The 810 was E.L. Cord’s second attempt at a front-wheel drive automobile. Its engine was a V-8, also by Lycoming, but a four-speed, electrically-shifted, pre-selector transmission was used. The body, designed by Gordon Buehrig, was a thing of beauty. Its blunt, louvered hood gave rise to the nickname “coffin nose,” always a term of endearment, and such features as a “step-down” floor, unitary construction, hidden door hinges, and a total lack of running boards were all previously unheard-of.

The car’s reception at the November 1935 New York Auto Show was enthusiastic, with onlookers reportedly standing on the roofs of other cars just to catch a glimpse, and the orders poured in. Alas, production start-up for the advanced and complex design was slow, and by the time supply caught up with demand, some customers had changed their minds. Cord production wound down in 1937.

The car offered here is historically important in many ways. According to ACD historian, Randy Ema, this particular car was originally delivered to none other than Edna Irene Cord, E.L. Cord’s only sister. A very early 1937 model 812, it has its original, matching numbers engine, as is noted on both the engine block and the original serial number tag, and also still carries its original body tag. The interior is the optional Westchester-pattern leather interior, as was available on extra cost. The bolt-on trunklid, similar to that of the 1937 Custom Beverly model, is also a dealer-installed original accessory.

The Cord remained in California for many years, and was actually driven here to Auburn, Indiana, to attend the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival in the 1950s. In 1966 it was acquired by J. Ottaway, of Kansas, in whose ownership it still remained as of 1984. The car was acquired by Mr. Heiss many years ago, and has remained in his ownership since, with a few ACD Club East Coast Meets and Auburn Reunions under its belt.

An ideal, solid and presentable car for road preparation and driving enjoyment on CCCA CARavans and ACD Club tours, or the best possible basis for a restoration, this wonderful Westchester, with its unusual interior, has the benefit not only of long-term enthusiast ownership, but of having originally been owned and enjoyed by a member of the Cord Family!