Cord, 1930, L29

Cord L29, 1930, USA

Errett L. Cord was one of the most innovative characters in the American automotive world of 1920s and 30s. Already owner of Auburn and Duesenberg, he decided to create a new brand with his name to launch a car for a higher market than the Auburn (US$ 1,000/1,500) but far from the astronomical prices of the Duesenberg (US$ 10/13,000).
Surprisingly, he chose to build the new car with front-wheel drive, an innovative solution for 1929, which gave the vehicle an exceptional handling.
The long Lycoming 8-cylinder engine was turned around, with the transmission placed in front of it.
The elegant bodywork featured a narrow, pointed radiator grille, a long front bonnet and, due to the low, straight chassis, the interior space inside was considerable since there was no driveshaft running underneath the car.
With a price of 3,095 US dollars, only 5,300 examples were sold: a lot of money for a revolutionary vehicle, but not much for an American automobile in that price range.
Marketing – Advertisers of the time described the Cord’s chassis as “flat as a carpet” because, lacking a driveshaft running beneath the cabin, the interior floor was incredibly low and level. This feature was considered a major selling point: ladies of high society could “enter and exit gracefully, without lifting their skirts.”
European Style – Many European coachbuilders were fascinated by the Cord L29, and some models were transformed into special editions. At Concours d’Elegance events, it competed directly with Hispano-Suiza and Isotta Fraschini.
The Wall Street Challenge – Errett Cord, a young entrepreneur (he was under 35), came to control a car manufacturing empire that included Auburn, Duesenberg, and Cord. By 1929, he was considered one of America’s most promising businessmen. The launch of the Cord L29 coincided with the onset of the Great Depression, just as the stock market crash loomed on Wall Street—a timing many considered a true commercial misfortune.

2016 Fair Auto e Moto d’Epoca stand A.A.V.S. Associazione Amatori Veicoli Storici
2019 Exhibition 100 MITI