1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet
As the first American front-wheel-drive car to enter mass production, the1931 Cord L-29 was a groundbreaking vehicle that combined cutting-edge technology with breathtaking style.
The brainchild of E.L. Cord, a visionary industrialist and the driving force behind the Auburn Automobile Company, the L-29 was designed to be a game-changer in the luxury car market.
By adopting a front-wheel-drive layout, Cord and his team of engineers sought to create a car that offered superior handling, improved passenger comfort, and a sleeker appearance.
At the heart of the L-29 was a powerful 4.9-liter Lycoming inline eight-cylinder engine, which produced 125 horsepower and was mated to a three-speed manual transmission.
The front-wheel-drive system, which was designed in collaboration with the pioneering race car builder Harry Miller, allowed for a lower ride height and a more aerodynamic profile, as the absence of a bulky driveshaft tunnel permitted the body to be mounted lower on the frame.
The L-29’s chassis was equally innovative, featuring a strong X-braced frame, fully independent front suspension, and a solid rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
While the L-29’s mechanical underpinnings were undeniably impressive, it was the car’s breathtaking styling that truly set it apart from its contemporaries. The low-slung body, with its long hood, sweeping fenders, and graceful curves, was a masterpiece of Art Deco design.
The Cabriolet model, in particular, was a study in elegance and sophistication, with its folding soft top and open-air cockpit lending an air of glamour and romance to the already stunning design.
Despite its many virtues, the Cord L-29 was ultimately a victim of unfortunate timing. Introduced just months before the stock market crash of 1929, the L-29 faced an uphill battle in the midst of the ensuing Great Depression.
With a price tag that placed it firmly in the luxury car segment, the L-29 struggled to find buyers in a market that was rapidly contracting.
In total, only 5,014 L-29s were produced between 1929 and 1932, with the Cabriolet model accounting for just a small fraction of that total
Today, surviving examples of the Cord L-29 Cabriolet are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the car’s unique blend of innovation, style, and historical significance.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
