Today’s car is a 1929 Cord L-29 Cabriolet owned by Jason Manns of Mann’s Restorations. I photographed this First Place award winning car in the American Open Car – Auburn Cord Duesenberg category at the San Marino Motor Classic, that is held at Lacy Park, located in San Marino, CA. The car is finished in black with orange pinstripes and accents with a black leather interior. It is powered by a 125 hp, 4.9 liter, inline-8 Lycoming engine, with a single Schebler 2 bbl updraft carburetor and mated to a front wheel drive 3-speed selective sliding transmission with 4.08:1 gear ratio. Slowing this beauty down Wagner-Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes all around. The suspension has a de Dion front setup, double universal joints (constant velocity joint) with double 1/4 elliptical leaf springs and a rear beam axle, with semi-elliptical leaf springs and Houdaille shock absorbers all around.
The MSRP was $3,295.00. It had a published top speed of 78 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 24.0 seconds.
The Cord was part of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg (ACD) brand known for producing luxury and high-performance automobiles. The ACD Club motto is “For those who have never relished the commonplace,” and this L29 Cabriolet exemplifies that. The L-29s were built in Auburn, Indiana from 1929 – 1932 with a total production of 5,010 with less than 800 produced in 1929. The L-29 Cord was America’s the first front-wheel-drive (FWD) car beating Ruxton by a matter of months. The FWD design allowed for a lower ride height for an aerodynamic and stylish appearance and better handling.
This is a beautiful example of an original restored car. What a great car, to exhibit at Concours D’Elegance’s and take on classic vintage tours. Thank you for riding along. Frank
