Inside the Little-Known Mission to Reassemble Amelia Earhart’s 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible, Sold By Husband After Her Disappearance

Inside the Little-Known Mission to Reassemble Amelia Earhart’s 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible, Sold By Husband After Her Disappearance

Amelia Earhart, the renowned aviator, is most commonly associated with her pioneering flights in the aviation world. However, a lesser-known aspect of her life was her love for land vehicles. Among these was her prized possession, a 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible, which she purchased a mere nine months before her mysterious disappearance.

In a captivating new video series titled “The Journey,” Jack Boyd Smith, Jr., the owner of The JBS Collection, and his restoration partner, Travis LaVine of LaVine Restorations, Inc., delve into the intricate process of restoring Earhart’s iconic convertible. The car, famously photographed alongside Earhart and the Lockheed 10-E Electra plane she vanished in, had been sold by her husband, George Palmer Putnam, after her disappearance.

Smith stumbled upon the Cord in a dilapidated state, describing it as a “rust bucket” with missing seats in the front. To his surprise, he discovered that this neglected vehicle belonged to the legendary pilot, sparking a newfound interest in restoring it to its former glory. Collaborating with Texas collector Ray Foster, who had owned the car for over three decades, Smith began the arduous task of researching and sourcing components essential for the restoration.

One of the key challenges in restoring Earhart’s Cord was the intricate airplane-inspired design integrated into the car. Reflecting E.L. Cord’s ownership of the Stinson Aircraft Company, the convertible boasted unique aviation aesthetics, including airplane-themed interior details and functional flip switches. LaVine emphasised the importance of preserving these distinctive features during the meticulous restoration process.

Despite facing setbacks due to previous owners utilising the car for spare parts and losing original components along the way, Smith and LaVine were determined to restore the Cord to its original splendour. With unwavering dedication, they meticulously tracked down, catalogued, and painstakingly reassembled each missing element, including the distinctive ashtray, ‘suicide knob’ on the steering wheel, and the compass.

The restoration journey of Earhart’s Cord epitomises a labour of love and dedication towards preserving a piece of history that intertwines the realms of aviation and automotive innovation. What began as a serendipitous discovery by Jack Boyd Smith, Jr., evolved into a collaborative endeavour that transcends time, culminating in the resurrection of a remarkable symbol of Earhart’s legacy.

As the restoration project nears completion, the narrative of Amelia Earhart’s 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible serves as a poignant reminder of her indelible spirit and pioneering pursuits that continue to captivate and inspire generations. The unveiling of this meticulously restored masterpiece promises to reignite interest in the enigmatic aviator’s enduring legacy and her lesser-known passion for automotive excellence.