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Drive Type:
FWD
Transmission:
Manual
Condition:
Used
Color:
Red
Color:
Red
VIN:
11964
Description
The L-29 was introduced in August 1929 as the first American-built front-wheel-drive production car and the first model to carry the Cord name. The forward powertrain layout was inspired by the success of front-wheel-drive race cars at the Indianapolis 500 and allowed the L-29’s body to be mounted lower on its 137.5”-wheelbase X-brace frame, with flat floors accommodating expanded passenger space. Among four available factory body styles were four- and two-door convertibles that were styled by Alan Leamy…
The L-29 was introduced in August 1929 as the first American-built front-wheel-drive production car and the first model to carry the Cord name. The forward powertrain layout was inspired by the success of front-wheel-drive race cars at the Indianapolis 500 and allowed the L-29’s body to be mounted lower on its 137.5”-wheelbase X-brace frame, with flat floors accommodating expanded passenger space. Among four available factory body styles were four- and two-door convertibles that were styled by Alan Leamy and built by the Limousine Body Company, a Cord subsidiary.
This example wears two-door cabriolet bodywork that was removed from the frame and repainted in its current livery of red with black accents during the 2000s refurbishment reportedly performed by Jim Livings in Tucson, Arizona. Various imperfections in the finish are shown up close in the photo gallery below. Additional features include dual cowl-mounted spotlights, Sparton electric horns, a rear luggage rack, and a rectangular exhaust outlet, while turn signals have been added. The black convertible top was fitted during the refurbishment and can be stowed under a matching boot.
Black-painted wire wheels are accented by bright rims and are secured by two-eared knock-offs, while 7.00-18 Firestone wide-whitewall tires are mounted at each corner. Dual side-mount spares wear matching tires and carry side mirrors. Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes feature inboard-mounted front units.
The cabin is trimmed in light gray leather over a single bench seat with matching upholstery over the door panels and rear rumble seat. Additional features include matching carpeting, storage pockets in the kick panels, a beveled-edge rearview mirror, and a locking door located in the passenger-side quarter panel for the storage of golf clubs. The seller notes that the golf-club compartment door is difficult to open.
The four-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a black dash panel, through which the gearshift passes and transmits input to linkage that runs through the firewall and overtop the engine. Instrumentation on the left side of the dash includes a drum-style speedometer and gauges monitoring coolant temperature and oil pressure, while gauges to the right monitor fuel level, amperage, and oil level, the latter of which does not work. The five-digit odometer shows 30k miles, less than 200 of which have been added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The 298ci Lycoming L-head inline-eight is mounted longitudinally with its flywheel facing the front of the car and was factory rated at 125 horsepower. The engine was rebuilt during the 2000s refurbishment, and a service is said to have been performed prior to the seller’s purchase of the car. Features include a single updraft Schebler carburetor, a six-volt positive-ground electrical system, and an auxiliary electric fuel pump, the latter of which was added to prime the carburetor after periods of sitting.
The three-speed manual transaxle unit is mounted forward of the engine and transmits power to the front wheels via constant-velocity joints, the latter of which were a first for production cars. The suspension incorporates a de Dion front setup with dual leaf springs on each side along with a leaf-sprung rear beam axle and Houdaille shock absorbers all around. A Bijur automatic chassis lubrication system is actuated from inside the cabin via a lever underneath the dash and is noted to deposit drips beneath the car when parked.
The ACD Club Verification of Origins sheet identifies the car as a certified Cord with club number CL-139 and lists the component numbers. An ACD certification decal listing the car’s club identification number is affixed to the windshield.
A collection of photographs from early in the car’s long-term ownership is included in the sale. Images from the 2000s refurbishment can be seen in the gallery below, and a compact disc with additional refurbishment photos is also included along with copies of parts and services manuals.
$85,900
Make:
Cord
Model:
L-29
Color:
Red
Transmission:
Manual
Condition:
Used
Year:
1931
Mileage:
30,000 miles
Fuel Type:
Gasoline
State:
Texas
Country:
United States
Contact Person:
Kaley Arterberry
Offer ID #40958
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