Errett L. Cord needed something in his product line between the popularly priced Auburn and the Grand Model J Duesenberg that had just been introduced. The Cord L29 was the answer. The L29 was one of two front wheel drive cars introduced in 1929, the other was a Ruxton. The Cord hit the market place just before the Ruxton and is considered the first successful front wheel drive production car.
Front wheel drive as a technology goes back to an unsuccessful attempt in 1903. Production cars of the early twenties were rear wheel drive, but front wheel drive was drawing public attention because of the successful Miller front wheel drive race cars that competed in the Indianapolis 500.
The use of front wheel drive and the lack of a drive shaft contributed to the car’s low, classy appearance. A blue L29 coupe dominated the prestigious Concours d’Elegance in Monaco in 1930, one of dozens of “beauty contest” victories the car won throughout Europe. Walter P. Chrysler saw the L29 and retained the designer, Al Leaming, to design the Chrysler Phaeton. The L29 is one of the most beautiful classic cars ever built. Total production was 5,010 units.
