Gordon Buehrig's Cord 812 is one of the most recognizable American automobiles of the classic era.

The revolutionary front-wheel drive configuration permitted a low, ground-hugging stance bereft of running boards.

The headlights were hidden in the fenders.

Gone too was the grille shell, the cornerstone of identity for other marques.

This roadster is believed to have been initially built in the 1940s or early 1950s.

At the time, car enthusiasts were returning from the war, and while many newly prosperous GI's were building Ford-based hot rods, there were those who wanted something more exclusive.

There are many examples of luxury cars customized in the era, including Cadillacs, Packards and even several Duesenbergs.

This is an example of the early post-war custom car craze.

The exact builder and details are lost to time.

It was discovered in the early 1960s, in need of restoration, and was featured in the Auburn Cord Duesenberg magazine in 1972.

It is well-known in ACD circles...