Photo by Josh Sweeney/SFD
BEVERLY, Mass. (July 22, 2019) – On Sunday, July 21, more than 100 vehicles, from rare classics to pre-war motorcycles, participated in the 10th Annual Misselwood Concours d’Elegance. Owners traveled from over 10 states to show their prized possessions, and after deliberation the judges awarded the Best of Show award to Thomas and Vivienne Haines’ 1936 Cord 810 Convertible Phaeton.
The Cord 810 was only produced for 1936 and 1937. Praised for its innovation, the front-drive 810 is powered by a Lycoming V8 engine joined to a four-speed pre-selector transmission. The Gordon Buehrig designed body features a distinctive “coffin nose” louvered grille and retractable headlights. This particular first-year 810 was delivered new by the Cord factory agency in Los Angeles, California and had the supercharger trim installed, minus the supercharger. Robert C. Stemple, a former President and CEO of
General Motors was a previous owner. The Cord was recently restored by Prueitt Automotive Restorations of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania over a four year period.
Other strong contenders for the Best of Show honor included a 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Corto Spider and a 1934 Pierce Arrow 840A Convertible. “The quality and diverse mix of vehicles made this the hardest decision we’ve ever made, there were numerous cars worthy of being our 2019 Best of Show,” according to Darren Stewart, Misselwood Concours d’Elegance chairman.
“After 10 years, the Misselwood Concours d’Elegance has become recognized as a premiere event for motoring enthusiasts and we are very excited to see what the future holds,” says Stewart. Indeed, Misselwood will soon be included alongside more well-known concours events at Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, and Villa d’Este, in a forthcoming hardcover book, The Concours Year, to be published by Hothouse Media.