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One of just 14 Samco-built Cord 812s receives no-expense-spared rebuild, blending classic styling with modernized performance.
A seldom-seen 1967 Cord 812 built during the marque’s brief Samco era is headed to the Saratoga Motor Car Auction, offering collectors a chance to acquire one of only 14 examples fitted with a Corvair powertrain.
The Cord name, revered for its groundbreaking 1930s designs, was revived in the early 1960s by Glenn Pray. Working with the original designer, Pray produced about 96 Cord 810s, scaled down roughly 20 percent and constructed from Royalite — a durable ABS-over-foam material supplied by Rubbermaid and more commonly used for canoes.
In 1967, the operation was sold to Samco, which pursued a V-8 variant but also completed a small run of 14 Corvair-powered cars before ending production. The example crossing the Saratoga block is number seven of those 14, making it an exceptionally rare piece of Cord history.
This 812 has undergone an exhaustive, six-month drivetrain restoration by a Corvair specialist, with no expense spared. The rebuild covered the engine, differential, and transmission, with a new torque converter and aluminum oil pans fitted to both engine and transmission. The car was also converted to an automatic, and the front end was refreshed with a new center link, CV boots, and alignment. Michelin tires, new front brakes, and fresh shocks ensure the Cord is road-ready.
Inside, new carpeting was installed in both the passenger cabin and trunk, along with a stainless-steel dash plate, new clock, and custom-fabricated floor shifter with a bespoke boot. A remote oil filter was added for convenience. The convertible top remains in excellent condition, though the current owner admits it has never been raised during their tenure.
With its blend of distinctive styling, rarity, and freshly renewed mechanicals, this Samco-built Cord 812 stands as a unique opportunity for collectors seeking a conversation piece that runs as good as it looks.
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