1931 Cord L-29 Phaeton Sedan

The Cord L29 was the first production automobile with front-wheel drive. All models, open and closed, were built on a 137.5-inch wheelbase. The Lycoming straight-engine produced 125 horsepower.

Because of the front-wheel drive feature, the L29 Cord was much lower and sleeker than most cars of the day. It lasted from 1930 to 1932, producing 5,010 cars of all body styles.

This 1931 L-29 Phaeton Sedan (Convertible 5-passenger Sedan) has a known history since the 1950s, was restored in the 1960s, and was a CCCA winner in the late 1960s. It was later owned by Tom Lester's wife, Shirley, and then resided in Bobby Crump's Museum in New Orleans until the 1990s when the current owners purchased it. The car rides on a 137.5-inch wheelbase and weighs 4,500 pounds. It is powered by a 298.6 cubic-inch, in-line, 8-cylinder engine developing 125 horsepower. It was the most expensive Cord in 1931 and sold new for $3,295.

The car has just completed extensive 'refreshing.' The A.C.D. Club has certified this car as an authentic Cord and one of only 17 of this body style left in the U.S. as of March 31, 1993. It is the 4,771st L-29 built. It is a late 1931 production model and is equipped with the 'FF' engine, which was a bored-out 322 cubic-inch unit that was stronger than the earlier version, reportedly produced more horsepower, and came with a more efficient exhaust manifold.