The groundbreaking Cord 810 was offered in two sedan models, the Westchester and the upmarket Beverly, differentiated by their interiors; the Westchester had flat broadcloth seats, while the Beverly used pleated cloth. Very early production Beverlys also featured a unique ‘armchair’ interior arrangement, with fixed armrests for the front and rear seat. While several later Beverlys has been restored with this desirable and sporting interior, very few survive that have had this arrangement since new.

Offered here is a rare original ‘armchair’ Beverly that has had its ownership history traced back to 1959, when it was acquired from a dealer in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, by Paul Von Till of Plainfield, New Jersey. Von Till sold the car in 1960 to Robert Dee of Philadelphia, who maintained it until 1984, when it was sold to David Schultz of Massillon, Ohio. By this time the car had been fitted with its current, correct 810 engine, no. FB 1748, and had been restored by noted marque specialist Stan Gilliland of Auburn/Cord Parts in Wellington, Kansas, in the rare factory color of Clay Rust.

Mr. Schultz, a longtime member of the Classic Car Club of America, well-known automotive historian, and frequent concours judge, maintained the car for several years, driving it occasionally from Ohio to Auburn, Indiana, for the ACD Club National Reunion. It was at the Reunion in 1984 that the car was given Certification no. C-111 verifying it as a Category 1 Original Car by the Club, with notation in the file that it was indeed an original ‘armchair’ Beverly.

The car was sold by Mr. Schultz in 1988 to Steve Lang of Clayton, Missouri, from whom Fred F. Guyton acquired it in 1996. Maintained in the Guyton collection since, this Beverly is believed to have not been shown in public during Mr. Guyton’s ownership. Thus this is a chance for a new owner to freshen the car and enjoy both driving and displaying this rare Classic well into the future, armchairs and all!