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In 1937 the 812 was offered with an optional supercharger and it became the ultimate Cord before the company closed indefinitely the same year. While the supercharged option didn't save Cord, the car was much better sorted then the first cars badged as 810 models.

Central to the Supercharged Cord was a Schwitzer-Cummins centrifugal supercharger that was attached to the L-head Lycoming V8 engine. With 6 psi boost, it produced roughly 185 to 195 bhp. This was good enough to propel Ab Jenkins at an average speed of 101.72 mph for 24 hours on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Like the 1936 models badged 810, the 812 had eccentric styling designer Gordon Buehrig which was matched by some unorthodox engineering choices. To allow for more cockpit room, a bespoke transmission was fitted aft of the engine which initially caused many problems with reliability.

Four different bodystyles were avalble directly from Cord including the Convertible Coupe also known as the Sportsman, Beverly Sedan, Custom Beverly, Custom Berline, Phaeton, and Westchester Sedan.

Chassis & Sales

1937 Cord 812SC Convertible Coupe - sold for $236,500 The outstanding Supercharged Sportsman offered here underwent a complete and comprehensive ground-up restoration in the mid 1980s. When restored the car was simply gorgeous and received its Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club Level 1 Certification as a correct and original Cord Automobile. The car received its ACD paperwork under the ownership of collector George B. Ehresman. In the late 1980s the car was sold to a Japanese collector who subsequent... more
Gallery: 2009 RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey

1937 Cord 812SC Custom Beverly Sedan - did not sell for $62,500 With an older body-up restoration, this supercharged Custom Beverly presents very nicely with good panel fit and lovely paint that is devoid of major defects. All of the brightwork is quite presentable, and the car is fitted with bumper-mounted Cord fog lights, which are in good condition. The interior presents nicely as well, and any cosmetic defects are only visible upon closer examination. An auxiliary oil pressure gauge has been install... more
Gallery: 2010 Vintage Cars of Meadow Book by RM Auctions

1937 Cord 812SC Convertible Coupe - sold for $236,500 This outstanding supercharged example underwent a comprehensive ground-up restoration in the mid-1980s and received Level 1 Certification under the ownership of noted ACD collector and expert John Ehresman. An exact copy of a period Cord rumble seat was fitted as well. During the late 1980s, the car was sold and exported to Japan, where it remained as part of an important collection until it returned to the USA in January 2005. In late 2009... more
Gallery: 2010 Vintage Cars of Meadow Book by RM Auctions

1937 Cord 812 S/C Phaeton FC299-8 - sold for $286,000 This stunning 812 S/C Phaeton was the 507th Phaeton model produced. With only 610 of these four-seat open Cords produced, this was quite late in the model’s production run. Its distinctive outboard taillights are physical evidence that distinguish this 812 as one of the latest examples. This Cord has been treated to a comprehensive rebuild of the engine and supercharger that cost an estimated $50,000. All of this work was performed by noted... more
Gallery: 2010 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction

1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton 31700H - did not sell for $135,000 Outside, the dark maroon paint presents nicely and immediately draws the eye to the distinctive Cord accessory chrome fog lights, brightwork and full-wheel discs. The classic chrome exhaust piping shared with the Cord’s big brother, the Duesenberg J, informs us that this Cord features the optional Schwitzer-Cummins supercharger, further adding to the rarity and desirability of this milestone automobile. Under the hood, the detailing is in keep... more
Gallery: 2011 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company

1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton - sold for $198,000 A Spectacular Survivor. Less than 30,000 Miles from New. * Documented Ownership History. Impressive Original Condition Throughout. Rarely Seen Factory Options. ACD Category 1 Certified Example. One of Only 196 Supercharged Phaetons.
Gallery: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

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