1931 Cord

The Cord L-29, introduced in 1929, marked a revolutionary chapter in American automotive history as the first production car with front-wheel drive. Conceived by the visionary E.L. Cord and engineered with input from racing legend Harry A. Miller, the L-29 Phaeton exemplified the era's bold innovation, blending luxury with cutting-edge technology. Its low-slung silhouette, achieved through a dropped frame, and elegant lines by designer Carl van Ranst captured the spirit of the Jazz Age, making it a symbol of progress and sophistication amid rapid industrialization and economic shifts. Culturally, the L-29 represented the pinnacle of pre-Depression luxury motoring, appealing to affluent buyers seeking both performance and prestige in an open-air touring format. This particular 1931 Cord L-29 Phaeton, identified by VIN FDA2308, originates from the renowned Ed Schoenthaler Collection, where it was meticulously preserved. With an odometer showing just 5,264 miles, it reflects exceptional care and limited use. Awarded as an ACD Primary Winner by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club, it has been showcased at concours d'elegance events, affirming its authenticity and condition. Detailed ownership history prior to the collection is not extensively documented in public records, but its low mileage and awards indicate a lineage of passionate custodians who valued its originality. No notable events or museum exhibitions specific to this chassis are recorded, though similar L-29 Phaetons have appeared in vintage tours and club meets. At its core, the L-29 Phaeton was powered by a Lycoming 298 cubic-inch side-valve inline-eight engine, delivering 125 horsepower at 3,400 RPM with a bore of 3.3 inches and stroke of 4.5 inches, under a 5.3:1 compression ratio. This mill, derived from Auburn's larger models but reversed for front-drive layout, propelled the 4,500-pound chassis to a top speed of around 80 mph. The innovative front-wheel-drive system, using a de Dion tube front axle, was mated to a three-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on second and third gears. The 137.5-inch wheelbase supported a rigid X-frame, with quarter-elliptic leaf springs at the front and semi-elliptic at the rear, complemented by hydraulic internal-expanding drum brakes. Original equipment featured 19-inch wire wheels, dual side-mount spares, a folding 'double-header' windshield, mohair top, and green-painted exterior over matching interior, evoking period elegance. The Cord L-29 Phaeton's legacy endures as a beacon of American engineering audacity, bridging the gap between horse-drawn carriages and modern automobiles. Despite production challenges that limited output to about 4,800 units before Cord's hiatus in 1932, survivors like this example continue to captivate, reminding us of an era when innovation dared to redefine the road. Its rarity and mechanical ingenuity ensure it remains a cherished icon among classic car aficionados, perpetuating the marque's storied heritage.