Car & Classic Dealer

Hyman Ltd Classic Cars

2310 Chaffee Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63146

63146

1929 CORD L-29 CABRIOLET For Sale

The Auburn Automobile Company got its start in 1900, building sensible cars of good quality, though never set the world alight with style and flash. By the mid-1920s, Auburn was struggling with weak sales thanks to conservative marketing and a humdrum product offering. In 1924, that all changed when the company enlisted the help of entrepreneur and salesman E. L. Cord to help bail them out of trouble. Cord was brought on as general manager and paid a modest salary with the option of buying control of the firm if he could save them. Auburn faced a glut of unsold inventory that the public viewed as dull. E. L. Cord came up with the simple plan to repaint the unsold cars in bright colors to give the illusion of a fresh new lineup. To the surprise of many, his plan saved the company.

Having taken over control of Auburn, E. L. Cord wasted little time in transforming them into a style and value leader in the luxury car market. He soon moved on to realize a dream of building a car worthy of bearing his name. Cord wanted an automobile capable of competing with the likes of Packard and Cadillac, and it was the perfect opportunity to build a car that would fit neatly between the value-leading Auburn, and the spectacularly exotic and expensive Duesenberg. In typical E. L. Cord fashion, he eschewed tradition in favor of a car that was as innovative as it was beautiful. The sleek and low slung L-29 debuted in 1929, featuring revolutionary front wheel drive and a De Dion front axle, designed with input from the engineers responsible for the Miller front-drive Indy Car.

The gorgeous Cord L-29 featured flowing front fenders, and a narrow, body-color radiator shell. The low slung appearance was possible thanks to the front-drive layout, which in turn allowed the body to mount over the chassis as opposed to on top. It shared the 301 cubic-inch Lycoming straight eight with Auburn, albeit turned 180-degrees in the chassis, driving through a three-speed transmission at the front. Thanks to the low center of gravity, handling was very impressive. The factory offered the L-29 in four styles: Convertible Sedan, 5-Passenger Brougham, Sedan, and 2/ 4-Passenger Coupe/ Roadster. Coachbuilders over the world over scrambled for a chance to put their mark on the beautiful new Cord, eager to take advantage of the low ride height and gracefully sweeping fenders. Only 5, 014 L-29s were built between 1929 and 1932, as the Great Depression took hold and effectively killed the replacement L-30 before it even left the drawing board. Despite its brief existence, the Cord L-29 stands as one of the most beautiful American automobile designs of all time.

This stunning 1929 Cord L-29 wears sporty and stylish 2/ 4 passenger cabriolet coachwork, presented in an arresting two-tone blue livery. At just 58 inches tall, the Cabriolet stood a full 12 inches lower than its nearest competitor and was by far the most sporting body style in the Cord catalog. This example was meticulously restored in the 1990s and has since been refreshed and maintained in near-concours condition. This chassis was originally equipped with 5-passenger Brougham coachwork and is believed to have received this Cabriolet body at the time of its restoration. The presentation is truly exquisite, with its vivid blue main body accented with dark blue feature lines. Accessories include rare Woodlite headlamps, chrome wire wheels with dual side-mount spares, dual taillights, and a trunk rack. It comes to us from a significant collection of Classic Era automobiles and has been shown at several important events, most recently featuring at the Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance, and the 2017 Elegance at Hershey, where it received the coveted People’s Choice trophy. One look and it is easy to see why this Cord continues to impress on the concours field. While the restoration has mellowed slightly, the quality of the paint remains exquisite. Fit and alignment of the body are excellent, and the chrome plating and brightwork are impeccable, from the gorgeous wire wheels to the intricately detailed door handles.

Complementing the dramatic color scheme is a two-place cockpit trimmed in navy blue leather, with subtle light blue piping. The driver’s seat shows only minimal signs of use, while the matching blue leather rumble seat and door panels present in excellent condition. The distinctive dash features restored original instruments and control knobs in a proper textured-finish fascia. Even the screw heads are clocked in perfect alignment with one another, a testament to the level of detail given the restoration. A taut and attractive navy blue canvas roof rounds out the fabulous presentation.

Underhood detailing is to a similar standard, showing only light signs of use on the factory-correct finishes. The engine is painted in correct Lycoming green, with black porcelain intake manifold and beautiful chrome hardware. In the interest of drivability, a later style carburetor and electric fuel pump have been added. The engine and undercarriage appear very tidy and clean, looking to have some light wear on the finishes from driving, but overall still extremely well-presented.

Few cars of the Classic Era compete with the Cord L-29’s breathtaking style. This exquisite example is a proven concours winner, benefitting from years of care in an extensive collection of important pre-war automobiles. With its slightly matured but fastidiously maintained restoration, this L-29 Coupe/ Roadster a beautiful car for that is still capable of impressing on the show field, while also being certain to impress on driving events with the CCCA or Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club.



