Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Fall event,
August 31-3, 2017.
Chassis No.
68233
Estimate:
$ 70,000 - $ 90,000 US
The early months of 1931 saw a comprehensive showing of the new
Lincoln automobiles being exhibited at the Automobile Show put on
by the Lincoln Retail Division of the Ford Motor Company. This
display closely followed the world premiere of the new Lincoln at
the New York Automobile Salon. At both exhibitions the new car
aroused widespread interest.
The new for 1931 Lincolns were noted for superb appearance,
accentuated by the flowing lines of the long hood and cowl,
slanting windshields, and long, low-slung coachwork. The new
Lincoln line-up included both custom and standard body types of
many designs. Amongst those mentioned as part of the custom group
availability was the All-Weather Cabriolet by LeBaron according to
the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in their Sunday morning February 1,
1931 edition.
The Lincoln Model K was introduced in 1931 using a lengthened
145-inch wheelbase, replacing the 136-inch Model L. The longer
chassis was well received by independent body designers. Among the
body builders for the Lincoln was the famous LeBaron brand of New
York, which is well-known for producing some of the most beautiful
coachwork of the Classic Era and is seen on this car.
The November, 1930 issue of Autobody described the cars that would
appear on the LeBaron Detroit stand at the upcoming Auto Salons:
"The LeBaron exhibit will be noteworthy for its examples of
convertible bodies of quite different aspects, as well as its
formal coachwork." Later in the article it is stated that "LeBaron
will exhibit a cabriolet-type town car, with V-type windshield and
all-weather front, on Lincoln chassis. The Lincoln town car is
distinctly formal in appearance; the molding treatment is simple,
the bonnet molding tapering on the cowl to a medium width belt and
being swept at the rear quarter to a narrow encircling molding at
the back. A distinguishing feature is the "rolled" window reveals
giving an unobtrusive but new effect. The passenger compartment
seats five passengers, two of whom are on side- and back-facing
auxiliary seats."
The Model K was powered by a 385 cubic inch L-head V-8 engine
producing 120 horsepower at 2,900 rpm and a sliding gear, three
forward speeds and reverse transmission. Nineteen thirty-one would
see the introduction of the first two-barrel downdraft carburetor
and freewheeling transmission. Reliable sources show that Lincoln
produced a total of approximately 3,500 cars from 23 styles in
1931; this is the Model 217A Model K, of which LeBaron produced
only 21 examples.
This machine was more than merely a luxurious means of
transportation, this valued possession stands as an indication to
good taste that is inherent and discriminating. This Lincoln has
many desirable traits of original appearance and features that
include a subtle, yet beautifully styled vee'd windshield with
tilt-out venting. This LeBaron Model K is reported to be the only
example from the 21 built which offered the round opera windows in
the rear cabin. This is a highly original example that has been
sympathetically restored as needed, while the interior remains in
its original form.
Additionally the Lincoln has dual side-mount spares, greyhound
mascot, luggage rack with trunk, wire wheels, spare tire covers,
dual rear view mirrors, divider window, cabin heater, Trippe
lights, cowllights, and stylish interior wood trim elements.
Recognized by the Classic Car Club of America as a Full Classic,
the Lincoln is eligible for their CARavans and show events.
Acclaimed since new; the 1931 Lincoln Model K was beautifully
handcrafted by men closely chosen for their work to allow the car
to serve you with lasting satisfaction. It was born of the moment
and presented to last for many years.
