Vehicle Description
The year 1931 proved to be a pivotal one 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
since its inception, though it was clear that it had reached the
end of its development in an increasingly competitive luxury car
market. Now under full control of the Ford Motor Company, Lincoln's
newest model featured a new chassis, fresh new styling, and a
revised V8 engine. The Model K would lead Lincoln into a new era,
serving as Ford Motor Company's proud flagship throughout the
1930s. To the general public, the Model K stood apart from its
predecessor with 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 several years. 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, LeBaron, Brunn, and Murphy
offered their services to supplement a range of factory-designed
body offerings. The underlying architecture of the Model L's 384.8
cubic-inch V8 engine was retained; however, a number of changes
improved reliability and output. Significant updates included a
five main bearing crank, a new Stromberg 2-barrel downdraft
carburetor (the first such fitted to an American car) and a
mechanical fuel pump to replace the old vacuum system. The revised,
high-compression engine produced a very useful 120 horsepower and
gave the new Lincoln the performance it needed to keep up with the
competition. After 1931, the K-series split into two ranges; the V8
powered, KA and V12 powered KB. Post-1931 KA-series cars reverted
to the shorter 136" inch wheelbase to distinguish them from their
more expensive counterparts. Therefore, 1931 models unique as they
are the only V8 powered K-series Lincolns built on the preferred
145-inch wheelbase chassis. Thanks to its exceptional engineering
and quality, the Model K established Lincoln as a worthy competitor
to the likes of Packard, Cadillac, and Pierce-Arrow. With its
low-slung chassis and torque-laden V8 engine, the Lincoln K offers
surprisingly brisk performance for its class, and this 1931 Model
K, with two-passenger coupe coachwork by Judkins, is among the
sportiest of the twenty-six bodies Lincoln offered that year. This
highly attractive Lincoln wears a lovely older restoration that has
matured slightly over time. It comes to us from the estate of a
long-term owner, who purchased it 58 years ago with the intention
of enjoying it well into his retirement. He restored the car over
several years, and his family has continued to maintain it in the
years since it was completed. Finished in a beautiful multi-tone
green color scheme with black fenders and wheels, the colors
complement the elegant and sophisticated style that is typical of
J.B. Judkins Company. Some slight cracking is just beginning to
appear in the lacquer, and it remains a lovely car with deep gloss
and good overall paint quality. Options and accessories include
dual side-mount spares, wire wheels, greyhound mascot, Depress Beam
headlamps, dual cowl lamps, and twin chrome trumpet horns. The
black cobra-grain fabric roof and black wall tires accentuate the
long, low profile and distinctly sporting presence. The quality and
detailing is quite good, with attractive plating and tidy panel fit
all around. Unusually for the time, Judkins designed the body as a
strict two-passenger affair, with a full-size integrated trunk in
place of the more common rumble seat. There is a golf bag door in
the passenger side, and a trunk rack for additional luggage
capacity when needed. The two-place cockpit is trimmed in lovely
gray tweed fabric, with complementary velour material used on the
doors and interior paneling. The light gray carpets are in good
condition, though showing some light use. Interior appointments
include tinted Plexiglas visors, opening windscreen, Seth Thomas
electric clock, and optional Chicago heater. At 384.8 cubic inches,
Lincoln's L-head V8 matched the displacement of rival Packard's
inline eight. The long-stroke Lincoln engine is torquey and smooth,
and this example runs very well. The presentation is excellent,
with high-quality paint finish on the block, manifolds, and
firewall. Underhood detailing is excellent and consistent with a
car that is well-suited to touring and regular enjoyment on the
road. After nearly six decades of single-family ownership, this
rare and handsome Lincoln K Judkins Coupe is ready for a new owner
to enjoy it in tours and events. The performance and road manners
of the Model K make it a fine choice for driving enthusiasts, and
as a CCCA Full Classic and welcome entry into the AACA, Lincoln
Owner's Club, and Lincoln & Continental Owner's Club, there is no
shortage of possibilities to enjoy this marvelous car. Also, it
represents a tremendous value in the world of Full Classics and is
sure to satisfy its next keeper for years to come. For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6318-1931-lincoln-model-k-judkins-coupe/
