Image of 1932 Cord L-29, sourced from www.hagerty.com , Image Link.

Unveiling the Elegance of the 1932 Cord L-29

As the curtain rose on the automotive stage of the early 1930s, a star emerged in the form of the 1932 Cord L-29. Crafted by the visionary minds at Auburn Automobile Company, this vehicle was not just a mode of transport; it was a statement of sophistication and forward-thinking design. The Cord L-29's arrival marked a significant milestone for its parent company and for the industry as a whole, introducing front-wheel drive to the luxury car market. With its low-slung profile and engineering prowess, it became an emblem of innovation during an era that thirsted for progress.

Design and Innovation

The Cord L-29's exterior was a symphony of curves and elongated lines, projecting an image of speed even at a standstill. Its distinctive louvered hood and pontoon fenders exuded an air of exclusivity, while the raked windshield and absence of running boards accentuated its avant-garde silhouette. Inside, occupants were enveloped in opulence, with rich fabrics and meticulously crafted wood accents. The use of high-quality materials ensured that each journey was as comfortable as it was stylish.

Technologically, the L-29 was ahead of its time, boasting a front-wheel-drive layout that allowed for a lower center of gravity and improved handling characteristics. This feature alone set it apart from its rear-wheel-drive contemporaries. Available color options ranged from understated to bold, with Duco finishes such as Cigarette Cream and Geneva Blue being among the popular choices.

The L-29 came in several body styles including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and phaeton models. However, it was perhaps the Convertible Sedan by Murphy that remains one of the most iconic iterations, epitomizing both luxury and rarity.

Historical Significance

The Cord L-29's introduction to front-wheel drive was more than just an engineering feat; it influenced future automotive designs by demonstrating the potential benefits of this configuration. It set a precedent for performance and aesthetics that would echo through subsequent generations of vehicles. The L-29's impact is still felt today in modern cars that continue to explore the advantages of front-wheel drive.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its elegant exterior lay a 298.6 cubic inch straight-eight engine which propelled the L-29 to respectable speeds for its time. While not designed as a sports car, it offered smooth acceleration and could reach top speeds around 80 mph—a commendable feat for such a grand automobile.

The handling characteristics were noteworthy due to its front-wheel-drive layout; drivers reported a unique driving experience with improved traction and stability over uneven surfaces or during inclement weather conditions. The sensation behind the wheel was one of control and grace, with the engine's purr serving as an acoustic backdrop to each voyage.

Ownership Experience

The Cord L-29 was not merely a showpiece; it found use in various capacities from daily driving to gracing concours events. Maintenance required a dedicated owner willing to preserve its complex mechanics, yet those who undertook this task were rewarded with reliability and performance that belied its age.

Fun Facts

This classic has been linked to high-profile personalities and has made appearances in numerous films adding to its allure. Despite some criticisms regarding its weight and cost when new, these aspects are now overshadowed by its historical significance.

Collector's Information

Today, the 1932 Cord L-29 is highly sought after by collectors worldwide. With only around 5,000 units produced across all body styles during its production run from 1929 to 1932, it is considered quite rare. Values vary greatly depending on condition, provenance, and originality but can range from $200,000 to well over $1 million for pristine examples or those with significant historical relevance.

Conclusion

The 1932 Cord L-29 stands as a testament to an era where beauty met innovation on four wheels. Its legacy is one of daring design choices that paved the way for future advancements in automotive technology. For those fortunate enough to witness or own one today, it remains an enduring symbol of early 20th-century elegance and engineering ambition.

1932 Cord L-29 Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3" wide X 3-7/8" long. Pair-CB 21Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3" wide X 3-7/8" long. Pair

1932 Cord L-29 Headlight Bar to Radiator Shell Grommet. Perfect. 1-1/8" I-CG 31Headlight Bar to Radiator Shell Grommet. Perfect. 1-1/8" I.D. Each

1932 Cord L-29 Headlamp Cable Grommet. 9/16" I.D., 1-5/16" O.D. Each-CG 32Headlamp Cable Grommet. 9/16" I.D., 1-5/16" O.D. Each

1932 Cord L-29 Windshield Base Pad. Made in three pieces For Cord Convertible. Each-MP 471Windshield Base Pad For Cord Convertible. Made in three pieces. Each

1932 Cord L-29 License Bracket Pad. 5" wide X 4-1/5" long. Each-MP 472License Bracket Pad. 5" wide X 4-1/5" long. Each

1932 Cord L-29 Headlight Bar Pads. 2-1/8" wide X 4-1/8" long. Pair-MP 474Headlight Bar Pads. 2-1/8" wide X 4-1/8" long. Pair

1932 Cord L-29 Tail-light Base Pads. 3-1/4" wide X 3" long. Pair-MP 475Tail-light Base Pads. 3-1/4" wide X 3" long. Pair

1932 Cord L-29 Side Door Lock Pads. 2-1/2" wide X 1-1/4" long. Pair-MP 476Side Door Lock Pads. 2-1/2" wide X 1-1/4" long. Pair

1932 Cord L-29 Door Handle Pads. 2-5/8" wide X 1-1/2" long. Pair-MP 477Door Handle Pads. 2-5/8" wide X 1-1/2" long. Pair

1932 Cord L-29 Front Spring Insulators. Made of tough rubber-RP 23Front Spring Insulators. Made of tough rubber. Upper and lower halves are molded separately. Good fit for proper compression. Complete 8-piece set

1932 Cord L-29 U-Joint Dust Cover Assembly. Made of hard rubber-RP 29U-Joint Dust Cover Assembly. Made of hard rubber. 4-Piece set includes two dust cover assemblies, with each dust cover made in tow halves. 1-1/4" I.D., 4" O.D.

1932 Cord L-29 Firewall Grommet. Fits 7/8" hole., 3/8" center hole. Each-SM 89Firewall Grommet. Fits 7/8" hole., 3/8" center hole. Each

1932 Cord L-29 Firewall Grommet. Fits 7/8" hole., 9/16" center hole-SM 90Firewall Grommet. Fits 7/8" hole., 9/16" center hole. Each

1932 Cord L-29 Suspension Seal. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/16" I.D. Each-XB 90Suspension Seal. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/16" I.D. Each