LOT 206 •
1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Beverly Chassis no. 31839S
Sold for US$87,750 inc. premium
Lot 206•
1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Beverly Chassis no. 31839S
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Beverly
Chassis no. 31839S
Chassis no. 31839S
This splendid Cord 812 combines all the desirable attributes of the rare Beverly model with the most coveted of all Cord options—an authentic 1937-only supercharged V8 engine.
The beautifully streamlined Cords of 1936-1937 had their origins in a “Baby Duesenberg” prototype created in 1933 by designer Gordon Buehrig. In late 1935, the production front-wheel-drive 1936 Cord 810 appeared. The 812 models carried the design forward into 1937, with Cord adding a supercharged engine option and new longer wheelbase Custom models. There would be no 1938s, as E. L. Cord's automotive operations ceased production in late 1937.
Among the Cord models carried over for 1937, the most changed was the Beverly Sedan. Its new "bustleback" deck lid provided more luggage space than the smooth-back Westchester sedan. Inside, the Beverly four-passenger sport sedan now featured fold-down armrests, centered in the front and rear seats. These replaced the fixed armrests characteristic of the 810 Beverly interior. Cord Beverly production over the two model years was 1,146.
Only 688 Cord 812 cars of all styles were factory-equipped with the supercharged "FC code" engine. This version of the Cord Lycoming V8 reportedly developed around 190 hp, thanks to its Switzer-Cummings supercharger and aggressive camshaft. The standard Cord electric pre-selector 4-speed transmission was retained with the blower engine.
Original list for a Supercharged Beverly Sedan was $2960, a $415 premium over the standard non-supercharged 1937 Beverly.
In June 1937, famed driver Ab Jenkins won the Stevens Challenge Trophy for Cord. Wheeling a Supercharged Beverly—the same model offered here—Jenkins averaged 79.58 mph while covering a record 1909.851 miles in 24 hours at the Indianapolis Speedway. The Cord record stood until 1954 and it took a Chrysler FirePower "hemi" V8 to finally topple it.
The offered Beverly was previously owned by the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum and was exhibited there for a decade. The restoration dates from the 1980s, and is starting to show its age in some areas cosmetically, but is still quite presentable. The interior, in two tone green cloth appears to be original and similarly has commensurate wear. Authenticity is attested to by this Supercharged Beverly's A-C-D Club Category 1 certification. Some records, tools and factory owner information are included in the sale.
Fewer than fifteen restored Cord Beverly models are said to exist. The opportunity to acquire this rarest-of-the rare 812 Supercharged Beverly is by all measures an occurrence worthy of exceptional consideration.
The beautifully streamlined Cords of 1936-1937 had their origins in a “Baby Duesenberg” prototype created in 1933 by designer Gordon Buehrig. In late 1935, the production front-wheel-drive 1936 Cord 810 appeared. The 812 models carried the design forward into 1937, with Cord adding a supercharged engine option and new longer wheelbase Custom models. There would be no 1938s, as E. L. Cord's automotive operations ceased production in late 1937.
Among the Cord models carried over for 1937, the most changed was the Beverly Sedan. Its new "bustleback" deck lid provided more luggage space than the smooth-back Westchester sedan. Inside, the Beverly four-passenger sport sedan now featured fold-down armrests, centered in the front and rear seats. These replaced the fixed armrests characteristic of the 810 Beverly interior. Cord Beverly production over the two model years was 1,146.
Only 688 Cord 812 cars of all styles were factory-equipped with the supercharged "FC code" engine. This version of the Cord Lycoming V8 reportedly developed around 190 hp, thanks to its Switzer-Cummings supercharger and aggressive camshaft. The standard Cord electric pre-selector 4-speed transmission was retained with the blower engine.
Original list for a Supercharged Beverly Sedan was $2960, a $415 premium over the standard non-supercharged 1937 Beverly.
In June 1937, famed driver Ab Jenkins won the Stevens Challenge Trophy for Cord. Wheeling a Supercharged Beverly—the same model offered here—Jenkins averaged 79.58 mph while covering a record 1909.851 miles in 24 hours at the Indianapolis Speedway. The Cord record stood until 1954 and it took a Chrysler FirePower "hemi" V8 to finally topple it.
The offered Beverly was previously owned by the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum and was exhibited there for a decade. The restoration dates from the 1980s, and is starting to show its age in some areas cosmetically, but is still quite presentable. The interior, in two tone green cloth appears to be original and similarly has commensurate wear. Authenticity is attested to by this Supercharged Beverly's A-C-D Club Category 1 certification. Some records, tools and factory owner information are included in the sale.
Fewer than fifteen restored Cord Beverly models are said to exist. The opportunity to acquire this rarest-of-the rare 812 Supercharged Beverly is by all measures an occurrence worthy of exceptional consideration.
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
Lot symbols
| • | Exempt from tax |
| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |