An enduring symbol of American innovation and Art Deco elegance, the Cord 810 remains one of the most groundbreaking automobiles of the 20th century. This 1936 Cord 810 Cabriolet carries added distinction as the personal car of legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, who acquired it in part due to its deep ties to another automotive visionary, Preston Tucker.

Mr. Coppola, who directed Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988), regarded the Cord as a critical design precursor to the Tucker 48. “The Cord has fascinated me for years,” he remarked, “especially because I knew the Tucker had been built with a Cord transmission.”

Designed by Gordon Buehrig, the Cord 810 stunned the world upon its debut with its radically modern features: hidden headlights, a streamlined “coffin nose” grille, front-wheel drive, and an advanced semiautomatic pre-selector gearbox. Beneath the hood lies a 289 cid Lycoming V-8, mated to a four-speed gearbox, delivering 125 hp.

Only approximately 195 Cabriolets were built between 1936 and 1937, and this example stands as a rare survivor of that limited production. It is presented in vibrant yellow paintwork over red leather upholstery, a fittingly bold livery for such an avant-garde design. Recognized as a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America, the Cord 810 offers eligibility for tours and concours events.