Dear John,

Please allow myself and my friends to thank you for the gracious hospitality that you displayed today as you not only opened the doors to your collection, but took time from your busy schedule as a business owner to guide us through your wonderful museum while sharing the history of your collection.

We don’t hunt, fish, golf, or engage in fantasy sports leagues. Our hobby is commonly and simply referred to as being ‘car guys’. We take road trips to places like the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, and we’ve been to the Concours de Elegance at Pebble Beach when Mr. Leno had a Bugatti on display to mention just a very, very few. This is our passion that only another ‘Car Guy’ would understand or appreciate.

Today is the first time that the actual owner of a collection gave us a guided tour. We want you to know how much we appreciated your time today as we got to know you pretty well in the few hours we spent together. As a designer I share a passion with you for the ‘Art Deco’ Cords along with Delahey’s and one of my favorites the Bugatti Type 57 – Atlantic.  We’ve been to some of the finest museums in America and Europe, but today was something special that we will not soon forget.

Thank you John, Thank you for a special day,

Dan McClaren, Bruce Amacker, Mark Best
The “Carboys”

p.s. If you are in the Cleveland area for a couple days, we owe you a nice dinner. Let us know.

––––––

Here is the car information, as shown on the YouTube video page:

1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton
Sold for $225,500 Including Commission
RM Auction, Monterey, CA. 2013
Chassis no. 812 32269 H
Engine no. FC 2984
Body no. C 91 630
170 bhp, 288 cu. in. supercharged L-head V-8 engine, four-speed pre-selector manual transmission, independent front suspension, rear semi-elliptic suspension with leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 125 in.

•Factory-supercharged example with original engine
•Offered from single-family California ownership since 1967
•Quality restoration in beautiful colors
•ACD Club Certified Category One

The Duesenberg Model J had become available with a supercharger in 1932. Three years later, the eight-cylinder Auburn could also be had with a blower. All that was left was to fit the engine to the new Cord of 1936, and a year later, as the 810 evolved into the 812 with production fully underway, Auburn Automobile Company’s most flamboyant line received supercharged power as a popular $415 option on all models.

Lycoming began with the 810’s stock V-8 engine, revising the design with a modified firing order, lowered compression ratio, more extreme cam grind, and a unique, larger Stromberg AA-25 carburetor. The engine exhaled through a functional chrome side exhaust, an identifying mark of all supercharged Auburn products that was believed to have been added to the Cord by stylist Alex Tremulis, later of Tucker fame, and engineered into being by none other than August Duesenberg.

The supercharged Cord had a factory-quoted power output of 170 horsepower, although Lycoming employees later recounted numbers as high as 195. The factory sent two properly equipped Beverly Sedans to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where, driven by Ab Jenkins and Billy Winn, they recorded the highest average speed over a 24-year period ever achieved at the Brickyard, over 80 mph, and captured the famous Stevens Trophy. That record would stand until 1954. Make no mistake, these were fast cars, with power and flexibility that was as much ahead of its time as the Cord’s famous Gordon Buehrig styling.

The four-passenger Phaeton shown here is one of 688 factory-supercharged Cords built, and it retains its original “FC” engine, as verified by the 810/812 chassis listing in Josh B. Malks’s Cord Complete and its ACD Club Category One certification. It was acquired in 1967 by an enthusiast in northern California, who had joined the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club and inquired as to purchasing a car in the Club’s newsletter. Soon after, he purchased this car, and it remained a favored possession for the rest of his life, being offered here by the family that has known and cared for it for 46 years.

The Cord was beautifully restored some years ago, with great attention to authenticity and correctness throughout, including proper fittings, finishes, and wiring under the hood. The body is finished in Geneva Blue, a correct factory color, with the interior a wonderful contrast in bright red leather in the proper pattern and a tan canvas top overseeing all.

