To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVEEstimate:
$60,000 - $90,000
- The rarest L-29 factory body style
- Older cosmetic restoration; a longtime hobby participant
- Still fitted with its original engine and bodywork
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
At its debut, the Cord Front-Drive (L-29) was the first major
American production car with front-wheel drive. The lack of a
driveshaft tunnel allowed for the bodies to be mounted low on the
frame, with the result being that the Cord was no taller than a
person of average height. Sadly, the L-29 came to market just as
the Great Depression's crushing weight came down on the automobile
industry, and production of the car faded away in late 1931.
The rarest Cord Front Drive or L-29 body style is the Brougham, an
elegant four-door sedan with blind rear quarters. Only thirteen
original examples remain in existence today.
The car offered here is a very early 1931 model, completed in
December 1930. It was recorded by the AACA as early as 1954 in the
ownership of Jack G. Thomas, and later acquired in 1973 by William
G. Patterson of Forest Grove, Oregon, with whom it remained for
many years. Mr. Mitosinka acquired it from longtime collector
Dennis Gibbs of Castro Valley, California in 2008.
An older cosmetic restoration in the factory-specified Tongan
Maroon and Black livery, the car's exterior finishes have a healthy
patina, with consistent gentle wear visible throughout. Early in
its time in the Mitosinka Collection, it had the interior
completely restored, including upholstery, woodgraining, and
installation of correct trim hardware, and had numerous small
mechanical components reconditioned, with receipts included in the
file. It would benefit from thorough detailing and body
adjustments.
The car retains its original serial number, body number, and engine
number tags, the latter matching the original stamping on the
engine block, and overall has a highly satisfying authentic
appearance. During Mr. Mitosinka's ownership the L-29 was displayed
at the Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance and the front universal
joints were rebuilt. At the time of cataloguing the odometer
recorded 42,043 miles.
This is a thoroughly charming L-29 in a very desirable body
style.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mt20.