CORDHAVEN

The Cord 810/812 series of automobiles are so visually striking that they have left lasting imprssions on all who see them. It's been said that you never forget the day when you see your first Cord.

Tell me about the first time you saw one!

 

It was in a book called "The American Automobile: A Centenary (spelling?)" by Nick Georgano, I think. Light blue or green convertible (cannot remember if it was a Phaeton or Cabriolet) being driven in a parade. I no longer have the book but I remember the photo.

 First one I ever saw in person was at the Canton Classic Car Museum--Cadet Grey supercharged phaeton.

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Chris Summers

"Whatsoever is rightly done, however humble, is noble."

About Fifteen years ago, I saw one that reminded me of earlier sightings. I absolutely love the look and styling of these bad boys. I recently bought a 37 Westchester and, although it has some issues, I am sure I will be able to drive it with confidence, soon.

In early 1964, Walter Leroy "Jack" Pray (my Dad) told us that we would be moving from Holdenville, Oklahoma to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma so he could take a management position at the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg factory owned by his brother Glenn Andrew Pray. When we moved that summer, the family took a tour of the plant. They were laboring furiously over the prototype of the Cord 810, so that was my first look at a Cord. Later, I swept up and mowed in the plant (I was only 14 at the time), and was able to go to the back areas of the plant and see Uncle Glenn's older Cords and Auburns. He also had several dozen stored outside of the plant. The elegant lines of the automobiles captivated me as it had Uncle Glenn and Dad. Even now, over 40 years later, I feel a sense of pride at our family's contribution toward keeping the memory of these outstanding automotive creations alive.