine is the place you’ll get the $95,000 (OBO) to purchase it—and the first automobile present you’ll drive to in it.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
