Coffin Nose Barn Find: 1968 Samco-Cord
The seller lists this barn find Cord as a real-deal example, but an eagle-eyed reader has correctly identified it as a later Samco-Cord replica. The Ford Mustang-derived 289 engine and fixed headlights on the fenders are the dead giveaways that this is a far cry from a real Cord 810 Phaeton, and the seller will hopefully update the listing accordingly. Find it here on craigslist with no price listed.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Ikey H. for the find. I have to say, the exterior did not inspire much confidence, but under hood looks surprisingly tidy. The 289 engine installation appears to have been well done and not at all hacked together, but that’s purely an armchair quaterback’s point of view. The seller notes the car has not moved in many years and doesn’t say if it runs.
The interior looks quite tidy as well, despite being a far cry from the factory design. No pictures of the ornate dash are included, so it’s hard to say just how far the replica went in recreating the original fascia. The console-mounted shifter looks like it was lifted straight out of a 70s Ford product, which is fairly typical of replicas that stop short of being truly sympathetic recreations.
The Samco-Cord is one of just 400 made, according to an in-depth Hemmings article on the oddball recreation. While I doubt the seller intended to mislead anyone, it goes to show you that casual observers (myself included) assumed this was an in-period hot rodded Cord rather than a later recreation. I would modify it further, if it were me; would you modify or restore?
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Comments
Looks a lot more like a 1968 Samco Cord replica. Ford V8 and all.
@JACKinNWPA – thank you. Those were unknown to me. Updated the post accordingly.
Thanks Jeff, glad to help.
I never heard of a Cord replica either. Interesting
I’d like it better if it were a hard top not a big fan of convertibles. If I want to have my face in the wind I’ll get out my bike. This thing looks pretty rough it’s not worth any more than $5k in books and your going to need to. Be a good diy guy to make it affordable.
These things are so ugly. The beauty of the original Cord was in details like the delicate windshield frame and hidden headlights. Strange, because some of the Auburn Speedster replicas made around the same time were pretty accurate from 20 feet away. This, not so much.
Ford 289, Mustang shifter in the car and I assume RWD as a result. Not even close to a Cord IMO. I kind of look at this one like the various AC Cobra copies out there. The average Joe can’t afford a real Cobra now days, so it gives them the thrill and fun without selling their first born. Finding a running, driving Cord at a reasonable price is just as impossible as the Cobra IMO. The replica’s may even be a better deal for most people, you can actually drive them without fearing the ‘car police’ or4 modify them.
Could be nice and also dependable.
The Corvair powered versions, one of which I own were far superior IMHO
I don’t know why they didn’t copy the headlights from the original. That is one thing that made this car so unusual at the time. Interesting toy, not much value. Note the dealer stock number tag on the windshield.
Serious sellers always post a price.
Another fishing trip.
This one is another Ahab
I think they are fishing for an enthusiast that believes its from the 30s . Not to mention it says manual transmission …then we look at the pictures
I just took a look at the listing. It still says 36 Cord. Perhaps the seller doesn’t read Barn Finds. :)
trying to buy this car,,,, can someone at barnfinds get a phone number?
tried craigslist still no reply..
Sorry Daniel, we don’t have any more info than what’s in the ad.
I have purchased the car. I will be picking it up this weekend. I will be cleaning it up and hope to get it back on the road. It’s worth saving. Only 400 made.
Thanks for the update Thomas! Please send in some photos when you get it home.
Hi,
Well done,
I am in the UK and have a Glenn Pray. Still work in progress but very pleasing
Ron
Would live to see pictures when you are done. Good luck.
A friend of mine had one of these in high school… 440 MoPar powered… FAST & fun!
I sold the car to a buyer from Sweden. Got it running with an afternoon’s work. New battery bled the brakes filled the fluids. Replaced two front tires. Drove it around the neighborhood. Fun old car. This was the 2nd samco Cord I have come across in the past 5 years.
Now the hunt is on for something else. The fun is finding them. Never fall in love with objects.