Amelia Earhart’s 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible: Car enthusiasts, aviation aficionados, and history buffs have a unique opportunity to marvel at a piece of American history currently on display at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan. The exhibit features a meticulously restored 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible that once belonged to Amelia Earhart, the trailblazing aviation pioneer who became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. This sand tan beauty, with its maroon interior, holds stories of both the golden age of aviation and the art deco era of automotive design.
Earhart, renowned for her aviation achievements and advocacy for women in aviation, acquired this Cord 812 less than a year before her mysterious disappearance in 1937. She was famously photographed with the car alongside her Lockheed 10E Electra aircraft, the plane she used for her final attempt to circumnavigate the globe. The car not only represents a link to her adventurous spirit but also reflects her interest in modern design and technology, as the Cord 812 was a marvel of innovation during its time.
The 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible is displayed as part of the museum’s rotating exhibit of vehicles from the National Historic Vehicle Register. Restored by The JBS Collection of Jack Boyd Smith Jr., the vehicle was meticulously brought back to its original glory after decades of fragmented ownership. The car, which went on display in November 2024, is set to remain at the museum until mid-May 2025, offering visitors a rare chance to connect with a symbol of innovation and resilience.
Amelia Earhart’s 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible Specifications and Features
The 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible was a groundbreaking automobile during its era, celebrated for its advanced engineering and elegant design. Below are its key specifications and features:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cord Automobile |
| Model | 812 Phaeton Convertible |
| Year | 1937 |
| Engine | 4.7L Lycoming V8, supercharged (optional) |
| Horsepower | 125 hp (non-supercharged) / 170 hp (supercharged) |
| Transmission | 4-speed semi-automatic pre-selector gearbox |
| Drive Layout | Front-wheel drive |
| Exterior Color | Sand Tan |
| Interior | Maroon Leather |
| Top Speed | 100 mph |
| Production Numbers | Limited; fewer than 3,000 produced |
Phaeton Convertible Design and Innovation
The 1937 Cord 812 was a masterpiece of art deco styling and engineering ingenuity. Designed by Gordon Buehrig, the car featured a low-slung, aerodynamic body that set it apart from its contemporaries. The hidden headlamps, a first in automotive design, and the signature coffin-nose grille gave the Cord 812 a futuristic appearance. Its front-wheel-drive layout, another rarity at the time, allowed for a lower ride height and improved handling, making it a pioneer in automotive engineering.
The convertible top of the Phaeton model added a touch of luxury, while the maroon leather interior provided an air of sophistication. The car’s dashboard was ahead of its time, featuring an array of gauges and controls that emphasized functionality and style. For Earhart, a lover of cutting-edge technology, the Cord 812 likely represented the perfect blend of form and function.
Phaeton Convertible Performance
The Cord 812 was not just about looks; it packed impressive performance for its time. Equipped with a Lycoming V8 engine, the car offered a smooth and powerful driving experience. The optional supercharger boosted horsepower to 170, enabling the car to reach a top speed of 100 mph—an impressive feat in the 1930s. The semi-automatic pre-selector gearbox made driving more convenient, a feature that would have appealed to a forward-thinking individual like Earhart.Price and Value
When it was introduced in 1937, the Cord 812 was priced at approximately $3,000—a significant sum during the Great Depression. Despite its high cost, the car was popular among celebrities and affluent individuals who appreciated its innovation and exclusivity. Today, a restored Cord 812 can fetch upwards of $250,000 at auctions, with models like Earhart’s holding even greater historical and sentimental value.
Restoration and Legacy
After Earhart’s disappearance, her husband, George Putnam, sold the car, and its original parts were eventually scattered. It wasn’t until 2004 that the car’s original components were reunited, allowing for a meticulous restoration. Jack Boyd Smith Jr. and The JBS Collection further restored the vehicle, ensuring every detail matched its original specifications. The result is a car that not only honors Earhart’s legacy but also stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation of its time.
Unique Selling Points
- Historical Significance: Owned by Amelia Earhart, the car is a direct link to one of the most iconic figures in aviation history.
- Innovative Design: Features like hidden headlamps, front-wheel drive, and a supercharged engine made the Cord 812 a trailblazer.
- Cultural Relevance: The car embodies the spirit of the 1930s, blending art deco design with technological advancement.
- Meticulous Restoration: Restored to perfection, the car represents a rare example of automotive preservation.
- Exclusive Display: On view at The Henry Ford Museum, the car offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors.
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Amelia Earhart’s 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible Conclusion
Amelia Earhart’s 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible is more than just a car—it’s a symbol of innovation, resilience, and a bygone era of elegance and adventure. The car encapsulates the spirit of the 1930s, a time when technological advancements and creative design were pushing the boundaries of possibility in both aviation and automotive industries. Its presence at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation bridges the worlds of aviation and automotive history, offering a tangible connection to one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.
For Amelia Earhart, the Cord 812 wasn’t merely a luxury vehicle—it represented her values of progress and innovation. From its advanced engineering to its stylish design, the car reflects the boldness and ingenuity that defined Earhart’s approach to life. Visitors to the museum are invited to immerse themselves in this rich narrative, appreciating the car not just as a historical artifact but as a piece of a larger story of perseverance and ambition.
