1930 Cord L-29 Cabriolet

Coachwork in the factory style by Evans

298ci L-Head Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
125bhp at 4,000rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*The most sporting and desirable L-29 variant
*Charming yellow color scheme
*Innovative front-wheel-drive chassis
*Full CCCA™ Classic, ACD Category 2 Certification
*Ex-Lowell Dunn Collection

THE FRONT DRIVE L-29

Errett Lobban Cord introduced the L-29 in 1929 as a gap-filling model priced between his Cord Corporation's Auburn and Duesenberg lines, the latter being totally redesigned that year. Powered by a straight-eight 'flat head' engine built by Lycoming – another one of Cord's companies – the L-29 featured front-wheel drive, then much in vogue at Indianapolis. An avid race fan, Cord had been impressed by the performance of the Harry Miller-designed front-wheel-drive Junior 8 Special, and in 1926 purchased the passenger-car rights to Miller's fwd designs. Cornelius Van Ranst was hired to assist with development, and by November 1927 the first prototype was ready for testing and assessment by Fred Duesenberg, Cord's Chief Engineer. Staff designer Al Leamy contributed the stylish coachwork, which was underpinned by Van Ranst's X-braced chassis frame – the world's first.

Production of the new car, now dubbed 'L-29', commenced at the Auburn, Indiana plant in April 1929 with a two-day press launch in June. The advantages conferred by the L-29's front-wheel-drive layout, chiefly, a low center of gravity and increased passenger space, were immediately apparent; while the freedom its low-slung frame gave coachbuilders meant that the Cord was soon attracting the attention of master craftsmen on both sides of the Atlantic. Indeed, many connoisseurs consider the L-29 to be the most stylish American car of the period.

The L-29 was offered initially in Sedan, Brougham, Convertible Coupé and Phaeton versions, at prices ranging from $3,095 to $3,295. Unfortunately for Cord, just as his new baby was reaching dealers' showrooms the Wall Street Crash of October 1929 blew away a huge proportion of his intended clientele. Despite a program of price cuts, sales never took off and the world's first practical front-wheel-drive production car was discontinued in 1932. Including cars supplied in chassis form to independent coachbuilders, only 5,010 L-29s were built, of which it is thought that around 300 of all types exist today.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This particular car was part of the Lowell Dunn collection for many years. After his death, an auction of his collection was held in 2009 and the Cord was acquired by the consignor. It has since been part of his collection.

On a recent inspection, this particular L-29 showed as a delightful older restoration. The engine compartment is very clean, and the car has some additional chroming on the front axle. Furthermore, a letter from the ACD Club historian, Dick Greene, states the engine and chassis number appear to show consistent sequencing of being mated at the factory. The car is very fetching in its current yellow paintwork with white accents. This color looks very good with its light brown upholstery, and black dashboard. In addition, the coupe convertible bodywork is often considered to be the most sporting and attractive factory design. It is further offset by a very nicely trimmed white top and traveling trunk. Lastly, the car is reported to be driving well.

The Cord L-29 is one of the best styled cars from an American manufacturer in the period. Their front wheel drive system made them revolutionary, and they were the only vehicles with this system offered to the American public. The low chassis design makes them sleek in appearance and improves handling. They are also very well suited as touring cars. This particular example should be an excellent car for CCCA events, or as a crowd favorite at car shows.