Cord 812 Supercharged Beverly Sedan

With the Cord 810, Gordon Buehrig created one of the most revolutionary American car designs in 1935.

With the Cord 810, Gordon Buehrig created one of the most revolutionary American car designs in 1935. He even applied for a patent on his "new, original and decorative design." The front of the car strongly resembles an (American) coffin and therefore quickly earned the nickname "coffin nose." The grille is often compared to a radio. Remarkable features include the retractable headlights, which were derived from the landing lights of a Stinson aircraft. Raising or retracting the lights is done mechanically by cables, using two small hand cranks on the dashboard. The Cord 810 is the first front wheel drive American car with independent front suspension. The transmission is electrically operated and has an overdrive on fourth gear. The car was developed too hastily, which led to many teething troubles. Sales were disappointing. Although a supercharged version, the 812, was later introduced, the company could no longer be saved and went under in 1937. The groundbreaking bodies were sold to Graham and Hupmobile, which brought similar cars to market, but without the retractable headlights.