1936 Cord 810

Described by the seller as one of the most revolutionary American automobiles ever produced, this 1936 Cord 810 showcases the coffin-nose styling and hidden headlights that stunned crowds at the 1935 New York Auto Show. According to the seller, the car is finished in an elegant grey exterior with a contrasting blue interior, and its sculpted pontoon fenders and streamlined silhouette reflect the Art Deco vision of designer Gordon Buehrig. This was a car engineered to redefine American luxury, abandoning the traditional upright grilles and exposed headlights of its era in favor of a shape so advanced it appeared to be in motion even while standing still.

Under the hood, the seller notes that a rebuilt Lycoming 288.6 CID flathead V8 powers this front-wheel-drive masterpiece, with approximately 5,000 miles accumulated since the rebuild. The engine is paired with a rebuilt 4-speed pre-selector manual transmission showing roughly 1,000 miles since its restoration—a system so innovative that the driver simply selects the next gear and depresses the clutch when ready, rather than timing shifts conventionally. The Cord 810 was not merely styled to be different; it was engineered with front-wheel drive, independent front suspension, and concealed hand-crank-operated headlights that made it one of the most advanced production cars of the 1930s.

The Cord 810 occupies a legendary place in automotive history as one of the first mass-produced American automobiles with front-wheel drive, a feature that allowed its dramatic low-slung proportions. According to Classic.com market data for the Cord 810, the model has seen sales ranging from approximately $20,000 to over $350,000, with sedan examples typically trading in the mid-five-figure range depending on condition and provenance. Given its original and highly original conservation status as curated by Classic.com staff, along with its recent mechanical refurbishment, this example represents a significant opportunity within a model line that is perpetually sought after by pre-war collectors.

Key characteristics of this vehicle:

• Coffin-nose styling with concealed headlights—one of the most recognizable automotive designs of the 1930s
• Front-wheel-drive layout with independent front suspension, exceptionally advanced for its era
• Rebuilt Lycoming V8 and rebuilt pre-selector transmission offering a unique driving experience
• Original and highly original condition according to Classic.com curation
• Significant historical importance as a pre-war American luxury car that influenced automotive design for decades