Peer beneath the imposing coachwork of nearly any grand classic and you will immediately recognize what you see: A design fundamentally like that of the everyman’s car of the era, albeit with more cylinders, more power, and higher 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.

This is exemplified by the exceptional L-29 on offer, serial number 2929758. Certified as an original L-29 Cabriolet by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club, its history includes long-term California ownership by enthusiasts Ernie Mendicki, Bob Morehouse, and William “Chip” Connor. Connor, a noted collector whose cars have won Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, acquired this car in 1983. Following its restoration, it was an award-winner in the special L-29 class at Pebble Beach in 1987.

Acquired by collector Jim Fasnacht in 2002, it soon benefitted from a fresh restoration, which is documented in the accompanying history file. L-29 expert Ken Clark performed chassis, engine, and preliminary bodywork, with paint, top, interior, and finishes performed by LaVine Restorations, of Nappanee, Indiana. The car was finished in rich Limousine Maroon with accents of stunning Dark Gray; the L-29’s many chrome accessories, including Woodlite headlamps and cowl lights, chrome wire wheels, and dual side mirrors, present as jewelry. Intricate, authentic details and textures are present on the door handles, dashboard, and even the door sill plates; a light gray interior and tan canvas top complete the livery.

The Cord returned to Pebble Beach for the second time in 2006, and once again, it was a class award-winner. Weeks later, it journeyed to the prairie of Indiana for the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club National Reunion. There, a cadre of the most knowledgeable and finicky L-29 experts bestowed upon it the E.L. Cord Award for Best L-29, firmly marking it as among the finest of its model in existence.

Since joining the Adderley Collection in 2013, this L-29 has been carefully maintained alongside other high-caliber Full Classics—the company of which only further emphasized this Cord’s distinctiveness. With its gorgeous restoration still showing well today, it is an appealing prospect for CCCA and ACD club activities and exhibition. More than that, it is a simply spectacular example of one of the era’s most ambitious luxury cars: Visually stunning, endlessly fascinating, and lovingly cared-for by a series of highly regarded collectors.