Way back in 2016, my girlfriend (now wife) and I went to see my pal Dan‘s theatrical adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Colour Out of Space.” This play about a strange color from a meteorite poisoning a town’s water supply, ruining its crops, deforming its animals, and driving its citizens insane features a character uttering, “The color. The color!” I can’t help but be just as entranced by the color of our Pick of the Day. You can find this 1937 Cord 812 Convertible Phaeton Sedan listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in St. Louis. It comes with a spare tire and a set of tools.
Originally intended to be a more affordable Duesenberg model, the 1936 Cord 810 had several features — or lack thereof — that were unusual for the time. Gordon Buehrig’s design included concealed headlights, rear-hinged hood and “coffin nose” that covered the radiator, front-wheel drive, a distinct absence of running boards, and a pre-selector semi-automatic transmission.
The following model year, the Cord 810 became the 812. Flash forward to 1974, when this particular 812’s future and current owner accompanied his Cord-loving father to a place in Kenosha, Wisconsin called Harold’s Homeless Hudsons. “Sitting in the back of the garage under a tarp and among the myriad bits of Hudsons was this green Cord 812 Phaeton, which Harold Jornt had owned since 1961. A deal was done … and it soon came home with them. Remarkably, the Cord has remained in the family ever since, surpassing half a century.”
After it was transferred from the father to the son, the car was restored by LaVine Restorations in Nappanee, Indiana, which applied the gorgeous factory color known as Cool Orchard Green, a light, playful shade that makes an already distinctive car stand out even more.
But that’s not the only color that’s striking — check out the seats! “The cabin is trimmed in brown mottled leather, with complementing green carpets. At the time of its refurbishment, the upholstery was detailed and tidied but left unrestored.” I’m glad it was left alone because the seats have a wonderful texture and visible history. The selling dealer adds, “However, the instruments were all refurbished to a high standard and the dash refinished in black with a matching black wheel. The instrument panel was also beautifully restored in the factory-correct engine-turned finish. Additionally, the top was restored in beautiful grey-green canvas.” Another wise choice!
One of the most striking flourishes of the Super-Charged 812 models is the set of polished stainless steel exhaust pipes that snake their way out of the engine bay. This 812 has those, but its original Lycoming 289ci V-8 was replaced with a naturally aspirated unit.
I didn’t think it was possible for the Cord 812 to look better than it already does, but Cool Orchard Green proves that it can. If you want this unusually beautiful 1937 Cord 812 Convertible Phaeton Sedan, it can be yours for $179,500.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
