1930 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Convertible Speedster

The boat-tail 'LeGrande' speedster was designed by Phil Wright, who had left Murphy Coachbuilders. He headed to Detroit in search of work where he found it with Auburn. Auburn Automobile Company president Roy Faulkner found Wright's sketches intriguing and authorized the construction of a body. Company stylist Alan Leamy was called in to make the car more 'Cord-like,' and a single example was built.

The finished product was put on display at the New York Auto Show. It was purchased by MGM executive Paul Bern for his wife, actress Jean Harlow. The car was then taken to France, with the intent of exhibiting it at the Paris Salon. The car was left in France when they returned to the United States. Since then, the history of the car is not fully known. A reproduction was later created with financing from North Carolina orthodontist Fay Culbreth. Upon completion, the car became a permanent exhibit at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum. Several other reproductions have been built, the last example was created in 2005.

This reproduction was acquired in 2005 from the Al Wiseman Collection in Florida. It is finished in red and black and rides on chrome wire wheels. It is a 1999 AACA National First Prize winner with Senior status.

In 2011, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Hershey Auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $150,000 - $190,000. As bidding came to a close, the vehicle had been sold for $165,000, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2011