Introduced in late 1935 at the New York International Auto Show, the advanced front-wheel-drive Cord 810 created a sensation. Crowds around it were so deep that people were forced to stand on other display cars just to get a glimpse. Deliveries began in 1936, but the Great Depression finally caught up to the Cord empire and 1937 was to be the final model year. During this time, the cars—by this time designated Model 812—were available for the first and only time with an optional supercharger, which boosted output to almost 200 horsepower. The supercharged versions could also be fitted with magnificent outside exhaust pipes, giving the car its most iconic look. At the height of the Depression, sadly, few could afford this luxury.

Presented here is an “ultimate-spec” Cord, the supercharged Cabriolet, informally known as the “Sportsman,” of which only 64 original examples were produced. This car is listed among the ranks of surviving examples in Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club historian Ron Irwin’s published rosters. The frame is a correct open-car frame and its number, which correlates to the car’s serial number, appears to be of the correct font. While sources conflict on the originality of the present engine, the correct supercharged unit number FC 3047, the serial number plate that also bears that engine number appears to be original, as is the body number plate.

The car’s history is known back to 1977, when it was acquired by Allen Seieg of Illinois, who later sold it disassembled in 1980 to John H. Miller of Tennessee, who undertook its restoration. Mr. Miller sold the Cord in 1982 to Verlin J. Boes of Kansas City, Missouri, who displayed it at that year’s ACD Club National Reunion, where it received a Primary Second. Soon thereafter Mr. Boes, apparently deciding that the car was too nice to drive and enjoy, offered it for sale and Stan Leibel of Ontario, Canada acquired it. Mr. Leibel retained the car for many years before selling it in 2004 to Jim Covert of Jupiter, Florida, who undertook a fresh, nut-and-bolt concours restoration at RM Auto Restoration of Blenheim, Ontario, undertaken with meticulous care in the correct Cord color of Geneva Blue, with a magnificent dark tan pigskin interior and tan convertible top piped in blue. The result was truly stunning, and justifiably won its Primary First at the ACD Club National Reunion in 2006, followed by First in Class at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

In 2009, Mr. Covert offered the Cord for sale and it was happily acquired by Clive and Janet Cussler. Mr. Cussler subsequently featured it in his book, Built for Adventure: The Classic Automobiles of Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt, in which he described its acquisition as “an exciting drama during a spirited classic car auction.” Janet Cussler has more recently continued to care for the car, which remains in nearly pristine condition, with its restoration very nicely kept and still in high-point overall form. Most recently it was featured as one of the Cusslers’ cars at the Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance in 2019.

One of the most beautiful examples of the famed “Sportsman,” the Cussler Cord, now offered from 16 years in present ownership, is sure to attract much attention as a well-loved, superbly finished example of the breed.