Following the completion of the restoration, the car was an award winner at the ACD Club’s West Coast Meet in 1987. It has continued to be regularly enjoyed since; the owners report that it was, for some time, a “daily driver.” It was regularly maintained for decades, so that it could be taken out, run, and enjoyed. Having been well looked-after cosmetically as well as mechanically, the car would need only a light freshening to continue to be enjoyed in regional meets and activities.

As much heirloom as automobile to the family from which it is being sold, this car is being offered to a new, good home, where it is certain to continue to be a special point of pride, whether it is parked as a trophy in the garage or rolling down the road in Art Deco style.

Robert Myrick Photography

For those who might not know Dave, he is a former automotive engineer for General Motors, having joined in 1959 after graduating from Wayne State University. But most notably, he was the chief engineer for the Chevrolet Corvette from 1975 until his retirement in late 1992. As just the Corvette’s second chief engineer, Dave remains indelibly linked with Corvette even today.

During his tenure at Corvette, Dave was responsible for all aspects of the Corvette’s production. He made countless contributions to the American icon, ensuring smart refinements and steady improvements each year and through multiple model generations.

Composite Springs Important to Reducing Weight

Dave was the person responsible for transitioning Corvette’s rear suspension from a transverse, steel leaf spring to a monoleaf composites spring. He took the political risk for the suspension redesign, and in 1981 replaced the 48-pound steel leaf spring with a seven-pound fiberglass spring. That decision paid off and in 1984, Corvette introduced both front and rear fiberglass composite leaf springs.

Since that time, Liteflex Composite Springs have been installed on every Corvette produced! So, it goes without saying that John Prikkel is a very big fan of Dave McLellan and the impact he created. It was his desire to utilize new materials and processes that drove the original Liteflex engineers to develop springs that are lighter, last longer, and increase performance.

Dave Welcomed At Museum

More recently, Dave McLellan visited the Dayton Auto & Memorabilia Museum in Dayton, Ohio and examined a prime example of his Corvette legacy. He and the executive team toured the Museum and then visited Liteflex’s manufacturing, assembly, testing, and shipping departments. They also examined all the various applications that Liteflex Composite Spring supports: automotive, class 8 steer axles, tractor trailer, military, golf cart, transportation, etc. It was a real honor hosting Dave and we hope to see him again soon!

There’s More To Know

Dave is also the author of, “Corvette from the Inside, the 50 Year Development History” which includes the 17 years during which he and his team made history. Be sure to check out the book for a detailed look into his years at the center of Corvette Engineering, his take on Corvette history and many of the details that have made the Corvette a perennial favorite with millions of Americans.

Click HERE to purchase the book, Corvette From The Inside, McLellan. Bentley Publishers, 2002.

Or for a special, personally autographed copy, click HERE.

Attendees of the Packard Winter Weekend in April event at America’s Packard Museum in Downtown Dayton, OH will enjoy a tour of the Dayton Auto & Memorabilia Museum. The event begins on Friday, April 20, 2018, with viewing of John Prickle’s automotive and memorabilia collection starting at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018.

Everyone is invited to participate. For event pricing and to RSVP, visit http://www.americaspackardmuseum.com/winter-weekend-2018.html.

]]> https://daytonautoandmemorabilia.org/dayton-auto-memorabilia-museum-shares-cars-for-show/ Wed, 10 Jan 2018 17:01:44 +0000 https://daytonautoandmemorabilia.org/?p=579 Last July, 2017, the Dayton Auto & Memorabilia Museum lent its 1936 Cord and a 1951 Canadian assembled (1 of 3) Studebaker convertible to the annual historical show on the lawn at the House Museum in Oakwood, Ohio. It was a beautiful day for the many visitors who traveled back in time under the day’s cloudless sky.

At first glance, the Cord 810/812 may not seem like a car born of the Great Depression. But during those anxious years, high end manufacturers were struggling to sell extravagant machines, as even the most wealthy of buyers shied away from flaunting their status quite as openly in public. Many manufacturers resorted to developing lower priced models to make up sales. Packard developed the Junior series, Lincoln added the Zephyr line and GM introduced LaSalle to fit between Buick and Cadillac. Even Duesenberg wasn’t immune to the pressure and work was begun on a “baby” Duesenberg that could help pick up sagging sales. Partially through its development, the baby Duesenberg idea was dropped, as it was thought it could tarnish the illustrious brand. But E.L. Cord, the man in charge of Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg, saw great potential in the design and pressed forward to produce it as an all-new model for his revived Cord brand. The Cord L-29 had been out of production for some time, and E.L. saw this as an opportunity to revive the brand that bore his name.

