27th Feb, 2008 0:00

The Centaur

 
  Lot 51
 

1930 Cord Model L-29 Sedan

Sold for £51,750

(including buyers premium)


Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: 2928752
Mot Expiry: None

"This car is not an experiment. It is the finished product after years of constant development under the direction of specialists trained in the production of highly powered racing cars of this type, combined with the resources of the entire Engineering organization of the Auburn Automobile Company, and its subsidiaries" (Cord L-29 Owner's Manual).

Founded by industrial entrepreneur Errett Lobban Cord, the company that bore his name became the vibrant third element in an impressive manufacturing portfolio that already contained Auburn and Duesenberg. Released in summer 1929, the new concern's initial 'L-29' model soon earned it a reputation for innovation. America's first luxury car to feature front-wheel drive, it was engineered by the legendary Harry Miller and Cornelius Van Ranst. Drawing heavily on contemporary Indy car technology, its 299ci (4.9 litre) 125HP Lycoming straight-eight engine was mounted 'back-to-front' with a three-speed sliding pinion gearbox and differential attached to the 'nose'. Other echoes of racing practice included a cruciform braced chassis frame, Cardan universal joints for the driveshafts, inboard drum brakes and quarter-elliptic front suspension (the 'dead' rear axle relying on semi-elliptic leaf springs). While, this cutting-edge layout dictated an extravagantly long 137.5inch wheelbase, it also provided Duesenberg stylist Al Leamy with a wonderful opportunity to create one of the lowest-slung, most rakish cars of its generation. Available in four 'factory' body styles: Sedan, Brougham, Phaeton and Cabriolet, the L-29 proved a palpable hit with the glitterati. Bought by stars such as The Marx Brothers, Mary Pickford, Jean Harlow and band leader Paul Whiteman, a $3,100 - $3,300 price range saw it suffer more than most from the Wall Street Crash. Nevertheless, the 5,010 reputedly made up until 1932 bettered Cord's initial projections (albeit by just ten units). Shunned for years because of its alien technology, the L-29 has since been recognised by the Classic Car Club of America as a Full Classic.

Finished in black over turquoise with light brown cloth upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Believed but not warranted to be one of six known surviving four-door sedans, chassis 2928752 was reportedly treated to a 'money no object' restoration in 2003 - 2004 during which "every nut and bolt was either refurbished or replaced at a cost exceeding £120,000". With its engine, gearbox and front-wheel drive system being overhauled, the opportunity was taken to powder coat the chassis and remaining drivetrain. While, efforts to ensure that the car looked as good on top as underneath saw it benefit from a beautifully retrimmed interior, new triple plated chromework and fresh tyres etc. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Cord is understood to have won the prize for best L-29 at the famous ACD festival soon after completion. Said to "run and drive superbly", this magnificent motor car is offered for sale at a fraction of its renovation cost.

 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: The Centaur, 27th Feb, 2008

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