This elegant Cord 812 was originally restored in the late 1960s by Ralph Hubler, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, a respected craftsman whose work was well known within the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club. The car is regarded as an original factory-supercharged phaeton and listed as such in both Josh B. Malks’s Cord Complete and a 1985 roster of surviving Cords, and its present engine block appears to have been re-stamped FC 3258, which is recorded by Malks as the original engine number for this chassis.

Following the completion of the Cord’s immaculate restoration, it was shown at the ACD Club’s National Reunion in Auburn, Indiana, in 1969, and proceeded to win both the Gordon Buehrig Trophy for Best 810/812 and Best of Show. It would repeat Best 810/812 two further times, in 1970 and 1972. By the latter showing, it had been sold by Mr. Hubler to Leo “Bud” Oser, a long-time ACD Club member and past president of the ACD Automobile Museum, in whose collection most of his automobiles are now displayed.

From Mr. Oser the Cord was passed to renowned collectors Richard and Linda Kughn and then, 13 years ago, to its present owner. In his ownership, the restoration was freshened by well-known firm Al Prueitt & Sons, of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, which applied a new finish in black. The paint has held up very well, and in a recent inspection, the body appeared smooth and solid, with good panel gaps, although the hood hinges would benefit from adjustment. Inside, the correct leather upholstery and carpeting that had been installed by Mr. Hubler show much patina and are accented by a correct Cord accessory heater that is mounted below the dashboard. Chrome throughout is good and of driver quality, and the inside of the trunk is properly finished. The odometer recorded 74,814 miles at the time of cataloguing.

This 812 Phaeton has benefitted from long-term ownership and conservation by very well-known Cord enthusiasts, and it would be ideal for sorting and showing on ACD Club events and tours, as well as in CCCA and AACA activities.