Rare optioned Cord Westchester on Branson docket

Sometime is the 1960s, a Tulsa, Oklahoma, salesman purchased the 1937 Cord 812 Westchester that is being offered during the Spring Branson auction, set for April 21-22 at the Branson Convention Center in Missouri.

The Cord features a bolt-on trunk, a very rare option that is known to only have appeared on a second car that was built for E.L. Cords wife. Other unique features include the radio head in the dash and the Cord-exclusive green exterior paint, which is highlighted by the cloth interior’s darker two-tone greens.

Upon obtaining the car, the salesman started restoring it using new-old-stock parts from the  Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company, which had been relocated to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, after it was acquired by an Oklahoma school teacher.

The restoration was completed in 1983 and the car was driven a little over 60 miles before it was put into storage until this year.

“Collectors come here to find rare and unseen cars,” said Jim Cox, who owns The Branson Auction with his wife, Kathy.

The auction house is one of the longest-running classic car sales in the U.S., staging events twice a year for the last 39 years.

“It’s the Midwest auction for collectors that typically own one or two classics,” Jim Cox said.

Around 5,000 consigners, bidders and spectators typically attend the sales. The spring sale this year figures to include around 300 cars.

Along with the 1937 Cord 812 Westchester, other significant vehicles expected to cross the block include a 1932 Ford roadster.

The ’32 Ford offered at auction was built by CCR Technologies utilizing a Rod Action fiberglass body with functional cowl vent, a So-Cal chopped custom windshield, and a Custom Roadster top in black canvas. Other highlights include a Superbell chrome suspension with a 4-inch drop, Ford F-100 rebuilt steering box, 9-inch Ford rear end with 3.50 gear and Traction-Loc differential, So-Cal faux Buick drum front disc brake kit, and a polished stainless steel exhaust system.

Power is provided by a built 355 Chevrolet full-roller engine coupled to a Muncie 4 speed transmission.

The interior features Stewart Warner Wings gauges in a speedster dash insert, Bell racing steering wheel, a dynamite sound system and the car is seen on period correct Astro Supreme wheels.

Additionally, a 1940 Chevrolet two-door deluxe street rod is set to cross the block without reserve. The car was fully updated in March 2015 and fitted with a Jasper 350 LT1 engine that has been driven less than 1,000 miles. The engine comes with a transferable 3-year or 100,000-mile warranty.

Other updates and modifications done to the street rod include a new ACE remanufactured transmission, power steering, four-wheel power disc brakes, Vintage Air heat and air conditioning, 3.42 geared 10-bolt rear end, frenched antenna, custom Wabbit dash, and three-inch exhaust.

A 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible in rare Ivory paint is to be offered as well as a 1956 DeSoto Firedome station wagon. The Caribbean convertible comes equipped with every available option, including ultramatic transmission, hydraulic windows, seat, power top, steering, and brakes are also included.

The DeSoto is Hemi powered and was formerly owned by Illinois Congressman Ken Gray.

To register as a bidder or consign a car, see the Branson Auction site for more details.