1937 Cord 812

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys Hershey event, 9 - 10 October 2024.
Offered Without Reserve $100,000 - $175,000 USD

• An original factory-supercharged Cord in one of the most desirable styles
• Nicely restored and equipped with its original engine
• Offered for the first time in nearly a decade

As the Cord 810 evolved into the 812 with production fully underway, Auburn Automobile Companys most flamboyant line received supercharged power as a popular $415 option on all models. A supercharged 812 had a factory-quoted power output of 170 horsepower, although Lycoming employees later recounted numbers as high as 195. The factory sent two properly equipped Beverly sedans to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where, driven by Ab Jenkins and Billy Winn, they recorded the highest average speed over a 24-hour period ever achieved at the Brickyard more than 80 mph and captured the famous Stevens Trophy. That record would stand until 1954.

The Phaeton offered here is identified as a factory-supercharged example by virtue of its five-digit serial number, beginning with the number three. It resided for many years in Washington State, including several decades with the late enthusiast John Brewin, in whose ownership it was long recorded by Cord historians. Following Mr. Brewins passing, the car was stored for several years before being sold to collector Ralph McCarty, who kept it for two decades. He eventually undertook its restoration, with extensive work performed by local Washington craftsmen, including having the body restored to factory standards and the engine and transmission rebuilt. The engine itself, FC 2633, is the original supercharged unit for this car, as noted in both of Josh Malkss respected Cord books and was found and reunited with the car by Mr. McCarty. The supercharger itself was rebuilt with improved modern internal parts and oil plumbing, and a pressure gauge installed on the gearbox, both as recommended in Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Newsletters.

Beautiful in the factory-correct color of Rich Maroon, the Cord was acquired from Mr. McCarty by the late Terence E. Adderley in 2015 and has remained well-preserved with other ACD automobiles in the Adderley Collection. Now offered for the first time in nearly a decade, it is likely one of the nicest factory-supercharged 812 Phaetons offered on the market, ready for its new owner to display with pride.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf24/.