The many early and “first” design achievements of the Cord 810 and 812 are legion and famed: hidden door hinges, a one-piece alligator-hinged hood, “step-down” floor, and partially unibody construction. It is easy to forget the significance of the open models, the two-passenger Cabriolet and four-passenger Phaeton, in their own right. Both were among the very first production convertibles with a disappearing top, and the Phaeton was one of the first production four-passenger open cars with rear quarter windows, eliminating the vision-clouding blind spot of “convertible victorias” of old.

These sporty styles grew even more so when equipped with the 812’s optional supercharger, which came in partnership with a modified firing order, lowered compression ratio, a more extreme camshaft grind, and a unique larger Stromberg AA-25 carburetor. It exhaled through functional side exhaust, long a signature of the Cord Corporation’s supercharged automobiles. Today the supercharged Cords are among the most desirable of all Full Classics, regularly enjoyed on CCCA CARavans and in ACD Club events, and are considered some of the best-driving and most modern automobiles of their era, as well.

The 812 Supercharged Phaeton offered here was discovered in 1947 by Leo Giessen in his hometown of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as an original example, serial number 31918 H. Mr. Giessen subsequently purchased another Cord phaeton for its body shell to complete the project. Subsequently the car was purchased in 1979 by Murray Sommers of Stuart, Florida, then sold in 1983 to longtime, avid ACD Club member, Art Palangio of North Bay, Ontario. One of the most prominent Canadian Cord enthusiasts and a friend to many in the ACD Club, Mr. Palangio maintained the car for many years. In his ownership it underwent ACD Club Certification in 2000, and was certified as a Category 1 Original Car.

According to a prior owner it underwent further restoration work, also in 2000, with the engine and front axle rebuilt, the body refinished, and new red leather upholstery and black canvas top fitted. The current owner has continued to maintain the car well both cosmetically and mechanically, including most recently $10,000 in service by renowned Cord specialist Jim O’Brien, and it presents very nicely throughout.

Every collection of Classics requires a supercharged Cord, and this would be a tempting example, with well-known history and a beautiful presentation. It could be shown regionally or driven and enjoyed with equal pride, and would undoubtedly be welcomed back to ACD Club events in either the United States or Canada.