Development of the new car forged ahead and the Cord 810/812 was realized by 1936. In spite of its “entry level” roots, technical boundaries were pushed to the limits. Drawing inspiration from the innovative Citroen Traction Avant, Cord designer Gordon Buehrig gave the 810 a semi-monocoque chassis, and it was the first American car with both front wheel drive and independent front suspension. Motivation was courtesy of a Lycoming V8 engine (Lycoming being part of E.L. Cord’s industrial empire) and a solenoid actuated pre-selector transmission. Of course the most distinguishing feature of the 810/812 was its Gordon Buehrig-penned bodywork. The front end featured curvaceous fenders with hidden headlights – a first for any production car. Rather than a traditional radiator shell, the Cord’s radiator was hidden behind a sleek and unorthodox wraparound grille and a uniquely shaped hood, which earned it the nickname “Coffin Nose”. Fully extended doors, no running boards and a sleek, minimally adorned body gave the 810 its distinct appearance. Nearly 80 years later, the Cord 810/812 is still considered to be one of the greatest American car designs in history.

As the 810 evolved into the 812 for 1937, some models gained a supercharger, while others remained naturally aspirated. Several body styles were available, from four-door sedans to the open-air phaeton. In fact, several four door versions were available with different designations depending on wheelbase, equipment and body fitments. At the “entry level” lay the Westchester, followed by the Beverly, Custom Beverly and range-topping Berline, the latter two riding on an extended wheelbase. The most distinguishing feature between the Westchester and Beverly was the addition of a “bustle” trunk on the on the Beverly. It also offered more luxurious trappings inside, with additional trim and equipment. The Beverly rode on a 125” wheelbase and shared the same 288 cubic inch Lycoming V8 and sophisticated preselect transmission with the rest of the model range.

This fine 1937 Cord 812 Beverly Sedan is an attractive, usable example of one of the most iconic American automobiles of all time. Coming out of recent long-term ownership, it wears an older restoration that has been well-maintained and presents in very good order, showing some light patina in areas, remaining mechanically and cosmetically very sound. It is finished in Palm Beach Tan, with very good paintwork applied over straight and properly aligned panels with excellent, consistent gaps. During a time when cars were defined by their prominent chrome radiator shells and trim, Gordon Buehrig eschewed the flash in favor of a subtle, measured design with limited chrome adornment. That said, bumpers, wheel covers and door handles provided some subtle flash, all of which appear in very good order on this example. The bumpers, wearing original overriders, are straight and tidy with good quality plating and detail. A pair of period-correct Cord fog lamps is fitted to the front apron and the original polished stone guards remain in good order on the rear fenders.

The interior presents in very good order, again, well detailed and tidy though showing some patina from use since the restoration was completed. Plum-colored upholstery piped in off white complements the Palm Beach Tan body color quite well. The seats, door panels and headlining remain in very good condition with quality trim accented with very good chrome fittings and hardware. Cord’s signature instrument panel is beautifully presented with its aeronautic-style engine-turned fascia and an array of dials keeping the driver informed of underhood matters. A very cool period Motorola heater is fitted, presumably from new[wrong-John] .

The 288 cubic inch Lycoming V8 engine and undercarriage are tidy, appearing sorted and well-maintained. The specification and condition of this 812 Beverly should lend it very well to touring, and thanks to the Cord 810/812’s recognition as a CCCA Full Classic, it is eligible for CARavan touring and is well suited to regular enjoyment. The Cord 812 is an icon of American design and this is a good quality, usable example that has benefitted from long term ownership and care.

Reprinted from hymanltd.com