The styling of the Cord 810 was the work of designer Gordon M. Buehrig and his team of stylists, which included young Vince Gardner and Alex Tremulis.

[3] The semi-automatic[3] four-speed transmission (three plus overdrive)[3] extended in front of the engine, like on a Traction Avant.

[7] Reportedly[8] conceived as a Duesenberg and nearly devoid of chrome, the 810 had hidden door hinges[1] and rear-hinged hood,[1] rather than the side-opening type more usual at the time, both new items.

[13] Early reliability problems, including slipping out of gear and vapor lock, cooled initial enthusiasm.

The current owner was unaware of its provenance when he purchased it, and he used the factory archival photos and drawings to confirm it was a 814 prototype.

The second-generation Toronado introduced a hood design that resembled the 810/812 coffin nose and horizontal cooling grille.

The 1965 movie Where the Spies Are had Love promised an ultra-rare Cord LeBaron in return for agreeing to carry out a mission for MI-6.

In the 1938 film "Gangster's Boy" starring Jackie Cooper, the main character drives a white 1937 Cord 812SC Sportman.

In 1940 ailing automakers Hupmobile and Graham-Paige tried to save money and revive the companies, by using the 810/812 body dies.

[citation needed] Between 1964 and 1970, two further attempts were made to replicate the original Buehrig design for limited production.

The ‘Classic Cord’ Hot Wheels toy car of the 1960s, a convertible coupé, is one of the most valuable, and commands up to US$800 (2006) if still in an unopened package.