This Cord L-29 was originally delivered in Atlanta, Georgia, to Silvey Speer as a gift for his granddaughter, Frances McKenzie. Unfortunately, the effects of the Great Depression forced Miss McKenzie to sell her car only two years later to Austin Abbott, an Atlanta-based Stutz dealer and event promoter. For the next three decades, the car Mr. Abbott dubbed “Blondie” appeared in literally hundreds of parades and events around Atlanta, becoming a central figure in the city’s celebrations. It opened interstate highways, led parades, chauffeured political candidates, was vaulted by a team of stunt riders on horses, and, most famously, attended the world premiere of Gone with the Wind in 1939.

In the mid-1960s the car passed to Verney Bentley of Atlanta, who continued using it for parades and events, as well as in classic tours and shows; in his ownership it was certified by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club as a Category 1 Original Car. Later, in the 1980s, it was owned by Murrell Smith, who performed the extensive, high-quality restoration that the car still wears today. Accessories include Dual side-mount spares fitted with mirrors, a trunk with matching tan canvas cover, and fine quality chrome bumpers and fittings.

“Blondie” is one of the best-known surviving L-29s and is ready for a continued show career or life in ACD Club and CCCA events with a happy new owner.