Vehicle Description
SELLING ATWORLDWIDE AUCTIONSJANUARY 16TH - SCOTTSDALEClick Here for
Auction and Vehicle Info!!Recently completed, high-quality
comprehensive restorationOriginal chassis, engine, and cabriolet
bodyHighly desirable American classic of innovative design and
engineeringLong and well-known ownership historyTechnological
landmark as Americas first front-drive automobileRecognized as a
CCCA Full ClassicIn the summer of 1929, E. L. Cord introduced his
fabulous new creation; the front-wheel drive Cord L-29. The L-29
was offered initially in Sedan, Brougham, Phaeton, and sporty and
elegant Cabriolet form, at prices initially ranging from $3,095 to
$3,295. Unfortunately for Cord, just as his newly launched car was
reaching dealer showrooms, the Wall Street stock market crash of
October 1929 devastated new car sales, especially in the upper
section of the market the new Cord was targeted to. 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.This stunning L-29s
history can be traced to Cincinnati, Ohio when a Mr. Huffrey
purchased this classic for $750 in 1946. After changing ownership
several times, it was acquired by Mr. Jerry Fisher of Piqua, Ohio.
In 1969, an amateur restoration was performed by Mr. Hubert Wood of
South Charleston, Ohio. A collector purchased the L-29 in 1980 and
drove it to the western part of the United States, where it was
kept in a private museum collection until 2013. The subsequent
owner commissioned Packard and Classic Cars of Bremen, Germany to
perform a comprehensive restoration. The detailed, authentic, and
through restoration included a complete teardown to the frame,
which was sandblasted and powder-coated. The axles, springs, and
all related suspension and undercarriage components were
sandblasted and repainted as well. All the cars sheet metal,
fenders and running boards were expertly refinished to show
quality, new structural woodwork fitted as needed, and all body
panels properly fitted and gaps checked before being painted and
clear-coated four times to achieve a stunning mirror-gloss finish.
The wire wheels were repainted black with four coats of clear as
well. The beautiful chrome and brightwork were restored and
polished to perfection. The dash was completely disassembled and
rebuilt, and all new period-correct wiring harnesses were crafted
and installed. A new leather interior, including the rumble seat,
was carefully created from the original patterns, and accented with
smart dark red piping. A new black canvas convertible top,
featuring contrasting red stitching, was fitted over newly crafted
wooden top bows.Wanting to have this classic run and drive as well
as it looks, a full overhaul of all mechanical systems included a
rebuild of the 298.6 cubic-inch L-head engine, including new
Babbit-type bearings, installation of a new camshaft, polishing and
balancing of the crankshaft, and having the cylinder block bored
and honed and the head planed. The three-speed manual transmission
was cleaned and inspected, and a new clutch and pressure-plate were
fitted. A full rebuild of the front suspension system featured
custom-made front ball joints hardened to original specifications.
The starter, generator, cooling system, and water pump were rebuilt
and a new radiator installed. Of particular importance to
collectors, this Cord L-29 still retains its original body tags,
serial numbers, chassis, engine, and cabriolet body, making it
eligible for concours exhibition and many Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg
Club events. Clearly benefiting from the recently completed,
show-quality restoration, and comprehensive mechanical overhaul,
this exceptional Full Classic L-29 Cord Cabriolet features a
wonderful color combination and is ideally suited for the show
field and touring enjoyment the choice, is yours.