Sleek and luxurious, the 1931 Cord L-29 LaGrande Speedster was built as a show car. It toured special events in the U.S. and Europe. The car's dramatic appearance was enhanced by a bold color scheme of Chinese Red matched with bright yellow panels, which flared out along the sides of its body and wrapped around the interior tub. Narrow, slit-eyed Woodlite headlights added to its striking appearance.

Interior touches reflected the high life of a bygone era. A cigar rack was built into driver's door, and a bar set including two decanters was incorporated into the passenger door. Folding door panels housed etched shot glasses and a humidor.

Its sleek Speedster design was attributed to Philip 0. Wright of Murphy Body in California. The coachwork was done by the Union Body Company, an Indiana firm that produced custom bodies under the name LaGrande.

A single Cord L-29 LeGrande Speedster was built in 1931, making it truly one of a kind. It made its show debut at the 1931 New York Salon. Later that year, it was featured at the Paris Auto Show and then a French Concours d'Elegance. Records indicate it was thereafter returned to Europe. Historians believe the original L-29 Speedster was scrapped during World War II. Enthusiasts can view an authentic recreation of the 1931 Cord L-29 LaGrande Speedster at the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum in Auburn, Indiana.

• Wheelbase, inches: 137.5
• Weight, lbs: 4,500
• Production: 1,243
• Base price: $2,425-$2,615
• Current Value: $418,000

• Displacement: 4883 cc / 298 in³
• Engine: Inline-8 w/L-Head
• Compression ratio: 5.3:1
• Horsepower @ rpm: 125 hp @ 3400 rpm
• Transmission: 3-speed manual

• Top Speed, mph: 77.63 mph