Cord automobiles were radically styled and innovatively engineered from their beginning in 1929 with front-wheel drive. The 1936/37 Cord 810 and 812 Series models continued with front-wheel drive and swoopy new bodies that were compared to the contemporary Chrysler Airflow. The 810/812 was powered by a Lycoming V8 engine. But the car-buying public didn’t exactly swoon over either and the innovative Cord was gone by the end of 1937. This radically customized 1937 Cord 812 Westchester four-door sedan was turned into a wild two-door street rod. It now features rear-wheel drive with Chevrolet running gear and Jaguar suspension. The car was reportedly part of the Ron Pratte Collection at one time. The seller says the Cord is a “beautiful car in great condition and an incredible attention-getter.”
POWERTRAIN
The engine is a Chevrolet 350-cubic inch small-block V-8 with TPI fuel injection and electronic ignition, according to the seller, who says the engine has 4,100 miles since it was built. He adds that it starts easily like any modern EFI equipped engine and doesn’t smoke or leak. The GM Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 three-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, in the seller’s opinion. The provided photos show a handsomely detailed engine and engine compartment with an aftermarket fuse panel mounted to the recessed firewall. The independent rear end was sourced from a Jaguar XJ6.
EXTERIOR
To say that the body has been extensively modified is an understatement. The former four-door sedan was shortened and transformed into a two-door sedan/sedan delivery with enclosed aero pontoon style fiberglass front fenders that turn with the wheels. Matching fender skirts cover all four wheels, the rear pan is rolled with a single rectangular exhaust outlet, and both the taillights and license plate have been recessed into the trunk lid. The door and trunk handles were shaved. The wild art-deco hood and wraparound grille are very close to the original Cord “coffin nose” design except that most of the grille has been painted body color. The retractable headlights were an original Cord feature but these ones have been upgraded with Mazda Miata components. The car now has rear-wheel drive but the original front-wheel drive shroud was retained. The seller reports that the paint was applied in 1999 when the car was built but he says it’s still in show condition with only slight signs of wear. He adds that the all-steel car has no rust, the glass is free of cracks/chips, and there are no leaking seals.
INTERIOR
The heated and electronically adjustable seats are from a mid-eighties Jaguar and upholstered in leather, according to the seller, who adds that the carpet is in excellent condition as is the headliner. The gauges are from Auto Meter, the A/C is from Vintage Air, and the AM/FM/cassette player is a Sony product. The custom steering wheel is leather-wrapped to match the seat upholstery and a Lokar shifter is mounted in a small center console. A carpeted flat cargo area has replaced the former rear seat and the area can be accessed from the carpeted trunk.
CHASSIS
The independent suspension components are Jaguar-sourced front and rear with power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and coil-over shocks, according to the seller, who reports no steering play and no power steering system leaks. The car has four-wheel power disc brakes with no issues, per the seller, who adds that the car had a tire balancing and safety check in May 2022.
DOCUMENTATION
As New York does not issue titles for vehicles of this age, the seller states that this vehicle will be sold on the proper document in his name for transfer of ownership. This former four-door 1937 Cord 812 Westchester sedan was radically altered to make it a one-of-a-kind street rod that has been featured in car magazines such as Hemmings Rods & Performance and on TV as well as winning many show awards.
