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, that 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.

• 2016 Fair Auto e Moto d’Epoca stand A.A.V.S. Associazione Amatori Veicoli Storici


• 2019 Exhibition 100 MITI

Special thanks to Ivano Mercanzin for the shooting.