Beautiful, radical and futuristic, the 1937 "Tom Mix" Cord 812 Phaeton SC is arguably the rarest of all cords. Just 196 Supercharged Cord 812 Roadsters were built. This is one of the only three with a rare set of options, including an external mounted spare. The other two belonged to jazz singer Al Jolson and actress Barbara Stanwick.
The car is easily capable of speeds in excess of 100 mph and Tom Mix, America’s first cowboy movie star was travelling nearly 80 when he missed the sign saying “Bridge Under Construction.” Ironically Mix, who performed his own stunts, died in the crash when he was hit in the head with an aluminum suitcase filled with money.
The current owners purchased the car at auction in 2010 and began a painstaking frame off restoration, the first since 1940. The restoration revealed damage from the fatal crash. The “Tom Mix Cord” now appears as it did 5 minutes before the accident.
Background
- Manufacturer: Cord Automobile, a division of the Auburn Automobile Company.
- Year: 1937
- Model: Cord 812 Phaeton SC (Supercharged)
- Association: Named after Tom Mix, the famous silent film actor and cowboy star who was known for his collection of luxury cars.
Specifications
- Engine: The Cord 812 Phaeton SC is powered by a 289 cubic inch (4.7-liter) Lycoming V8 engine with a supercharger. The supercharged version (SC) produces around 170 horsepower, significantly enhancing its performance compared to the non-supercharged version.
- Transmission: It features a four-speed pre-selector manual transmission with front-wheel drive, which was a pioneering feature at the time.
- Chassis: The car is built on a robust and innovative chassis, featuring independent front suspension and a semi-elliptical rear leaf spring suspension.
Design and Features
- Body Style: The Phaeton body style is a convertible with a dual-cowl design, offering open-air motoring with seating for four passengers. The dual-cowl design includes a separate windscreen for the rear passengers.
- Design: The Cord 812 is known for its advanced and distinctive design by Gordon Buehrig. It features hidden headlights, a coffin-nose front, and pontoon fenders, giving it a sleek and aerodynamic appearance.
- Interior: The interior is luxurious, with leather upholstery, a well-appointed dashboard, and detailed instrumentation.
Innovations
- Front-Wheel Drive: The Cord 812 was one of the first American cars to feature front-wheel drive, providing better traction and handling.
- Supercharging: The addition of a supercharger increased the engine's power output, making the 812 SC one of the fastest cars of its time.
- Hidden Headlights: The Cord 812 was the first American production car to feature hidden, retractable headlights, a design innovation that became popular in later decades.
Historical Significance
- Celebrity Ownership: The "Tom Mix" Cord 812 Phaeton SC is famously associated with Tom Mix, who was one of the most popular and influential cowboy stars of the early 20th century. His ownership of the car adds to its historical and cultural significance.
- Rarity: The supercharged version of the Cord 812 is relatively rare, with only a limited number of units produced. This rarity enhances its value and desirability among collectors.
Legacy
- Collectibility: The 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton SC, especially with its association with Tom Mix, is highly sought after by collectors and classic car enthusiasts. Its combination of advanced engineering, striking design, and historical significance makes it a prized possession.
- Design Influence: The Cord 812's innovative design elements, such as its hidden headlights and streamlined body, have influenced many subsequent automobile designs and remain iconic in automotive history.
You may purchase a print of the 1937 "Tom Mix" Cord 812 Phaeton SC in our dElegance 2012 online gallery.
