1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet
- Engine
- 322 cu. in. 'FF' inline engine (larger late-production unit)
The Cord L-29 was the first American front-wheel-drive production car, introduced in 1929, and this February 1931 cabriolet represents one of the most original and highly decorated surviving examples. Fitted with the late-production 'FF' 322-cubic-inch engine and retaining its matching chassis, body, and powertrain, it was professionally restored to Category 1 ACD Club standards and has since earned Senior Emeritus honours, the Alan Leamy Award for Best L-29, and a Lion Award at the Concours d'Elegance of America, while remaining a regularly driven road car.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$300,000 – US$350,000
- Date unknownPrivate salePrevious Key West owner (consignor's brother)partial documentation
A fellow L-29 enthusiast who acquired the car in Key West, Florida during the mid-1980s and had long intended a thorough authentic restoration but did not complete it before his death.
- Date unknownInheritanceCurrent consignor (brother of prior owner)partial documentation
Acquired the car from his late brother's estate and commissioned a full restoration by Ken Clark of Ken's Classics in Pittsfield, Maine; subsequently shown extensively and driven regularly on the road.
Competition
- 2014ACD Club national judgingACD National Reunion — Alan Leamy Award judgingBest L-29 (Alan Leamy Award); Senior Emeritus honors
Car had by this point also achieved AACA and CCCA Senior status through repeated successful national judging appearances.
- —Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John'sLion Award winner
- —Pinehurst Concours d'Elegance
- —CCCACCCA Museum Experience
- —ACD FestivalACD Festival Hoosier Tour
Participated regularly as part of the owner's commitment to keeping the car roadworthy and driven.
- —ACD ClubACD Club Eastern Spring Meet
Regular participant alongside other ACD touring events.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationKen's Classics
A thorough and authentic restoration was carried out to the highest standard of period correctness, covering every detail of the car's finish and specification. The car retained nearly all original wooden body framing and its serial number tag throughout.
Work was performed by Ken Clark of Ken's Classics in Pittsfield, Maine, a recognised authority on L-29 authenticity. The restoration resulted in ACD Club Category 1 Original Car certification and subsequent Senior Emeritus status.
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