Vehicle Description
To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Auburn Fall event, 30
August - 2 September 2018.
Estimate:
$180,000 - $210,000
"Blondie," one of the best-known surviving L-29 convertible phaeton
sedansKnown ownership history since new; original chassis, engine,
and bodyDriven to the world premiere of Gone with the Wind in
Atlanta in 1939125-hp, 298-cu. in. inline eight-cylinder engine,
three-speed manual transmission, and front-wheel driveEligible for
all Auburn Cord Duesenberg (ACD) Club events and activitiesClassic
Car Club of America (CCCA) Full ClassicACD Club Certified Category
1 (CL-052)
This Cord L-29 was originally delivered in Atlanta, Georgia, to
Silvey Speer as a gift for his granddaughter, Frances McKenzie.
Unfortunately, the effects of the Great Depression forced Miss
McKenzie to sell her car only two years later to Austin Abbott, an
Atlanta-based Stutz dealer and event promoter. For the next three
decades, the car Mr. Abbott dubbed "Blondie" appeared in literally
hundreds of parades and events around Atlanta, becoming a central
figure in the city's celebrations. It opened interstate highways,
led parades, chauffeured political candidates, was vaulted by a
team of stunt riders on horses, and, most famously, attended the
world premiere of Gone with the Wind in 1939.
In the mid-1960s the car passed to Verney Bentley of Atlanta, who
continued using it for parades and events, as well as in classic
tours and shows; in his ownership it was certified by the Auburn
Cord Duesenberg Club as a Category 1 Original Car. Later, in the
1980s, it was owned by Murrell Smith, who performed the extensive,
high-quality restoration that the car still wears today.
Accessories include Dual side-mount spares fitted with mirrors, a
trunk with matching tan canvas cover, and fine quality chrome
bumpers and fittings.
"Blondie" is one of the best-known surviving L-29s and is ready for
a continued show career or life in ACD Club and CCCA events with a
happy new owner.To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/AF18.