The meticulous restoration of the Cord 812 is a testament to the importance of preserving history and honoring the craftsmanship of past generations. Its journey—from being owned by Earhart, to being fragmented and finally restored—is a fascinating chapter in the legacy of historical preservation. This restoration underscores the dedication of individuals and organizations like The JBS Collection in ensuring that such cultural treasures endure for future generations.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a history lover, or someone seeking inspiration, this exhibit is a must-see. It provides a rare opportunity to witness the convergence of two pioneering industries and to reflect on the enduring influence of trailblazers like Amelia Earhart. The Cord 812 serves as a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the human spirit’s drive to push boundaries.With the car on display until mid-May 2025, there’s a limited window to experience this extraordinary exhibit. Beyond its aesthetic and historical value, the display of the Cord 812 invites visitors to consider how innovation continues to shape our world and to draw inspiration from the enduring legacy of those who dared to dream beyond the limits of their time.
Amelia Earhart’s 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible FAQs
1. What makes the 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible unique?
The Cord 812 was a groundbreaking vehicle for its time, boasting several innovations that were ahead of the curve. It was the first car to feature hidden headlamps, operated by a lever inside the car, which became a hallmark of futuristic automotive design. Its front-wheel-drive layout, highly unusual in the 1930s, allowed for a lower ride height and improved handling. Additionally, the optional supercharged Lycoming V8 engine offered a remarkable 170 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful cars of its era. Combined with its art deco styling, designed by the legendary Gordon Buehrig, the Cord 812 set a new standard for luxury and innovation in the automotive world.
2. Why is this car significant to Amelia Earhart’s legacy?
This car was more than just a mode of transportation for Amelia Earhart—it was a reflection of her bold personality and forward-thinking mindset. She purchased the Cord 812 less than a year before her disappearance in 1937, and it was famously photographed alongside her Lockheed 10E Electra aircraft. Both the car and the plane symbolized her passion for innovation, technology, and breaking societal norms. The Cord 812 adds a personal dimension to Earhart’s legacy, highlighting her appreciation for cutting-edge advancements, whether on the road or in the sky.
3. How was the car restored?
After Amelia Earhart’s disappearance, her husband, George Putnam, sold the car, and its original parts were scattered across various owners over the years. In 2004, the fragmented components were finally reunited, marking the beginning of a meticulous restoration process. Jack Boyd Smith Jr. and The JBS Collection later undertook the task of restoring the car to its original specifications. Using historical photographs and records, they ensured every detail—down to the maroon leather interior and sand tan exterior—was accurate. This painstaking restoration has preserved the car as a living piece of history.
4. Where can I see the car?
The car is currently on display at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan. It is part of the museum’s rotating exhibit featuring vehicles from the National Historic Vehicle Register. The museum is renowned for its vast collection of artifacts that celebrate American ingenuity and innovation, making it the perfect venue for a car of this significance.
5. How long will the exhibit run?
The exhibit featuring Amelia Earhart’s 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible will run until mid-May 2025. Visitors have a limited time to view this extraordinary piece of history before it returns to private collection or another museum display.
6. What other vehicles are part of the exhibit?
The rotating exhibit at The Henry Ford Museum often includes vehicles with cultural and historical significance. Past displays have featured the 1985 Modena Spyder California from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a 1966 Volkswagen Deluxe Station Wagon associated with the Civil Rights Movement, and the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible. Each vehicle tells its own story of innovation, artistry, or societal impact, providing visitors with a broad perspective on automotive history.
7. What is the value of the 1937 Cord 812 today?
A fully restored 1937 Cord 812 can fetch upwards of $250,000 at auctions. However, Earhart’s Cord 812, with its unparalleled historical significance and connection to an iconic figure, would command an even higher value if sold. Such provenance elevates the car’s worth beyond its material aspects, making it a priceless artifact of American history.
8. Why was the Cord 812 not commercially successful despite its innovation?
Although the Cord 812 was a technological marvel, it was introduced during the Great Depression, when the economic downturn made luxury vehicles unaffordable for most people. Priced at $3,000 in 1937 (equivalent to over $60,000 today), it was significantly more expensive than the average car. Additionally, the complex engineering of the Cord 812 led to reliability issues, further hampering its commercial success. Despite these challenges, the car has since earned legendary status for its design and innovation.
9. How does the Cord 812 compare to other cars of its time?
The Cord 812 was leagues ahead of most cars in the 1930s in terms of technology and design. Its aerodynamic shape, hidden headlights, and front-wheel-drive system were revolutionary at a time when most cars had boxy designs and rear-wheel-drive configurations. While cars like the Packard Twelve and Cadillac V16 competed in the luxury segment, the Cord 812’s forward-thinking features made it stand out as a true trailblazer.
10. How did Amelia Earhart use the car during her life?
Although records of Earhart’s daily use of the car are limited, photographs suggest that she used the Cord 812 as a personal vehicle and perhaps as a means to travel to and from her aviation engagements. Its appearance in photographs alongside her Lockheed 10E Electra indicates that it was more than just a car—it was part of her image as a modern, adventurous, and forward-thinking individual.
Pooja Hegde is a Professional content writer with over 5 years of experience crafting enagaging and informative news content. Holding a Master’s degree in Mcom, Pooja blends techincal expertise with creative writing to deliver articles,guides and news resources to the readers.
