Modern Replica: 1937 Cord 812S Drop-Top

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The original Cord was an innovative front-wheel drive automobile that was only offered for two years. The 810 debuted in 1936 and the similar 812 in 1937. Cord folded its tent after fewer than 3,000 of the vehicles were built. More than 30 years later, a company with ties to LearJet came along and built 400 replicas with modern drivetrains supplied by Ford.

The original Cord 812S was supercharged (though a “regular” version was also offered). They were distinguished by side exhaust pipes coming out of the hood that hid a V8 engine. Bill Lear of LearJet wanted to bring the cars back in replica form and created SAMCO in 1969 (Sports Automobile Manufacturing Co.). Two models were offered, the Warrior and the Royale, with the seller’s being one of the latter. It seems that only 400 of these SAMCO Cords saw the light of day before Lear moved on.

Because of the low production numbers, hand assembly was required at the Tulsa, Oklahoma factory. Unlike the original car, the SAMCO used rear-wheel drive on a custom frame. To propel the machines, 302 cubic inch V8s were sourced from Ford along with C4 automatic transmissions. These luxury transports also came with features like power steering, brakes, and windows. The front axle was the same as the one used on Ford’s Econoline van.

We don’t know the history of this replica and the indicated mileage is less than 10,000. Given that some of the photos involve a trailer, perhaps this “Cord” is being flipped. We assume it runs as it’s been treated to a new carburetor, fuel lines, and radiator. Located in Rogers, Minnesota, this interesting and rare vehicle is available here on craigslist for $15,000. Our thanks to Rocco B. for yet another wild tip!

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Comments

  1. JDC

    It has limited value as a replica anyway, but I can’t believe someone installed that horrific looking stereo into the dash!

    Like 8
  2. Tbone

    Stereo less problematic than the headlights

    Like 11
  3. That AMC guy

    The front-drive, Corvair-based “Cord 8/10” by Glenn Pray was a lot more interesting.

    Like 10
    • CeeOne

      Agree!

      Like 1
  4. ODD Jim

    I had the oppurtinity to restore and upgrade one of these. I was told it was a leonard Pray unit–however, previous comment suggested pray units came with a front wheel drive corvair system. Mine was a 289 V8–and a very HOT preformance motor as well. The “ROYALITE” (sp) plastic body was quite troublesome- as its supportice capabilities was very poor. The material has a thin hard outer shell with color, and a laminated sandwitch of increasingly softer plastics going inward. Anything attached required huge fender washers that sank into the softer inner material. A unwanted extra concern for sure. “Plastics, my boy” Ha!

    Like 3
  5. Troy

    Instead of a replica late call it what it really is a cheap knock off. This was a attempt to look like the cord i guess someone might not know the difference but the real cord was longer and just looked better. Overall the cord was not my taste in cars but I appreciate their attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into them.

    Like 1
  6. MarveH

    I don’t get the replica thing when it comes to cars. To me, cars are about how they drive and this isn’t a Cord so you don’t get the driving experience of the Cord.
    Why would I want something that looks like something else?
    Some good Cobra replicas and some Porsche Spyder knock offs are arguably better than the originals to drive, and that makes sense. But just an empty image bearer makes no sense to me.

    Like 3
    • John EderMember

      How do you explain the Batmobile replicas? I would imagine that you don’t get the driving experience of the original in one of those either… 😉

      Like 2
  7. Kenneth Carney

    Glenn Pray’s cars were powered by 440 Chrysler engines. Not sure what
    trannys were. Outside, they looked
    pretty much the same. To me, they looked a bit cartoonish– a shadow of
    what they once were. Far and away,
    Brooks Stevens Excalibur beat them all hands down. I’ve wanted one ever
    since I saw the road test Bud Lindeman did on that car in late ’68 (?) or so. Now THAT was a really great replicar!

    Like 0
  8. Kirk Dobson

    First picture showing the exposed headlights blows it right there.

    Like 3
  9. Elbert Hubbard

    Still waiting for the secret formula to Bill Lear’s “Learium” that was going to revolutionize the steam powered cars he was going to build.

    Like 0
  10. JohnMichael

    I always liked the early model with the hidden headlights but Prey’s the second go around with them poking out of the front fenders like bug eyes really ruined the look for me. Amelia Earhart had a ’37 in what looks like yellow with a tan top, I have a b/w digital picture of her standing next to it in front of her Lockheed Electra wearing slacks with her flight jacket on.

    Like 1
  11. Charles Jenkins

    Normally, I wouldn’t even comment on a vehicle that doesn’t interest me in any way, but this one is an exception. Anyone that would consider this atrocity at even $1000, much less $15000, really needs to have a serious conversation with a mental health professional. Almost all “replica” cars are garbage, with the notable exception of some of the Cobras. This thing wouldn’t even be worth the fuel and time to drag it home.

    Like 2
  12. David Ulrey

    I know I’m begging for a public stoning for saying this but despite the fact that it doesn’t hold a candle to a legitimate Cord, I actually like it and would drive it. By the same token, some ‘replica’ cars I find to be completely hideous I’ve seen others comment how they were magnificent works of art. Comes back to the expression different strokes for different folks.

    Like 0
    • JohnMichael

      Thanks David, this was the funniest post I’ve seen on BF in a long time. And I agree, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or as you put it, “different strokes for different folks”. The longer I’m on here the more I realize just how different individual tastes are. Cars I like others hate, or at least don’t like, and vice versa.

      Like 0

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