Rare 1929 Cord L-29 Cabriolet

A rare 1929 Cord L-29 Cabriolet, one of around 300 remaining out of around 5,000 built, arriving at and leaving the 2023 San Marino Motor Classic at Lacy Park, where it won First in Class (CCCA - American Open Auburn Cord Duesenberg.) Introduced in 1929, the L-29 was the first American front-wheel-drive production car and the first front-wheel-drive car with constant-velocity joints. This example, finished in black with orange accents, is the oldest existing L-29 Cabriolet. It was displayed at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it won First in Class (American Classic Open).

I often think of this car as the Cord most people never knew existed. We typically associate Cord with the "coffin-nosed" 810 and 812, but the company actually built another car - its first car - several years earlier, and I'm glad I finally got to see one.

For me, the L-29's most recognizable features are its unusually low profile (made possible by the FWD layout) and that big circle under the front grille. My guess is that the circle has to do with the powered front axle, though I'm not sure if it actually serves a functional purpose. (If you know, please enlighten me!)

The L-29 was criticized for having insufficient power, but it sure is beautiful. I don't know if this Halloween-appropriate color scheme was how the car looked from the factory, but it's certainly unique by both contemporary and modern standards. Combined with its low profile, this car nearly fooled me into thinking it was a hot rod or restomod when I saw it arriving from a distance. I'm glad I decided to press the "record" button well before I noticed that big circle up front and identified it as an L-29!

Do you prefer the Cord L-29 or the 810/812? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!