Peer beneath the imposing coachwork of nearly any grand classic and you will immediately recognize a design fundamentally like that of the era’s everyman car, albeit with more cylinders, more power, and better build quality. The Cord L-29 blazed a different trail, pairing its conventional 298-cubic-inch Lycoming L-head inline-eight engine with an ingenious front-wheel-drive system inspired by the pioneering Indianapolis racecars of Harry Miller. Beyond its novelty, Cord’s front-drive system was a boon to stylists. With no lengthy driveshaft to accommodate, designers like the great Alan Leamy were free to pen low, rakish coachwork of dramatic proportions, all without compromising cabin space or comfort.

The earliest known owner of the cabriolet offered here was Bill Smith of Millville, New Jersey, a longtime Cord enthusiast and L-29 collector, with whom it remained from 1962 until 2003. Restoration had begun for Mr. Smith in 1998 at the well-known L-29 specialist Ken Clark’s shop, Ken’s Classics in Pittsfield, Maine. The car remained at the shop even as it passed in 2011 to Mark Arnold of Los Altos, California, and finally in 2013 to Jeff Schreiner of Fall Creek, Wisconsin, for whom the restoration was at last completed. The Cord was finished in a striking combination of rich dark blue with gray accents and red striping, tan Haartz cloth top, and red leather interior, and accessorized with a Pilot Ray driving light and dual side-mount mirrors.

After completion, the car was certified by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club as a Category 1 original car in 2015. Soon thereafter, it was acquired by the present owner, himself a devout ACD enthusiast, in whose collection its excellent restoration has been well preserved. Today this fine L-29 remains in superb overall condition, with the restoration still appearing nearly fresh in all important regards, and awaits future show appearances or ACD Club events.