At its debut in 1929, the Cord L-29 became the first front-wheel-drive car produced by a mainstream American automaker. The absence of a driveshaft allowed for a body mounted low on the ladder frame, lowering the center of gravity and making the Cord both sleek and more accessible to passengers.
Additionally, without the need to allocate space for a driveshaft, the cabin floor was flat, offering more room for passengers or cargo. Unfortunately, Cord’s timing was ill-fated; the model was introduced on the brink of the Great Depression, leaving it without buyers. Production ceased in 1931.
Price: $210,000.
