The Cowboy and His Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton
By: Sam Maven
Tags: Cars, Cord, Movies, Classic Cars, Tom Mix

Photo Credit: Bonhams

Before there was John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Roy Rogers, James Stewart, Gene Autry or even Gary Cooper, there was Tom Mix.

Mix was the iconic Hollywood cowboy figure of the silent-film era. Having starred in more than 300 films, his popularity in the early 20th century would have rivaled many of today’s A-list celebrities.

Although he was from Pennsylvania, he was the ultimate cowboy, who not only portrayed the rugged demeanor on stage, but also in life. Before making a name for himself on the big screen during the 1920s, Mix tried his hand at several trades. His most widely known role outside of acting was that of a real cowboy, moving West to wrangle cattle and ride horses before the 20th century arrived. He also spent time as a ranch hand, law enforcement officer and circus performer.

His way of life and the company he kept was representative of the Old West. He rode with Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders during his inaugural parade and served as a pall bearer at Wyatt Earp’s funeral.

As the silent-era of movies slowly faded into the backgrounded and films with dialogue rose in popularity, Mix’s spotlight started to dim. By the 30s, most of his money was gone; however, he was still able to afford a brand-new, Gordon Buehrig-designed Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton.

Mix’s new car was beautiful and fast … just the way he liked it. Unfortunately, the Cord 812 is linked to the Hollywood cowboy in a way that no one wants to be associated to a vehicle.

On October 12, 1940, Mix died behind the wheel of his yellow Cord 812 when he tried to cross a bridge in Arizona that was being repaired and got caught in a wash. As a result of the accident, a metal suitcase hit him in the head, breaking his skull and neck.

His Cord 812 was no ordinary Cord. True to Mix’s flamboyant and outlandish lifestyle, his vehicle was outfitted with various customizations and upgrades. Like most Cord 812s, according to an article on Bonhams, Mix’s car was designed with a “front-wheel drive chassis, supercharged Lycoming V-8 engine and open 5-seat coachwork.”

According to the article, Mix’s Cord 812 featured “an exposed rear-mounted spare tire with extended rear bumper, raised rear license plate bracket on the left bumper spring, two Kilborn Sauer fog lights and single Trippe driving light, which are seen in period photos with the famous cowboy star.”

Other customizations included “TM” embossed leather stone guards, flag poles on the front bumper, bumper guards, grille protector, Mix’s initials on the side of the car, his last name on the horn, leather holster for his gun, accelerate that fit the heel of his cowboy boot and two medallions given to him by the King of Denmark on the front of the car.

In recent years, the Tom Mix Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton has made its way around the show circuit picking up awards and honors at some of the most prestigious events: the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Glenmoor Gathering, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, The Elegance at Hershey, Keels and Wheels and Santa Fe Concorso, among others.

The car, like its owner, was truly one-of-a-kind.