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21/10/2025 3:36 am
1929 Cord L-29 Cabriolet
Click on the picture to enlarge the image.
This is a Cord L-29 Cabriolet, a classic automobile produced from 1929 to 1932 by the Auburn Automobile Company.
Key details about the Cord L-29:
- First American Front-Wheel Drive Car: The Cord L-29 is widely recognized as the first successful mass-produced front-wheel drive automobile in the United States.
- Engine and Engineering: It was powered by a Lycoming straight-eight engine. The front-wheel drive layout eliminated the need for a drive shaft, which allowed for a lower center of gravity and a distinctive low-slung, stylish appearance.
- Design: The car's design, inspired by the Art Deco movement, featured a long hood, prominent fenders, and a V-shaped grille. The car's styling was highly acclaimed and won multiple "beauty contests" in Europe. The car was so striking that famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright owned one.
- Production and Value: Production of the L-29 ceased in 1932, partly due to the Great Depression. Around 5,000 units were produced in various body styles, including the cabriolet seen in the image. Today, these cars are considered rare classics, with only about 300 believed to still exist.
The value of a Cord L-29 can vary significantly based on its condition and history. In recent years, auction prices have ranged from approximately $71,500 to over $400,000.
John Bono
North Jersey
21/10/2025 5:37 am
LOVE it! I like the body style better than DM's BIG 29 Cord Special Coupe.
21/10/2025 6:49 am
Fantastic beauty.
Retired in Dunedin, Florida.
21/10/2025 8:24 am
Thanks John for an excellent report on the L29 Cord. I just finished reading an article on the Ruxton which also featured a front wheel vehicle at the same time as Cord. The Ruxton never had a chance to succeed based on it's shaky financial foundation but it did manage to produce a reported 500 units before succumbing to bankruptcy.
Topic starter
21/10/2025 8:49 am
Bob, I'm not familiar with the Ruxton...I'll have to check it out and add some pics to my database. Thanks!Thanks John for an excellent report on the L29 Cord. I just finished reading an article on the Ruxton which also featured a front wheel vehicle at the same time as Cord. The Ruxton never had a chance to succeed based on it's shaky financial foundation but it did manage to produce a reported 500 units before succumbing to bankruptcy.
John Bono
North Jersey
Jack Dodds and Tony Perrone reacted
21/10/2025 12:47 pm
1929 Cord L-29 Cabriolet
Click on the picture to enlarge the image.
This is a Cord L-29 Cabriolet, a classic automobile produced from 1929 to 1932 by the Auburn Automobile Company.Key details about the Cord L-29:
- First American Front-Wheel Drive Car: The Cord L-29 is widely recognized as the first successful mass-produced front-wheel drive automobile in the United States.
- Engine and Engineering: It was powered by a Lycoming straight-eight engine. The front-wheel drive layout eliminated the need for a drive shaft, which allowed for a lower center of gravity and a distinctive low-slung, stylish appearance.
- Design: The car's design, inspired by the Art Deco movement, featured a long hood, prominent fenders, and a V-shaped grille. The car's styling was highly acclaimed and won multiple "beauty contests" in Europe. The car was so striking that famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright owned one.
- Production and Value: Production of the L-29 ceased in 1932, partly due to the Great Depression. Around 5,000 units were produced in various body styles, including the cabriolet seen in the image. Today, these cars are considered rare classics, with only about 300 believed to still exist.
The value of a Cord L-29 can vary significantly based on its condition and history. In recent years, auction prices have ranged from approximately $71,500 to over $400,000.
Be still my beating heart... That is one beautiful automobile ! Thank-you 👍
John Bono and Jack Dodds reacted
21/10/2025 1:25 pm
Bob, I'm not familiar with the Ruxton...I'll have to check it out and add some pics to my database. Thanks!Thanks John for an excellent report on the L29 Cord. I just finished reading an article on the Ruxton which also featured a front wheel vehicle at the same time as Cord. The Ruxton never had a chance to succeed based on it's shaky financial foundation but it did manage to produce a reported 500 units before succumbing to bankruptcy.
A coupe I found on the web:
OooooooEeeeeee! N I C E !!
Jack Dodds and John Bono reacted