A 1937 Cord 812 previously for sale on ClassicCars.com
Front-wheel-drive has been a part of automotive technology for so long and been in so many vehicles that we take it for granted. We now live in an age in which even certain trucks, like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, come standard with FWD. But back in the 1920s, sending power through the front end was a novel idea, at least for road cars made in America. In 1929, Cord changed that with its L-29, which is credited as the first American front-wheel-drive production car.
Many people fear what they don’t understand, especially when it comes to their safety. Cord seemed to understand that, which explains why it tried to educate the car-buying public on FWD’s benefits. In a 1929 brochure, company founder E.L. Cord himself said, “Its exclusive advantages in safety, easy handling, comfort and durability have already won a host of converts!” The captions under certain technical illustrations mentioned how the L-29’s engine/transmission/differential/front brake packaging allowed for greater efficiency, and the universal joints were capable of sharper steering angles and longer service life compared to rear-wheel-drive hardware.
Cord went into even more visual and technical detail in its 1931 promotional materials, literally going from the bottom up detailing how Cord Front Drive was better than a RWD layout. According to the automaker, its frame architecture made it more rigid and allowed for a lower body and center of gravity, as well as a more comfortable ride for rear passengers.
The lack of a prop shaft and rear differential and axle meant passengers were “not disturbed by noise, rumble or vibration of these operating parts.” Sending power to the front wheels also helped the L-29’s directional stability and enhanced its traction on difficult terrain.
The reality is that there is so much about automotive history we’ll never know because certain documents and experts have been lost to time. Fortunately, not only did Cord choose to educate consumers on its Front Drive technology, but its promo materials also continue to exist (thanks to dedicated people) and show enthusiasts of all ages just how much the industry has changed.