This outstanding supercharged Cord is believed to have been originally delivered to a Hollywood executive in California, with whom it remained for a decade. It was acquired in 1948 by Aaron McBride of Grantsville, Utah, a former Auburn factory employee and Cord dealership mechanic in Salt Lake City, who had been part of the Bonneville team for the famed “Mormon Meteor.” It is anecdotally recalled that McBride had not been paid for his work at Bonneville, so he proceeded to take the Duesenberg’s wheels and tires back to Grantsville with him—where they remained until ransomed for a paycheck.

McBride maintained ownership until his death in 1993. It then remained in the family barn until 2014, when it was finally sold out of McBride hands after 66 years to the present owner, a longtime ACD admirer.

A complete three-and-a-half-year restoration was subsequently undertaken by Dave Eckert of Molalla, Oregon, with no expense or effort spared in making the car as correct and authentic as could be. Finished in the factory-correct color scheme of Cigarette Cream over red leather interior, its details are, for the Cord maven, delightful to inspect and behold. The shade of Cigarette Cream found on the car is subtle and correct, and the top is of the proper green-tinged tan Wexford material, with the correct rear window and fasteners. Three different lots of leather were examined to find the proper grain for the interior. Even the under-hood bracing is proper and correct. Most impressively, dual whitewall tires, correct for the Cord but long unavailable, were specially reproduced; this is one of only two or three Cords presently running on correct tires.

The phaeton was shown at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club’s National Reunion and received the Buehrig Trophy for Best 810/812 Cord twice, in 2017 and 2018, a remarkable achievement, reportedly with two of the highest scores ever awarded by that organization. It was also judged Best of Show at the Forest Grove Concours d’Elegance in Oregon in 2017. In addition to its show laurels, the car has been inspected by the ACD Club and received its Category 1 Certification, confirming that it retains the original numbered front stub frame, engine, and coachwork, as well as all other correct components.

Remaining in virtually pristine condition, this is undoubtedly among the finest and most correct supercharged Cords presently available on the market.