Vehicle Description
1931 was a pivotal year for the Lincoln Motor Company as it marked
the introduction of the critically important Model K. The outgoing
Model L had been a mainstay of the marque for many years, though it
was clear that it had reached the end of its development in an
increasingly competitive luxury car market. With a new chassis,
fresh new styling and a revised V8 engine, the Model K would lead
Lincoln into the new era, and it would serve as Ford Motor
Company's proud flagship throughout the 1930s. Setting the Model K
apart from its predecessor was fresh and handsome new styling that
featured graceful, flowing fenders and a peaked radiator grille.
The styling was understated, crisp and elegant and would set the
trend for Lincoln styling for the next decade. The new 145-inch
wheelbase chassis was stronger than before and gave the Lincoln K a
low-slung and modern appearance. As before, the finest American
coachbuilders, including Judkins, Dietrich and Brunn offered their
services which supplemented a range of factory-catalog body
offerings. Mechanically, the 1931 Model K was somewhat of an
interim model, in that it retained the 384.8 cubic inch V8 engine
developed in the Model L, but featuring a number of changes to
improve reliability and output. The crank was updated with five
main bearings, a new Stromberg downdraft carburetor fitted and a
mechanical fuel pump replaced the old vacuum system. The revised,
high-compression engine would produce a very useful 120 horsepower
and give the new Lincoln the performance it needed to keep up with
the competition. After 1931, the K-series was split into two
ranges, the V8 powered, KA and V12 powered KB. V8 KA-series cars
reverted back to the shorter 136" inch wheelbase to distinguish
them from their more expensive counterparts. This makes the 1931
models unique as they are the only V8 powered K-series to be built
on the elegant long-wheelbase chassis. With the beautifully
engineered Model K, Lincoln had fully established itself as a
worthy competitor to the likes of Packard, Cadillac and
Pierce-Arrow. This handsome 1931 Lincoln Model K wears elegant
3-window Town Sedan coachwork; style 204-B from Lincoln's factory
body catalog. Finished in understated dark green with black trim
and gold coach stripes, this Model K is an attractive and
well-sorted example that drives beautifully and is ideally suited
for touring and regular enjoyment on the road. According to the
previous owner, the car was lightly restored in about 2000, when it
was stripped and repainted in the attractive dark green acrylic
enamel it wears today. The paintwork has been very well maintained
since, remaining glossy with straight body panels and pleasing,
honest quality. At the time of the repaint, the bumpers were
restored and replated, while the rest of the brightwork is a mix of
good quality original and older restored parts. Accessories include
dual sidemount spare wheels with chrome mirrors, a trunk rack with
a period appropriate trunk, and body color wire wheels fitted with
Firestone whitewall tires. A particular highlight of this car is
the exquisite interior, which was restored in 2011 at a significant
cost by Addison Auto Interiors. Trimmed in lovely tan broadcloth
with subtly contrasting brown piping, the seats show virtually no
use, with matching tan carpets in similarly fine order. Rear
occupants are treated to luxurious accommodations and abundant leg
room. A pair of foot rests is trimmed to match the carpet, and a
full complement of roller shades are fitted to the rear windows as
original. When new, the Town Sedan would likely have been
owner-driven rather than chauffeur driven, so the driver gets equal
amounts of luxury up front, again with beautiful broadcloth
upholstery and an elegant dash fitted a full array of instruments
including a drum-type speedometer and a Seth Thomas clock. In
addition, the lack of a divider window allows for more legroom up
front and greater driver comfort. Coinciding with the restoration
of the upholstery, the extensive interior nickel fittings and
hardware were replated. The big 384.8 cubic inch L-head V8 fires up
easily and runs beautifully, sending power through a three speed
gearbox with synchronized 2nd and 3rd gears and a freewheeling
clutch. Subject to an extensive rebuild by respected expert Mike
Grunewald in 2012, the engine benefits from new heads and pistons
as well as a restored fuel system. It is a joy to drive; the
powerful V8 running in virtual silence and the gearbox operation
feeling slick and composed. Engine compartment cosmetics are quite
strong; the V8 detailed with correct black enamel heads, bright
alloy crank case and original-type fittings, hardware and
ancillaries. It shows only limited use and remains very clean, with
only some minor cracking evident in the porcelain manifold, but is
otherwise very tidy and correct. This handsome Lincoln K combines
elegant Classic Era styling with effortless driving characteristics
and a very well-preserved restoration. It is an approved CCCA Full
Classic, ideally suited for CARavan touring or similar driving
events. The most recent owners have maintained the car in top
mechanical condition and have enjoyed it on numerous Illinois
Region tours, and happily report it to be a wonderful driving car.
Along with touring, it was shown at the Concours d'Elegance of the
Americas at St. Johns in 2013. The approachable, easy-driving
nature also makes it a fine choice for casual family ice cream runs
and relaxed cruising on your favorite roads. Finely finished and
thoroughly enjoyable, this grand and elegant Lincoln Town Sedan is
sure to please its next keeper.
