Cords have that intangible something that grabs your attention. Maybe it’s the graceful arc of the huge front fenders that accentuate the car’s front-wheel drive, or maybe it is the art deco grille that wraps around the car’s nose. It might even be the exhaust pipes that exit through the hood and curve down into the fenders like chrome snakes. But make no mistake, Cords are unlike any other car, and folks who love them are loyal to the brand.

 The Cord is named after E.L. Cord who went to work for Auburn Automobile Co. in Auburn, Ind., in 1924. The first car to bear his name was the 1929 Cord L-29, a long-fendered roadster with a Gatsby look. The sleek 810-812 model followed the L-29 in 1935. Approximately 2,800 were produced in 1936 and 1937. The engine was a Lycoming flat-head V-8 that displaced 288.6 cubic inches and had 125 horsepower. It had front-wheel drive, unibody construction, electro-vacuum shifting and retractable headlights. Gordon Buehrig was the Cord designer, and the car was revolutionary for its time.

 Bob and Sandy Coleman of Mission Hills are serious Cord enthusiasts. Not only do they have two beautifully restored examples, but they are both nationally qualified judges.

 Their black 1936 Phaeton is the second Cord they have restored. The first is a 1937 sedan. Every piece of the Colemans’ Phaeton, from the body to upholstery to the engine, is a picture of perfection. You would never believe that the car was little more than a collection of parts when they bought it in 1988.

 The Colemans’ Phaeton has an interesting history. It was the original “pattern car” for Eric Cain’s Cord Machine Shop in Tulsa, Okla. Cain copied original parts from this car and sold them to other restorers. When he sold his business to Stan Gilliland in Wellington, Kan., this car went along.

 Restoring a car requires a lot of patience. Gilliland overhauled the engine and mechanical components. Rick Hulett of Shawnee fabricated the upholstery, and Kevin McGinnis of Kansas City, Kan., did the bodywork and metal finishing. Dan Freese of Bonner Springs reassembled all of the mechanical components and Tom Richardson of Wichita installed the upholstery and top.

 The Colemans’ car scored a 1^st Primary Award in 2007 and a 1^st Senior Award in 2008 at the annual Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Reunion in Auburn, Ind., that is held over Labor Day weekend. The car will be entered into competition again this year and it may vie for a Senior Emeritus Award or possibly the Gordon Buehrig Award for the best of 810-812 Cords.

 Why is car restoration appealing as a hobby for the Colemans? “As Sandy said, it’s the journey, the people you meet and the fun,” Bob said. It’s also about owning legendary cars that are rolling sculpture.

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