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The battle for supremacy among the luxury brands in the US reached its peak in 1932, when no fewer than seven marques launched V-12 flagship models. Lincoln's entry to the multi-cylinder derby was the Model KB. Capable of top speeds over 100 mph and riding on a 145 inch wheelbase, the KB was a more than worthy competitor in the field. Among the coach builders of America, the name Waterhouse is one of the best known. One of the most beautiful Waterhouse bodies is the Convertible Victoria. Based on a design of Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky for Belgian coachbuilder Van den Plas, it was refined and improved by Waterhouse's main designer George Weaver. One of the major improvements made by Weaver was to make the large soft top completely into the body. Only 10 Waterhouse Convertible Victoria bodies were fitted to Lincoln KB chassis, making them one of the rarest Lincoln V-12s. A Waterhouse Victoria was on display at the 1932 New York Auto Salon, in the colors of light tan and light green with the sumptuous leather interior in tan as well. Given the beauty and scarcity of these cars, it is not surprising that someone might seek to build a recreation. D.U. "Dee" Howard of San Antonio, Texas, was a pioneer in the conversion of military to commercial aircraft industry. Also a noted collector and restorer, he decided to recreate the 1932 New York show car. Far more than a replica in the usual sense, it is instead a faithful and accurate reconstruction of the Waterhouse Victoria using the same techniques and materials as used in the 1932 on an original KB chassis. The photo documentation of the restoration clearly shows the exacting wood framing and precise metal work that went into the four-year project. The paint and trim were completed to the finest standards. The result of this work was clear to all when Dee Howard and the Convertible Victoria took a First at the 1989 Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance in the American and European Classic, New Coachwork class. One look at this stunning car is all it takes to be reminded of what makes this rare and lovely design one of the highlights of the America luxury automobile of the 1930s.
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