Cord L-29 Cabriolet

Front wheel drive is still uncommon in the late 1920s, but the Cord L-29 is a pioneer in this field.

Front wheel drive is still not commonplace in the late 1920s, but the Cord L-29 is a pioneer in this field. The Cord's drive technology, developed by Cornelius van Ranst in collaboration with race car designer Harry Miller, makes it possible to build the car lower than average. This lower center of gravity greatly improves the handling, and thanks to the front wheel drive the Cord L-29 is able to take corners faster than many of its contemporaries. By the late 1920s businessman Errett Lobban Cord already owns the Auburn and Duesenberg brands. He fulfills his greatest ambition when, in 1929, he brings a car to market that bears his name. The Cord L-29, with coachwork designed by Alan Leamy, wins countless concours delegance at the time, even beating European models, but sales lag behind.