Cord L-29

vs

Bentley 8 Litre

USA vs UK — 1929 vs 1930

Cord L-29 (1929)
Bentley 8 Litre (1930)
Specifications
L-29 812 Supercharged Phaeton8 Litre WO Bentley Masterpiece
Horsepower190 hp220 hp
Torque270 lb-ft430 lb-ft
Engine Size4,729 cc7,983 cc
0-60 mph13.5 sec
Top Speed110 mph105 mph
¼ Mile0.0 sec
Weight5,291 lbs
Wheelbase3,175 mm3,810 mm
Length4,978 mm5,300 mm
Units Produced100
Original MSRP$12,000
Value (Excellent)$400,000$5,000,000
Collectibility5/1010/10
Rarity9/1010/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1929 Cord L-29 812 Supercharged Phaeton brings higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1930 Bentley 8 Litre WO Bentley Masterpiece answers with more power, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between USA and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1929 Cord L-29 812 Supercharged Phaeton versus 1930 Bentley 8 Litre WO Bentley Masterpiece is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1930 Bentley 8 Litre WO Bentley Masterpiece holds a clear advantage in raw power with 220 hp compared to 190 hp, a 30-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Cord L-29 uses a V8 L-head Supercharged displacing 4,729 cc, while the Bentley 8 Litre relies on a Inline-6 SOHC with 7,983 cc. The 1929 Cord L-29 812 Supercharged Phaeton claims a higher top speed at 110 mph compared to 105 mph. On the collector market, the 1930 Bentley 8 Litre WO Bentley Masterpiece commands a significant premium over the 1929 Cord L-29 812 Supercharged Phaeton, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1930 Bentley 8 Litre WO Bentley Masterpiece rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.