Replicord? 1937 Cord 812 Kit
A Cord 810 or 812 would be an exceptional find! Shortlived as they were (’36-’37), they were way ahead of their time – probably too far ahead. So, if such a thing floats your boat but you can’t find, or afford one, you can go the kit route like this 1937 replica. It’s an interesting amalgam of parts, so let’s look it over. This kit car can be found in Grandville, Michigan and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $2,700, reserve not yet met.
The 1936 Cord was quite a departure from conventional automobile architecture thanks, primarily, due to its independent, front-wheel-drive arrangement. The FWD design allowed for a lower stance and the elimination of running boards, thus giving the Cord a more modern-to-future bearing. And the hideaway headlights certainly help with the cause! Unfortunately, reliability problems scotched ’36 sales limiting them to about 1,100. About another 3K Cords followed in ’37, now designated as 812s, and then it was over as Auburn, the owner of the Cord division, had had enough with mechanical foibles and the resulting diminished sales. Over the years, there have been attempts at a Cord revival but none have really panned out.
One such attempt is here, as the seller informs us, “These body parts came from molds that were taken off an original 1937 Cord supercharged phaeton so everything is the same as an original car. I owned the molds and had 4 bodies built and this is the last one I have“. As to what to place these reproduced body parts upon, the seller states that the chassis is a custom tubular item that uses a Mustang II front suspension and a Corvette independent rear suspension/axle. As for dimensions, this repro Cord sits on an original 125” wheelbase with correct track offsets. This is some pretty impressive fabrication work!
Now, there’s obviously a whole lot more that would need to be created or acquired to effect completion, items like an interior, an engine/transmission, wiring, lights, brake system, accessories such as lights, folding top, glass, and on and on. It would be interesting to know a bit about the three that were sold and how they have, ostensibly, manifested themselves into actual reproduction Cords.
You have to appreciate the entire concept employed here. It would be fascinating to know more about the ’37 Cord that was used as a “mold template” and then to see how the body panels were actually created. The seller adds, ” I sold the molds to a guy in Canada and he is now charging $12,500 for the body parts I have“. So, what do you think, would there actually be that much interest in creating a Replicord?
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Comments
wow! you better be rolling in money to take this project on. it will be a very cool var if anyone ever finishes it. 4 wheel disc brakes would be mandatory. olds toronado drive train would be my choice with wheels and tires. 12 volt electrcal system with alternator and modern lighting. You can just go on and on about interior design and accommodations. All it takes is disposable money.
God Bless America
Toronado makes sense and keeps it true to the original FWD V8 layout, but the Hydramatic is a letdown. While scoring a proper Cord pre-selector gearbox would be too much of a long shot, a Boxster/Cayman transaxle or Subaru unit could get a manual box in place. It would be a fun challenge to rig a cable shifter that mimics the original.
Alternative idea, transplant a V6/manual drivetrain from a Honda Accord for reliability, tunability, and the ready-made pun: Accord=A Cord.
I wince at the thought of buying someone’s projects. Having built a few it doesn’t take much to see if the build is on track or has went South.
This isn’t the norm of a project. The Cord was one of the most beautiful cars ever created. Depending what you are after, an original or mod. The positives to this build would be cost. To find one that is affordable you may be starting with a pile of rust.
The originals were a work of art but just as troublesome. Here is a way to own one and not be afraid of those wetting their Depends when you finish it the way you want. I am not about projects I would consider this is an excellent opportunity.
It would be a great driver with a LS and auto, period correct looking aluminum wheels, black with red interior, black haartz top.
Calling Mr. Deep Pocket—–.
I have seen a replica Cord, I remember that they were smaller than the original. I don’t recall the details but I did read about it online.
pwtiger – You write about the Glen Prey turnkey replicas from the 1960’s. I had a friend whose father had the distributorship in Scottsdale, AZ at the time.
This 1:1 replica has nothing to do with the Glen Prey version.
Amazing project! Expensive? Well what isn’t these days? I see the original builders concept here and it could be an awesome street rod.
Full corvette underpinnings including engine , trans , brakes would make it sorta cheap to start with cause c4’s are on the low end …
This would definitely attract attention and would be unique
A few weeks working on it partime and you ´re teady to roll
Spring is coming , hurry up !
Yolo
Outside of the box – How about forgetting completing it into a Cord and create your own 30’s style race car? Get a straight 8 engine, steam punk the motor & interior, add a big 4 spoke steering wheel and two big comfy leather seats. With computers and photoshop, you can test out the best design ideas before you proceed.
GM front wheel drive from a Toranado or Caddy….spend the triple digits, and take the Ridler award in 2 years , (or so) …an awesome project with tons of potential. Best of luck to buyer and seller!
all time fav.s for mechanicals as well as style – a check mark on both accords, rare~
I think there’s a modern made one 1/4 or 3/4 size (yet! same price!).