1937 Cord 812 Phaeton

812 31917 HroadUnited States

Engine: Supercharged 4.7L (288 cu in) V8 L-head, 170 bhp
Colour: Rich maroon

The 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton is a factory-supercharged example, identifiable by its five-digit serial number beginning with 3, fitted with the Lycoming-developed 170 bhp blown V-8 and the distinctive four-pipe chrome side exhaust. Chassis 812 31917 H retains its documented original engine (FC 2633), verified through published Cord scholarship. Long held by Washington State enthusiast John Brewin and well-known to marque historians, the car underwent an exhaustive six-year restoration to original specification by its subsequent owner.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$220,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
John Brewin
partial documentation
Long-term enthusiast owner based in Washington State; tenure was documented by Cord marque historians. Held the car for several decades until his death.
Date unknownInheritance
Estate or interim custodian after Brewin's passing
none documentation
Vehicle was kept in storage for a number of years following Brewin's death before being sold onward.
Date unknownPrivate sale
Current vendor
partial documentation
Owner of roughly twenty years based in Washington State; commissioned a six-year restoration by local craftsmen, located and reunited the original supercharged engine with the car, and made period-club-recommended mechanical upgrades to the supercharger and gearbox.

Competition

—
Indianapolis Motor Speedway endurance speed run
Driver: Ab JenkinsRecord average speed exceeding 80 mph over a 24-year measurement period; captured the Stevens Trophy
Two factory-prepared Beverly Sedans were sent to the Brickyard; Ab Jenkins and Billy Winn shared driving duties. The speed record held until 1954.

Maintenance & restoration

—Restoration
Local Washington craftsmen (unnamed)
Comprehensive six-year restoration to original specification carried out by local craftsmen in Washington State; body metalwork was completed to factory standards and both the engine and transmission were fully rebuilt.
The original supercharged engine (FC 2633) had previously been separated from the car and was located and reunited with the chassis by the owner before restoration began.
—
Modification
Supercharger fitted with upgraded modern internal components and improved oil plumbing; a pressure gauge was added to the gearbox, both measures carried out in accordance with Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club guidance.
These updates were made to ensure reliable and correct engine operation while retaining the original supercharged unit.

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