1929 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Was Before Its Time

By Steven Symes Aug 15, 2019

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By Steven Symes Aug 15, 2019

This classic was perhaps more advanced than the Tucker 48.

While Hollywood and the mainstream media has gotten people all fired up about the demise of Tucker back in the day, they’ve virtually ignored Cord. This 1929 Cord L-29 Cabriolet marks a huge leap forward for automobiles. It kicked off a technology we completely take for granted today: front-wheel drive. Before it debuted, no other American car offered the drive layout.

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This example from Premier Auction Group has been restored to its former glory. Thankfully, some important original elements haven’t been lost over the years. One of those is the factory-original chassis, which is stamped #2927788. Under the cowling sits a Lycoming 298ci straight-eight engine #FD14555. It produces 125-horsepower, a modest amount today but considered substantial in the pre-Depression era. When you drive this Cord, you get to use the manual transmission, so there’s that closer connection to the machine. Thanks to a professional front axle rebuild and mechanical servicing, you can be confident in this car.

Of course, this Cord L-29 looks rather stately and classy with a Dark Blue Metallic over Tan color scheme. While the overall shape is a clear indication about what era this ride hails from, the spare tires mounted to the front fenders, whitewall tires, and non-integrated headlights also provide some context.

The Beige convertible soft top is a nice touch, plus it was installed this year. Put it up for protection from the elements, or to transform the profile of this car. You can take it down to feel the wind and transform the aesthetics with minimal effort.

There is no trunk in this car, but instead a rumble seat takes up the rear. You’ll note a luggage rack mounted to the rear bumper allows you to take along items for a longer trip.

The full leather interior is brand new, so there’s no damage or wearing in the material. This is a car that’s luxurious and historically significant. Favored by celebrities like Frank Lloyd Wright, the Cord L-29 still changed the automotive landscape, despite its company going under for the final time in 1937.