- From the personal collection of noted L-29 Cord restorer Ken Clark
- ACD Club Certified #CL-135
- Two-time best L-29 Cord at the ACD Club Reunion
- Spectacular, documented restoration by Ken Clark
- Just three owners from new; including Dorrace Perry from 1937 to 2005
- Presented in its factory original colors - black and copper
- One of the finest L-29 Cabriolets extant
LOT 621
Selling on Saturday Evening
1930 Cord L-29 Cabriolet
In the summer of 1929, E. L. Cord introduced his fabulous new creation, which bore his name; the front-wheel-drive Cord L-29. The L-29 was offered initially in Sedan, Brougham, Phaeton, and the sporty and elegant Cabriolet form, at prices ranging from $3,095 to $3,295. Once a deal was struck, cars were supplied in chassis form to independent coachbuilders, like the closed models built by the Central Manufacturing Company in Connersville, Indiana, and the open models by Kalamazoo, Michigan's Limousine Body Company. Unfortunately for Cord, just as his newly launched car was reaching dealer showrooms, the Wall Street stock market crash of October 1929 devastated new car sales, especially in the upper section of the market. Despite a program of price cuts, sales never took off and the world's first practical front-wheel-drive production car was discontinued in 1932. In total, just 5,010 L-29s were built, and according to ACD historians, it is thought that around a mere 300 of all types exist today. The L-29 remains one of the most handsome, technically interesting, and collectible automobiles of the Classic Era, and this cabriolet is arguably one of the finest in existence.
Offered from the personal collection of noted L-29 Cord restorer Ken Clark, this example has enjoyed the company of just three owners since new in the 1930s. Mr. Clark would acquire this example in 2005 from long-term care-taker Dorrence Perry of Connecticut, who owned this Cord from 1937 until 2005, acquiring it from the original owner. According to Mr. Perry's daughter, Dorrence actually drove this Cord to the World's Fair in New York City in 1939. In 1945, Dorrence would retire this Cord and place it in storage until Clark took ownership in 2005, resulting in an untouched and highly original automobile. Mr. Clark would further inpsect and disassemble this Cabriolet and note that it was 99 percent original at the time and that he was able to preserve, restore and keep 99 percent of the original components, bits and pieces. This makes this example one of, if not the, most authentically original L-29 Cabriolets in existence.
Documented by photos upon his purchase, as well as during the restoration process, Mr. Clark would take eight years before completing this highly original Cord, upon which it received its ACD Club Category One Certification. In which, it is noted this example wears the same incredible black and copper color scheme it did when new in 1930. Every nut and bolt was attended to, any wood needing attention was replaced, and the 125-HP 298-cid Lycoming eight-cylinder engine and mechanicals were thoroughly gone through. Since the extensive restoration was completed, this Cord has traveled less than 350 miles and has enjoyed a life of luxury being displayed in the National Auto & Truck Museum in Auburn, Indiana. Always properly maintained, but rarely making public appearances, this example has captured Best L-29 Cord at the ACD Club Reunion on two different occasions and has also received its CCCA and AACA Senior Award badges. Accompanying the sale of this Cord is the ACD certification, as well as six NOS dual white Martin Tires.
ACD Club Certified, multi-award winner in an array of different clubs and venues, and a mere three owners from new, it now hails from the personal collection of one of the top L-29 Cord restorers in the country. One of the most authentic examples in existence, with a dazzling original color combination, this L-29 is a true gem from the Art Deco Era.
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