To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Auburn Fall event, 3 - 5
September 2020.
Estimate:
$125,000 - $175,000
- The epitome of Art Deco elegance
- No. 11 of 36 Dietrich-bodied sidemount examples
- One of four known to survive
- 150 hp, 414 cu. in. V-12 engine; three-speed manual
transmission
- Equipped with rumble seat and rear luggage rack
- Significant exhibition and awards provenance
- 2008 AACA National First Place Senior Award winner
- CCCA Premier First Place Award winner
Saved from receivership by Henry Ford in 1922 and capably led by
his son Edsel Ford, Lincoln quickly rose to prominence in the
American luxury car market of the 1920s. The Model K, which finally
replaced the Model L in 1931, was the first wholly new Lincoln
model launched under Ford ownership, and its fresh styling boosted
sales. Lincoln furnished the KA and KB lineup with a bevy of engine
changes, wheelbases, and body styles from a range of well-regarded
coachwork providers through the next several model years of
tumultuous market conditions.
In 1934, the marque cut production costs in part by introducing a
standard powerplant for all K-series chassis: a 414-cubic inch V-12
engine, which was good for 150 horsepower. While Lincoln styling
for 1934 differed little from the previous year, it was nonetheless
evolved, with body-color radiator shells; cooling shutters replaced
the earlier louvered hood treatment. Smaller headlamps provided
further stylistic refinement.
Chassis KA2179, offered here, is one of just 75 KA convertible
roadsters produced in 1934, and number 11 of 36 built by Dietrich.
Further, per CCCA records, it is one of just four examples wearing
this desirable Dietrich dual-sidemount coachwork that is known to
survive. While much of the history of this numbers-matching Lincoln
is not known, it benefitted from a restoration that is believed to
have been executed in the late 1990s.
The present condition of this chassis, however, along with an
accompanying collection of concours trophies collected since 2003,
should serve as an accurate testament to the quality of cosmetic
and mechanical work performed.
Clad in a charming yellow over tan leather color combination, the
additional color matched details and walnut burl trim elevate the
aesthetic oeuvre of this Lincoln to the point of Art Deco
brilliance. The wire wheels are matched to the body, while a pair
of side profile stripes are ingeniously matched to the interior
upholstery and convertible top. Gleaming brightwork trim throughout
is a perfect partner to the pair of chrome heads fitted to the
Stromberg-carbureted flathead V-12. A set of whitewall tires work
in tandem with a set of vacuum-boosted mechanical brakes to provide
assured and controlled movement across roads or concours
greens.
Since its aforementioned restoration, KA2179 has received acclaim
from some of the world's foremost authorities; awards of national
distinction issued include an AACA National First Place Senior
Award in 2008, a CCCA Premier First Place Award, and recognition
from the Lincoln Club of America for "Best K Lincoln" in 2012.
Other notable awards include "Best American Open Car" from the 2005
Greenwich Concours d'Elegance and a "Best in Class" trophy from the
2006 Old Westbury Gardens Antique Car Show.
Appealing when new, the V-12 Lincolns of 1932-1934 remain highly
prized for their style, luxury, quality, and performance; this
wonderful, and exceptionally rare, Convertible Roadster represents
an opportunity not to be missed. To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/af20.
