1937 Cord 812 Westchester review from North America
"To drive a Cord is true glory"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Carb got plugged with fuel filter diaphragm particles that disintegrated due to modern gas formula;
Right headlight cable got stuck in down position after getting wet and rusting from running thru deep puddle;
Car leaks like sieve in rain (so I try to avoid wet weather);
Car makes the occasional undiagnosable weird noises.
General comments?
Absolutely gorgeous design that feels like driving a car 15-20 years newer.
Front wheel drive works well;
Mine shifts well;
I'm running Good Year All Weather whitewalls, not radials, because I want the original feel;
The car gets 16 mpg and cruises all day at 70 (2100 on tach in 4th gear) and runs cool.
Yes, a Cord can be reliable, but you have to do your homework.
More "firsts" in this one car than any other I can think of, plus eternally stylish art-deco design.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1937 |
| Year of manufacture | 1936 |
| First year of ownership | 1988 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | V8 Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 98000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 101000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 28th November, 2006 |