1937 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan by LeBaron

1937 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan by LeBaron
Sold For $112,750 Including Commission
RM Auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2015
Chassis No. K-8128
Offered from a prominent private collection
One of only twelve built and six known to survive
Elegant art deco design
Ideal for CCCA CARavans and AACA events
Body Style 363A. 150 bhp, 414 cu. in. L-head V-12 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel power-assisted mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 145 in.
The flagship of the Lincoln Motor Car Company in the 1930s was the Model K, which replaced the stylish Model L that had appeared in the early 1920s. When introduced in 1931, the Model K was powered by a V-8 engine, but due to market pressures from the other luxury brands, Ford responded with the additional V-12 Model KB in 1932. There were few buyers in these early Depression years, and by 1934, Lincoln had reverted back to its K model designation, but it was still powered by the twelve.
By 1937, the Zephyr had joined the lineup, but Lincoln continued to offer its prestigious Model K, and now it had 17 custom body styles. Perhaps influenced by Cord, the stylists saw simplicity as a key feature. The front headlamps were now an art deco teardrop design that had been streamlined into the front fenders, and the V-front windscreens were fitted on all standard bodies. Belt moldings were removed and replaced by a narrow crease. The doors extended down almost to the running boards. These were all influences of the revolutionary and popular John Tjaarda designs. From an engineering standpoint, the V-12 engine was fitted with hydraulic lifters and a different cam contour and then placed further forward, sitting on altered engine mounts.
The Model K offered here was one of twelve built in 1937 with body style number 363A, also known as the convertible sedan body by LeBaron that had a three-piece division window. This rare example is one of only six currently known to survive. It was purchased at Hershey in the 1990s by a former Ford executive and well-respected collector, the late Ray Flynn, and after enjoying the car for a period of time, he commissioned Brian Joseph’s Classic & Exotic Service, of Troy, Michigan, to refinish the car in its present Washington Blue, as well as replace some worn portions of the original maroon leather upholstery and rebuild the car mechanically.
Following this overall freshening of a still greatly original car, the Lincoln was displayed in 2006 at the Meadow Brook Hall Concours d’Elegance, the Gilmore Museum, and the CCCA Carnival of Cars, held on the historic Packard Proving Grounds, where it received a Best of Class award. The current owner purchased this Lincoln soon thereafter, in August 2008, and has continued to preserve and maintain the car so that it can be driven and enjoyed.
In 1937, the man who owned a Model K Lincoln was at the top of his game. That is still happily true today.
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Robert Myrick Photography