Vehicle Description
Introduced in 1921, the Model L was Lincoln Motor Company's first
production automobile, developed by the great engineer Henry Leland
following his departure from Cadillac. The Model L boasted a
compact yet powerful 60-degree V8 with fork-and-blade connecting
rods and full-pressure lubrication, set in a robust chassis widely
praised for its excellent handling and ride quality. Despite the
strengths, early models suffered from somewhat dull styling, and
sales struggled to get off the ground. In 1922, Henry Ford swept in
and purchased Lincoln Motor Company, installing his son Edsel at
the helm. Unlike his pragmatic father, Edsel's keen sense of style
and fashion made him the ideal fit to run Ford's new flagship
marque. Lincoln cars could now be tailored to the individual
buyer's needs, with a bevy of custom coachwork options from
LeBaron, Deitrich, Judkins, Willoughby, and others. Finally, the
Model L had the style to match its superbly engineered
underpinnings. One coachbuilder that developed a particularly close
relationship with Lincoln was Brunn & Co. of Buffalo, New York. To
get a sense of Brunn's reputation for quality and sophistication,
look no further than this exquisite 1925 Model L "Beetle Back"
Roadster. Chassis number 27771 is one of three survivors from only
six examples of this sporty rumble-seat roadster produced by Brunn,
and it boasts a fascinating history and an outstanding,
concours-quality, award-winning restoration. According to written
documentation in the accompanying history file, this particular
Lincoln was first purchased by newlyweds Edgar and Lila Mason of
Auburn, Indiana. The Masons adored their Lincoln, and Mrs. Mason
developed a particular fondness for the car, nicknaming it "Sis"
and treating it like a part of the family. Unfortunately, the Great
Depression cost the Masons nearly everything they had, though they
retained possession of "Sis." Edgar died shortly after in 1931, and
Lila became inconsolable. She held on to the Lincoln as if it was
her only connection to Edgar, and she even had her home modified to
park the Lincoln in her living room! "Sis" proved to be the only
car she ever owned, accruing 90,000 miles over 50 years of
continuous ownership. Lila kept a running list of people who
inquired about buying the Lincoln through the years - which had
grown to 125 names by the time she passed in 1975! But she didn't
note their phone numbers or addresses, so when she died, her heirs
sold the car to the first caller - Mr. Jim Riffenburgh of
California. Mr. Riffenburgh was an avid marque enthusiast and
Lincoln club member, and he intended to restore "Sis" to her former
glory. However, he ended up selling her to an acquaintance, the
muralist and car collector Tony Heinsbergen. In turn, he left the
car to his long-time friend and fellow Lincoln enthusiast Tom
Powels, who performed a great deal of research to authenticate it
as one of the six original Beetle Back roadsters. The most recent
owner acquired the Beetle Back Lincoln from Mr. Powels' estate in
2008. It received a world-class restoration while in their hands,
returning it to original specifications as researched by the Powels
family. Photos of the restoration show the car was remarkably
complete and well-preserved when the project began, and it was
painstakingly returned to factory-original specification. Since its
restoration, this marvelously elegant Lincoln has racked up
numerous awards, including a 2nd In Class at the 2013 Pebble Beach
Concours d'Elegance, an AACA President's Cup in 2014, and a First
Place Primary Division from the Lincoln & Continental Owner's Club
in 2015. The restoration has mellowed very slightly with careful
use, and it has been expertly maintained in recent years,
presenting in superb condition inside and out. Offered in its
original livery of two-tone gray with black fenders and wheels,
this Lincoln has tremendous presence. The single rear-mounted spare
wheel gives a clean, uncluttered profile that accentuates the
curving front fenders and subtle boattail treatment of the rear
body. It is beautifully proportioned and uncharacteristically
sporty for an early Lincoln, and the powerful engine and robust
chassis make it ideally suited for spirited touring events with the
CCCA or similar groups. Accompanied by period literature, written
history, and photographic documentation of the restoration, this
extraordinary Model L Beetle Back Roadster carries a remarkable
provenance, made possible by a series of dedicated marque
aficionados. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6763-1925-lincoln-model-l-beetle-back-roadster/