$187, 500
STOCK NUMBER 6292

For immediate assistance please call us at +1-the details below

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION, MAINTAINED AND ASSISTED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC, ALL INSPECTIONS APPROVED, IN PERFECT CONDITION, A COMPLETELY RESTORED CAR WITH MATCHING NUMBER AND PREMIUM RESTORATION PREMIUM CONDITION, QUALITY OF THE MATERIAL USED IN ITS RESTORATION, OPPORTUNITY.

25,000
25 Mar 2024
Spain
Verified Dealer (see stock)
9
Picture of 1929 Bentley 6.5 L Sedanca De Ville - For Sale

H.J. Mulliner designed, first displayed as the 1929 Olympia Motor Show Car Continuous history of custodians who prized originality including 20 years with The President of the Bentley Drivers’ Club of Australia  Extensive history file full of invoices from marque specialists Elmdown and RC Moss One of the most original ...

18 Mar 2024
Hertfordshire
Premium Dealer (see stock)

RECREATION MERCEDES SSk 1929 SPORT CAR technical document mercedes BENZ year 1947 numbered chassis of a V170 from the 40s Mercedes Benz Mercedes Benz 250 engine&Gearbox from the 80s 5 speed mercedes gearbox w123 110kw, 150hp all parts of this recreation are Mercedes Benz The car has the ITV approved and has no driving ...

17 Mar 2024
Spain
Verified Dealer (see stock)

This rare and very original car is a 1929 ITALA Tipo 61 roadster. Itala was a car make founded by Matteo Ceirano and had its headquarter in Turin. It produced cars between 1904 and 1933. Itala probably became best known for its race participation, where it used cars with 16,6-litre engines. For instance, it won the ...

16 Mar 2024
Belgium

Price is NZD29990.00 (New Zealand Dollars). Built by the Willys-Overland Corporation of Toledo, Ohio, the Whippet was aptly named - it was small and swift. Introduced in 1926, it was America's smallest car, with a 100.25-inch wheelbase. Two engines were available, a four and a six.This car we have here is a 4cylinder ...

3,652
15 Mar 2024
New Zealand

This unrestored 1929 Bentley Speed Six Saloon with original coachwork by Freestone and Webb is the prefect car for motoring in all weathers. Being one of only a few that are truly complete and original with all matching numbers, she will soon celebrate her 95th birthday. On a desirable 11’8’’ wheelbase chassis, she ...

10 Mar 2024
Sussex

Offered for sale is Rolls Royce Phantom I open tourer by Park Ward, in very good condition, continuously maintained. Lovely coachwork , inspired by Saoutchik open tourer shapes. Technically perfect, well-going car ready for its new owner. Big History file is with the car. Car is located in Czech Republic and we can ...

999
10 Mar 2024
Czechia
Verified Dealer (see stock)
9
Picture of 1929 Bentley 6.5 L Sedanca De Ville - For Sale

H.J. Mulliner designed, first displayed as the 1929 Olympia Motor Show Car Continuous history of custodians who prized originality including 20 years with The President of the Bentley Drivers’ Club of Australia  Extensive history file full of invoices from marque specialists Elmdown and RC Moss One of the most original ...

10 Mar 2024
Merseyside
Premium Dealer (see stock)

A beautiful and well-kept GP model 615 convertible is for sale. Graham Paige Type 615 Fully restored with historical documentation, Spanish registry. With side panels. 6-cylinder in-line engine 3670ccm More detailed photos upon request worldwide shipping is possible you can take a test drive if you ...

6 Mar 2024
Spain
Verified Dealer (see stock)

BUICK SERIES 121 Roadster, GOLF, It is a 6-cylinder 5000cc three-speed manual transmission, leather interior and very careful, see the photos, the car is exactly the same as in the photos, a historic car with approved inspections , without driving restrictions, restored a few years ago and in very good condition, a car ...

18,000
2 Mar 2024
Spain
Verified Dealer (see stock)

The company co-founded by William Walmsley and William Lyons in 1922, which traded under the name Swallow Sidecar Company, progressively developed into a coachbuilder following its start making stylish sidecars for motorcycles. In May 1927, Swallow announced that it would make a 2-seater body to fit the Austin 7 chassis ...

14 Feb 2024
Jersey

The 1929 Model 70 Roadster presented here is a most beautiful example - one that no doubt has been treasured its entire life. It shows today in very beautiful condition, appearing to have had one repaint in the past in what we understand to be its original color scheme. Mechanical - Recent recommissioning ...

26 Jan 2024
New Zealand