Vehicle Description
On the heels of the Lincoln Motor Company debuting their newest
line-topping Continental, it seems only appropriate that RK Motors
Charlotte would debut one of the finest Lincolns ever produced.
And, according to some automotive historians, the tailored Model K
IS the best Lincoln ever produced. With the introduction of
Cadillac's 1930 V16, and 1931 V12, it had become apparent that the
multi-cylinder race to woo America's most prosperous buyers had hit
the ground running. That meant any company wishing to compete at
the very top of the new car market would need to adopt the 'bigger
is better' mindset. And when Henry Leland founded Lincoln, he
constructed the brand on the premise of cars without compromise.
True to that philosophy, Lincolns had always been well built cars.
And this incredible classic, 1 of only 15 1938 Model K LeBarons
assembled, and 1 of only 6 known to still exist, is the epitome of
what was, and should still be, great about the Lincoln Motor
Company. If you're looking for a legendary American automobile
that's primed for the concours, come in and find out why "ownership
of the Lincoln is one of life's pleasant and rewarding
experiences"!
COACHWORK/TRIM
Produced from 1931 to 1939, the Lincoln Model K was a favorite of
celebrities and dignitaries across the globe. And while the brand
banked its image on made-to-order cars, it also placed stock
orders, sometimes 50 at a time, to a multitude of coachbuilders.
Known as the catalog custom system, this accomplished three things:
1) a shorter delivery time 2) allowed customers to still enjoy the
quality and exclusivity of a coachbuilt automobile and 3) allowed
customers to easily customize certain aspects of their cars in a
variety of ways. Not surprisingly, catalog bodies were sourced from
the leading coachbuilders of the day, including Judkins,
Waterhouse, Murphy, Brunn, Dietrich, Willoughby and LeBaron. In
many ways, this philosophy signaled a permanent change, as mass
production models like the Lincoln Continental and Zephyr started
providing the bulk of revenue for luxury franchises. That meant, by
1938, Model K LeBaron orders had wilted to just 15 bespoke
cars.
However, as is often the case in the realm of classic cars: low
production equals increased collectability. And, in addition to
being one of the finest vintage Lincolns ever produced, K9105 is
believed to be 1 of only 6 1938 Model K LeBarons still in
existence. With its low windshield, clean top lines and sweeping
fender lines, the car is a masterpiece of classic era design.
Naturally, that body's aesthetic is Wall Street swank, wrapping
intricate brightwork around conservative 2-stage. That expertly
applied pigment has been buffed to the kind of liquid-smooth shine
that's right at home sitting on the show field. And in November of
2016, rolling as some of the finest pre-war luxury on the planet,
this convertible was honored with a Palmetto Award at the Hilton
Head Island Concours d'Elegance.
ENGINE
It's no surprise that one of the finest Lincolns ever built is
powered by one of the finest engines ever built. Simpler than the
brand's storied KB V12, this LeBaron's 414 cubic inch KA V12 uses
five main bearings and side-by-side connecting rods to create a
smooth 150 horsepower. That said; there was one problem. The mill
was so expensive to manufacture that it would eventually by
replaced by a more conventional V8, making 1939 the last year for
the ultimate Lincoln. The result is, among today's premium car
collectors, 1932 through 1939 Model Ks have achieved legendary
status.
DRIVETRAIN
Driven by Edsel Ford, Lincoln was unwavering in its commitment to
the coachbuilt car. Although a baseline of factory standard sedans
was offered, each year new designs were solicited from customhouses
for the top-of-the-line Model K, and those renderings were used to
produce sales catalogs for Lincoln dealers. The brand's chassis,
specifically designed to receive bespoke coachwork, featured
unparalleled quality. The foundation for that quality was solid
front and live rear axles, longitudinal leaf springs and 4-wheel
vacuum servo assisted drum brakes. With those bits in mind, the
model did receive continuous updates in the form of better frame
reinforcement, an adjustable vacuum booster, thermostatic shock
absorbers and a new 3-speed transmission.
INTERIOR
The interior of this antique cruiser is not as sparse as one might
think. Tasteful door panels join plush carpet and comfy leather
seats to serve as all of the car's soft points. The dash and
steering wheel are restored pieces that feature an assortment of
period correct knobs, gauges and controls. There's a small mirror
and dual windshield wipers, which add a bit of livability. And
overall, this Lincoln emphasizes the kind of tailored, upscale
coddling that most showroom-fresh metal lost a long time ago.
AWARDS
First Place American Classic 1930-1939
- Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
- March, 2017
Most Outstanding Lincoln
- Greenwich Concours d'Elegance
- June, 2016
Palmetto Award
- Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance
- November, 2016
First Place
- Historic Festival 33
- September, 2015
Model K Lincolns are regarded as some of the finest and most
undervalued cars of their era. This LeBaron is an elegant,
luxurious and exceptionally stylish reminder of the incredible
engineering prowess of one of the world's most storied automotive
franchises. And today, the car remains in excellent overall
condition, prepared to show and cruise while accumulating value and
prestige.
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration
Received First Place American Classic 1930-1939 at the 2017 Amelia
Island Concours d'Elegance
Received the Palmetto Award at the 2016 Hilton Head Island Concours
d'Elegance
Received Most Outstanding Lincoln at the 2016 Greenwich Concours
d'Elegance
Received First Place at Historic Festival 33 in 2015
414 cubic inch V12 / 3-speed manual transmission
LeBaron convertible body / Leather interior
1 of only 15 1938 Lincoln Model K LeBarons assembled (all were
custom ordered)
1 of only 6 1938 Lincoln Model K LeBarons known to still exist
