This is the Lincoln Model 245 KB- V12- Limousine by Willoughby:
The flagship car for the entire 1932 Ford line was the Lincoln Model K. With its smooth running V12 engine and highly-appointed body style, they rivaled the Cadillacs and Lincolns of their time. In 1932, the entire K line was redone with lower and stronger chassis, longer hood and lengthened wheelbase. By 1932 Lincoln fitted a new V12 in the chassis and named the model KB. It sold alongside the V8 models known as the KA.
Central to the KB was a 448 cid V12 engine that used the fork and blade connecting rods which allowed two cylinders to share a single bearing. This produced over 150 bhp compared to the Cadillac's 135 bhp.. At the time of Edsel Ford worked closely with Judkins, Fleetwood, Brunn, LeBaron, Willoughby, and Murphy for a variety of available body styles on the KB chassis.
The dignity of this Classic Era Lincoln shows a beauty that is instantly apparent and exhibits a style that one never tires of. The completeness of this presentation of luxury and comfort can be experienced in mere moments. The long, sweeping lines indicate the renowned smoothness of motion; precision engineering was expected and delivered. The engine was so muted in its run of power, one could sense that this was a machine made with extreme care and as a result, is highly refined in all manners.
It is reported that only 64 Willoughby limousine bodies were produced, and that such cars sold new for $5906, $1000 more than those by LeBaron and about 10 times more than the price of a typical car in the early 1930's. Willoughby and Company was established in Utica, New York in 1903 and prepared several cars for American Presidents (Coolidge and Hoover) as well as boxer Joe Louis.
This car has a 448 CID V12, producing 150hp. These engines were hand made to order and are Mill/Fork-and-Blade connecting rods. Lincoln touted this engine to propel the car at speeds above 100 mph. This made the Lincoln V12 one of the most powerful power plants of its time.” It has the original 1932 Stromberg DD-3- two-barrel -4 bolt downdraft carburetor. According to Stromberg, it's the only one that they are aware of that is still in existence on this car. The car weighs 5905 pounds with a 145" wheelbase x 60" wide.
This 1932 Lincoln KB was powered by the factory with its impressive 448-cid, 150-hp V-12 that is mated to a floor- shift three-speed manual transmission. Among the many highlights on exhibit with this two-tone beauty that consist of lacquer dark maroon paint with black fenders; are optional side mounted spare painted wire wheels (double sided whitewalls) with soft covers and mirrors, radiator mascot, luggage rack. painted wire wheels and wide whitewall tires (double white in front and rear). The exquisite interior has attractive wood trim elements, a divider window, jump seats, rear windows pull down shades for total privacy, foot rest, rear interior lighting, buzzer to notify the chauffeur, nickel plated makeup station that still has the original lipstick and rouge inside, nickel plated cigarette holder with engraved initials "L.E" on the inside, cigarette lighter; all grouped in an unbelievable comfortable and luxurious setting that only the "elite could afford".
The Willoughby name is equally respected in the Classic Era as the Lincoln brand; it is reported that only 64 of this suspected series 245 KB Lincoln were built in 1932, and it is reported that this is "One of Only "Two" known to still be with us. A very rare and impressive car; it is recognized as a Full Classic by the Classic Car of America and is eligible for their events. This Lincoln proudly carries the CCCA medallion that recognizes this car as a prior "National First Place Prize Winner" in 1991 where it scored 100 points at the Classic Car Club annual event.
This Lincoln KB Limousine was owned by the same gentleman in Minnesota from August 23, 1968-2017. His car project started out when he purchased a 1932 V-12 KB Lincoln 5-window Victoria Coupe (Model 236) in Indiana in 1966 which was partially disassembled and missing parts. He went into the Army for two years and when he got out, he started looking for a parts car for the Victoria Coupe, He heard mention of a 1932 KB, Model 245 Willoughby, seven passenger limousine seen in a parade near Duluth, Minnesota. He searched and found it in a used car lot. The Willoughby obviously spent a sheltered life (18,000 miles), but recently had fallen into rough use. He purchased it and took it home for his car parts. After he started going over the list that he needed for the Coupe, he carefully looked at the Willoughby and said she was no parts car. The Coupe became the parts car, surrendering its spare parts to the Willoughby. It has undergone a complete frame-off restoration that was executed by Harry Andrews in Long Beach, California in the early 1990s. He entered it at the CCCA event in 1991,where he scored 100 point 1st place.
This is a very "rare opportunity" for the Classic Car Collectors to add this beautiful car to their collection, knowing that she is one of the only two known to be in existence.
