1937 Cord 812 SC ‘Sportsman’ Cabriolet

The Cord was a trailblazer in automotive design, but this was also in lockstep with function. The Cord's low profile, which lent an air of windswept speed poised to take flight, was made possible by its innovative front-wheel drive suspension that eschewed the need for a transmission tunnel. This configuration also allowed for a flat floorboard and an all-the-more luxurious feel in the cockpit. The Cord 812 brought with it a supercharged option, which ushered in the now iconic side-mounted, chrome-plated external exhaust pipes. Beneath the hood lurked Lycoming's 288-cubic-inch, supercharged L-head, eight-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed pre-selector transmission with a conservative rating of 170 horsepower. The innovative front suspension boasted trailing arms and transverse leaf springs with a live rear axle and semi-elliptic leaf springs. The ride came to a halt with four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

This particular 812 Sportsman's known ownership history begins with the noted Auburn Cord marque specialist Stan Gilliland. Mr. Gilliland has been recognized as a foremost authority on 810/812 Cords and worked on countless examples. After enjoying the car for many years, and performing restoration work on it, he would pass the car to noted enthusiast Jack Glenn of Atlanta in 2005. Mr. Glenn maintained this car to a high standard and, after a number of attempts by the current custodian, finally agreed to sell the car where it has remained in its current and esteemed private collection since 2011. With a few loving stewards and a full restoration to former glory in the early 2000s by Stan Gilliland, this highly desirable 812 'Sportsman' has enjoyed a pampered life and has been kept in concours condition. To further its silhouette, a unique and extremely attractive removable hardtop was commissioned to accompany the car in addition to its innovative concealed soft top.

During its comprehensive restoration, this stunning work of art was finished in timeless black livery over oxblood leather seats and door panels, complemented by matching, correct Wilton-type wool carpeting. The striking engine-turned dash, which was an industry first in this model, is offset by clear and crisp glass and gauges. A testament to the prestige of the Cord 812 SC 'Sportsman' Cabriolet as well as the condition and show worthiness of this individual automobile, chassis 32045F was specifically chosen to be featured in the Dallas Museum of Modern Art's exhibit "Cult of The Machine: Precisionism in American Art" for a two-year showcase in 2018 and 2019. This marvelous car has been the recipient of routine servicing, making it the ideal choice for touring and CCCA CARavan events. The whole package, and offered from an important private collection, this 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged 'Sportsman' Cabriolet is poised for pure joy and pleasure in a world-class collection or to dazzle at any future concours event.