The Cord 810 is undoubtedly one of the most influential automobiles of its era—and indeed, of all time. Its front-wheel-drive powertrain, with a Lycoming V-8 mated to a four-speed, electrically shifted pre-selector transmission, placed it decades ahead of the mainstream mechanically; its breathtaking design, attributed to Gordon Buehrig, emphasized the forward-looking nature of the car’s underlying technology with its blunt, louvered nose, “step-down” floor, unitary construction, hidden door hinges, and a total lack of running boards.

Despite an overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception at the November 1935 New York Auto Show, production start-up for the advanced and complex design was slow. By the time supply caught up with demand, some customers had changed their minds. Cord production wound down in 1937.

The 810 Phaeton offered here was originally delivered in Pennsylvania, where it was first registered on 11 June 1936. An interesting notation in its Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club paperwork is that it was once owned by Richard Nicholas, whose home was the famous Stonebridge estate in Chadd’s Ford. The car remained in the Quaker State for its first 35 years, including ownership by the well-known enthusiast and CCCA member Calvin High. Mr. High sold the car in 1971 to Frank Martucci, the mayor of Roslyn Heights, New York, a skilled acrobatic pilot and Cord collector who retained it until the early 2000s.

In Mr. Martucci’s long-term ownership, the already freshly restored car was again restored to meet his standards in the present, period-correct Cigarette Cream with maroon interior, while adding 1937-style side exhausts. He submitted it to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club, where it was fully certified as a Category 1 Original Car—only the ninth Cord to be so recognized. Among its honors in his ownership was an AACA Senior First Prize, reportedly with 397 out of a possible 400 points, and Senior awards in ACD Club national judging.

Under the care of its next owner, who purchased the car in 2016, this 810 Phaeton was shown at numerous events and was mechanically maintained. It also received a new convertible top in brown finished with maroon trim, nicely complimenting the interior color. After being acquired by its previous caretaker, the reportedly enjoyed from continued care, including an oil change and lubrication, the installation of new spark plugs, and a points tune-up.

Today, it remains a beautiful machine, ideal for both CCCA CARavans and ACD Club tours, as well as regional concours d’elegance—allowing its new owner to experience one of the most striking and well-engineered automobiles of its time.