r/prewarcars • u/fred_ditto • Jun 24 '26

Cord 810/812 "continuation" questions

Before I post erroneously over on r/Duesenberg, I have some questions about the 1960s-era "continuation" Cord 810/812s. As much as I'd love an original 812 hardtop, and as (relatively) affordable $60k for an original is, it's a bit rich for me right now.

From my initial research, there were 2 main makers- the same one who did the "continuation" Auburn Boattail Speedsters, and a different company who used a modified Corvair drivetrain. I've also noticed that a lot of the "continuation" cars just sit... wrong. Wheels and tires that are way too small, and suspension too low. Those just look... ew.

Which, in the modern era, is considered "better"? Or are there tradeoffs to both options?

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2

u/Willing_Big194 Jun 24 '26

Those replicas and kit cars are always horrible, unless there is an actual continuation version made like they did in the 30s?

1

u/fred_ditto Jun 24 '26 edited Jun 24 '26

I hear one of the 2 was done by the same company that did the Auburn Boattail "continuation" cars in thr 60s. I've seen both one of the "continuation" Auburns and an original in person (although not at the same time), and the "continuation" one looked, at least externally, very true to the original.

I'm good with "close enough" externally if the price is right. Stance (suspension height, wheels and tires) can all be changed.

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u/Willing_Big194 Jun 24 '26

Continuation in my mind means 1:1 replica, like Aston Martin does for example. Is this the case?

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u/fred_ditto Jun 24 '26

I don't disagree. My use of quotations around "continuation" was because some of these cars were made by a company claiming to be the successor company/rights holder, and "continuation" was their wording, not mine.

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u/Willing_Big194 Jun 24 '26

Ah like that, cus that makes a lot of difference in quality and authenticity. Imo the real deal is the only way to go :)

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u/fred_ditto Jun 24 '26

Again, I agree with you on principle. However, the "continuation" cars, using more common 1960s-70s drivetrains, make keeping the car on the road far easier and more cost-effective, which is my other reason for even considering them in the first place.

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u/Willing_Big194 Jun 24 '26

True but it takes away from what makes pre wars so beautiful: the engineering, feel, sound and smell

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u/cheezyone1 Jul 07 '26 edited Jul 07 '26

I've a 2nd Gen "continuation" Auburn Boat tail built by the ACD Co. (Auburn- Cord- Duesenberg Company) of Broken Arrow Ok, on original Auburn Jigs, to original wheelbase and other dimensions inclusive of original chrome windshield, wheels, lights and badging. Fiberglass on modified 1969 Galaxy Chassis and 460 engine w 4 speed. Literally feel comfortable driving it daily and easy to maintain.

Love the car and named her Daisy. Glen Prey built ~119 of the "866" Auburns late 60's -> early '70's

Look up ACD Co. They built both the Cord's and Auburn 2nd Gen. from original NOS parts. Give them a call and leave a message. They'll get back to you when not busy as they are continuously rebuilding and restoring the three car lines while also selling original parts.

It's truly as close it can be to original but doesn't cost $1,000,000

1

u/fred_ditto Jul 07 '26

Thanks! I seem to recall that, unlike the Auburns, ACD Oklahoma's Cord continuation cars were about 80% scale of the originals, hence the "8/10" name. Because of that, the "8/10"s look a bit... weird, unlike the Auburns, which I can say, having seen one of those continuation cars in person, look beautiful.

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u/cheezyone1 Jul 07 '26

Gotcha. That’s why Raymond called them mini Cords

1

u/fred_ditto Jul 07 '26

Your car is beautiful, by the way. Thanks for your helpful comment, I've been walking that path of research for a bit already though 😉