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. The breathtaking design, attributed to Gordon Buehrig, emphasized the forward-looking nature of the car’s underlying technology with a blunt, louvered nose, “step-down” floor, unitary construction, hidden door hinges, and a total lack of running boards.

The 810 Phaeton offered here has had its ownership history traced back to the 1940s, when it was owned by one Jack Smith. Recorded by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club as owned in 1962 by James Gallup of Ohio, it next passed to a Garth Stemple, in 1975 to a Tob Wood, in 1976 to one Robert Groff, and finally in 1988 to Edwin “Ned” Wright. Mr. Wright undertook a complete restoration of the car in the mid-1990s, reportedly while fitting Allison Engineering cylinder heads and having the transmission rebuilt by noted Cord gearbox guru Lee Foldenauer. In his ownership, the car was an Antique Automobile Club of America National Senior First Prize and Classic Car Club of America Senior Premier winner. Subsequently it was recorded by the ACD Club as being in the ownership of Paul Lee of Florida.

The Cord was sold from Mr. Lee’s Collection in 2008, and not long after was acquired by Charles J. Noto, who had it Certified by the ACD Club as a Category 1 Original Car. The car retains its original engine and the front “stub frame” is numbered correctly to match the serial number, though the frame number is not a factory stamping. Several years ago Mr. Noto completed a fresh restoration in the superb color scheme of Palm Beach Tan over dark red interior with a black top—one of the most classic combinations on these iconoclastic automobiles, as its subtle hues show off the styling to fine effect. Inspection indicates that it remains in excellent condition throughout, with its restoration holding up extremely well.

A superior example of Gordon Buehrig’s design masterpiece, this car clearly demonstrates why the Cord has become an engineering and styling landmark.