Founded in 1929 by Automotive pioneer E.L. Cord Automobile was added to Mr. Cords array of fine automobiles that included Auburn and Duesenberg. The Cord was known for its elegant styling and multiple pioneering innovations. This 1929 Cord L-29 "speedster," featuring a custom built Bently styled leather body, is being offered for sale at No Reserve.
When first introduced in 1929, the Cord L-29 quickly took its place in automotive history for its innovative engineering and…
Founded in 1929 by Automotive pioneer E.L. Cord Automobile was added to Mr. Cords array of fine automobiles that included Auburn and Duesenberg. The Cord was known for its elegant styling and multiple pioneering innovations. This 1929 Cord L-29 “speedster,” featuring a custom built Bently styled leather body, is being offered for sale at No Reserve.
When first introduced in 1929, the Cord L-29 quickly took its place in automotive history for its innovative engineering and stylings. Cord’s L-29 was the first American production vehicle to be offered for sale to the general public with front wheel drive. Many of Cord’s front wheel drive innovations are standard on modern cars of today. Under the hood the L-29 is powered by a 301ci / 125hp Lycoming engine. Lycoming, was another company owned by E.L. Cord and part of his short lived automotive empire.
This particular L-29 is an entirely correct all L-29 chassis with a custom built Weyman style body done up in British racing green. According to the owner, a long time collector of fine automobiles and avid yachtsman, had the engine rebuilt and major mechanical service work by legendary Cord specialist Ken Clark. Along with that, a previous collector, the late Richard Dean Osborne, had the Weyman body built with similarities to the Bentley Blower. Because of this, the automobile is equipped with passenger side entry, cycle fenders, a continenal mounted spare tire, and chrome wire-spoked wheels. Fantastic craftsmanship is displayed everywhere on this Cord.
Although this vehicle has been sitting mostly in storage for the past three years, it starts right up and is a pleasure to drive, thundering down the road with an amazing sound. General overall servicing and mechanical check over may be required before road use due to its stint in storage. After sitting for some time and an initial check over of fluids and battery, the vehicle roared to life effortlessly. All gauges including tachometer, speedometer, temperature, oil pressure and fuel all appear to work as intended.
From a styling perspective the classic curves and aggressive stance of the front wheel drive L-29 portrays an emotion of both elegance and performance. According to the long time owner, the custom built body was built sometime in the early 1980’s. Built resembling the leather bodied styling of 1920’s Bentley’s, this speeder features front bucket seats and rear seat, comfortably seating four people.
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)