1937 Cord 812 Convertible

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Artifact Overview

The 1937 Cord's swooping fenders, sweeping horizontal radiator grille, and hidden headlights were unlike anything else on American highways. And although it wasn't the first, Cord was the only front-wheel-drive production car available in America for the next three decades.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1937

Creator Notes

Manufactured by Auburn Automobile Company in Auburn, Indiana; designed by Gordon M. Buehrig.

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

57.25.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Lawrence Lowell Reeve.

Material

Steel (Alloy)
Metal
Glass (Material)
Canvas
Leather
Rubber (Material)

Color

Black (Color)
Red

Dimensions

Height: 58 in
Width: 73 in
Length: 195 in
Wheelbase: 136.5 in

Inscriptions

On plate: CORD FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE. / MODEL 812 / SERIAL NO. 1507 H / ENGINE NO. F. B. 1967 / GIVE THESE / NUMBERS WHEN / WRITING OR / ORDERING PARTS. / MFG. BY AUBURN AUTO CO. / AUBURN, IN. USA UNDER US PAT. / DESIGN PAT. NO. 97.697-DEC. 3, 1935 / DESIGN PAT. NO. 99.973-JUNE 9, 1936 On another plate: CENTRAL / MFG. CO. / c 91 419

Specifications

Make & Model: 1937 Cord 812 convertible
Maker: Auburn Automobile Company, Auburn, Indiana
Engine: V-8, L-head valves, 289 cubic inches
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Height: 58 inches
Wheelbase: 125 inches
Width: 73 inches
Overall length: 195.5 inches
Weight: 3863 pounds
Horsepower: 125 at 3500 revolutions per minutes
Pounds per horsepower: 30.9
Price: $2,645
Average 1937 wage: $1,259 per year
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 2 years, 1 month
1937 Cord 812 Convertible