Vehicle Description
Shortly after Errett Lobban Cord saved the ailing Auburn Automobile
Company from collapse, he leveraged his success by wresting control
of the firm from the board. A driven and ambitious entrepreneur,
Cord envisioned an American luxury car empire, and Auburn provided
the ideal foundation. E.L. Cord wasted little time transforming
Auburn's staid and forgettable lineup into a style and value leader
in the mid-priced luxury car market. With Auburn stabilized and
successful, Cord set his sights on creating a new automobile to
take on the likes of Packard and Cadillac. Around the same time,
E.L. added Duesenberg to his portfolio, leaving room for a new
luxury marque slot between it and the value-driven Auburn. Never
one for modesty, Cord slapped his surname on the badge and
challenged his engineers to create a car that was as innovative as
it was beautiful. The sleek and rakish Cord L-29 debuted in 1929,
featuring America's first front-wheel-drive system with a De Dion
front axle, designed by the same engineers responsible for the
revolutionary Miller front-drive Indy Car. The front-drive layout
allowed the body to sit over the chassis rather than on top, giving
the L-29 its sexy, low-slung profile. Cord's chief designer Alan
Leamy created the spectacular styling, distinguished by its
gracefully flowing front fenders, arcing split bumpers, and a
narrow, body-color radiator shell. It was a stunning design admired
by many, including Walter P. Chrysler, who benchmarked the L-29 for
his flagship Imperial line. The L-29 shared the 298.6 cubic-inch
Lycoming straight-eight with top-line Auburns, albeit turned 180
degrees for the front-drive layout. The engine paired with a
modified de Dion front axle which contributed to the Cord's
excellent handling ability. The factory offered the L-29 in four
styles: Convertible Sedan, 5-Passenger Brougham, Sedan, and
2/4-Passenger Cabriolet. In addition, a handful of outside
coachbuilders took advantage of the low profile to create some of
the most breathtaking designs of the classic era. Only 5,014 L-29s
were built between 1929 and 1932, as the Great Depression took hold
and effectively killed the replacement L-30 before it even left the
drawing board. A follow-up would not appear for several more years,
and despite its brief existence, the Cord L-29 legacy endures as
one of the classic era's most beautiful and desirable production
cars. This handsome and appealing L-29 features the factory's
gorgeous and versatile Convertible Sedan coachwork, with its
distinct low roofline and rakish profile. In the care of one owner
from 2003 through 2022, this Cord benefits from a well-preserved,
high-quality restoration. According to the prior owner, the L-29
was restored approximately 40 years ago, using a highly original
car as the basis for the project. It is said to be restored to its
factory colors, and while no build records exist to verify this, it
is undoubtedly a beautiful and appealing livery. In the previous
owner's care, it received a new Haartz canvas top in an attractive
taupe/green to complement the primary body color. It presents very
well, with glossy, consistent paintwork and a pleasing light patina
earned through years of enjoyment and care. Fittings include
period-correct amber fog lamps, dual side-mount spares, chrome wire
wheels, and whitewall tires. The interior is trimmed in lovely dark
green leather and carpet in the front and rear compartments. The
driver's seat shows some light cracking and creasing acquired
through years of use, yet it remains sound, inviting, and
consistent with the car's overall patina. The controls,
instruments, and switches are correct and well-detailed. The top is
excellent and fits snug against the roll-up side windows.
Lycoming's L-head inline-eight is clean and orderly in the engine
bay, finished correctly in dark green with black enamel
ancillaries. It is generally well-detailed, showing signs of
regular upkeep. Notably, the big eight runs beautifully, emitting
an appealing growl from the tailpipe, and on the road, the car
feels exceptionally refined and well-sorted. That performance and
refinement make it the ideal choice for Classic Car Club of America
CARavan touring events or similar tours with the active and
enthusiastic Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club. The Cord L-29 epitomizes
classic era grandiosity and elegance, and this wonderful example is
rich with character and prime for enjoyment on the road or in
casual show settings. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7240-1931-cord-l-29-convertible-sedan/
