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There is no disputing the fact that the Cord front-wheel-drive automobiles of the 1920s are a true engineering and styling marvel. The powerful straight-eight engine provides 125 horsepower, allowing performance that rivals its impressive styling.
The L-29 is credited as being the first American front-wheel drive car to be offered to the public, beating the Ruxton automobile to the market by several months in 1929. The brainchild of former Miller engineer Carl Van Ranst, the design of the drive system was borrowed from Indianapolis 500 dominating racers, using the same de Dion layout and inboard brakes. This allowed it to be considerably lower than other cars. The L-29 features full instrumentation, including a temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and speedometer on the left, with a gas gauge, oil level gauge, and Ammeter on the right of the steering wheel. A number of ahead-of-its-time features are also found on this Cord. Among them are the inboard mounted brakes and central internal chassis lubrication, uncommon among luxury automobiles of the era.
This L-29 Cabriolet was found in a garage in Key West, Florida in the mid-1970s. The current owner's brother had started a full restoration but was unable to complete it. The current owner then took on the task, commissioning the final restoration which was completed in 2010. Finished in Brilliant Blue with gleaming chrome wheels, this is an outstanding example of one of the classic era's sleekest and most desirable Cabriolets.
The L-29 is credited as being the first American front-wheel drive car to be offered to the public, beating the Ruxton automobile to the market by several months in 1929. The brainchild of former Miller engineer Carl Van Ranst, the design of the drive system was borrowed from Indianapolis 500 dominating racers, using the same de Dion layout and inboard brakes. This allowed it to be considerably lower than other cars. The L-29 features full instrumentation, including a temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and speedometer on the left, with a gas gauge, oil level gauge, and Ammeter on the right of the steering wheel. A number of ahead-of-its-time features are also found on this Cord. Among them are the inboard mounted brakes and central internal chassis lubrication, uncommon among luxury automobiles of the era.
This L-29 Cabriolet was found in a garage in Key West, Florida in the mid-1970s. The current owner's brother had started a full restoration but was unable to complete it. The current owner then took on the task, commissioning the final restoration which was completed in 2010. Finished in Brilliant Blue with gleaming chrome wheels, this is an outstanding example of one of the classic era's sleekest and most desirable Cabriolets.
This front-wheel-drive Cord L-29 was built in February of 1931 and equipped with the more powerful 'FF' engine, a larger 322 cubic-inch unit introduced late in L-29 production. The current caretaker acquired the car from the estate of his brother, who had purchased it in Key West, Florida, in the mid-1980s. The car was a sold and rust-free example in need of a restoration.
The car was soon sold to Ken Clark of Ken's Classics in Pittsfield, Maine. The car was given a restoration and then received its ACD Club Certification as a Category 1 Original Car. It has been shown extensively with the Club, eventually achieving Senior Emeritus honors and the Alan Leamy Award for Best L-29 at the National Reunion in 2014. It's also a Senior car in the AACA and CCCA. The car is a Lion Award winner at the Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's. Other show appearances include the Pinehurst Concours d'Elegance and the CCCA Museum Experience.By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2019
The car was soon sold to Ken Clark of Ken's Classics in Pittsfield, Maine. The car was given a restoration and then received its ACD Club Certification as a Category 1 Original Car. It has been shown extensively with the Club, eventually achieving Senior Emeritus honors and the Alan Leamy Award for Best L-29 at the National Reunion in 2014. It's also a Senior car in the AACA and CCCA. The car is a Lion Award winner at the Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's. Other show appearances include the Pinehurst Concours d'Elegance and the CCCA Museum Experience.By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2019
2019 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $300,000-USD $350,000
Lot was not sold
2018 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $325,000-USD $375,000
Lot was not sold
1931 Cord L-29 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Cord L-29
(Data based on Model Year 1931 sales)
1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Chassis#: 2929758 Sold for USD$280,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Chassis#: 2927175 Sold for USD$229,600 2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center | |
1931 Cord L-29 Convertible Sedan Chassis#: FD3954 Sold for USD$131,600 2022 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale Arizona | |
1931 CORD L29 CABRIOLET Chassis#: 2929884 Sold for USD$275,000 2022 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale, Arizona | |
1931 Cord L-29 Brougham Chassis#: 2928803 Sold for USD$89,100 2020 RM Sothebys : The Mitosinka Collection | |
1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Chassis#: 2928916 Sold for USD$242,000 2019 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale, Arizona | |
1931 Cord L-29 Brougham Chassis#: 29929177 Sold for USD$44,000 2018 RM Auctions : Auburn Fall | |
1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Chassis#: 2231 Sold for USD$224,000 2018 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Chassis#: 2928916 Sold for USD$210,000 2018 RM Sothebys : Auburn Spring | |
1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Chassis#: 3916 Sold for USD$187,000 2017 RM Auctions : Amelia Island | |
1932 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Chassis#: 4987 Sold for USD$236,500 2017 RM Sotheby's : Arizona Auction | |
1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Chassis#: 2929506 Sold for USD$180,000 2015 WorldWide Auctions - Houston Classic Auction | |
1931 Cord L-29 Convertible Phaeton Sedan Chassis#: 2930071 Sold for USD$156,750 2015 RM Sotheby's : Amelia Island | |
1931 Cord L-29 Convertible Sedan Sold for USD$258,500 2014 Worldwide Auctions - Auburn | |
1931 Cord L-29 Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 2928812 Sold for USD$258,500 2014 The 7th Annual Auburn Auction | |
1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Chassis#: 2929244 Sold for USD$246,488 2013 RM Auction - London | |
1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Chassis#: 2929040 Sold for USD$231,000 2013 RM Auctions - St John's | |
1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Chassis#: 2929758 Sold for USD$407,000 2013 RM Auctions - Amelia Island | |
1931 Cord L-29 Chassis#: 2929245 Sold for USD$280,000 2013 Bonhams - The Scottsdale Auction | |
1931 Cord L-29 La Grande Boattail Speedster Recreation Chassis#: 2927156 Sold for USD$368,500 2012 RM Auctions - St. Johns, Michigan |
Cord L-29s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1931 Cord L-29's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet | 4117 | 2019 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | $300,000 | $350,000 | |
1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet | FDA4201 | 2018 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale | $325,000 | $375,000 |
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1931 Cord L-29
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