Henry Leland had earned his nickname in Detroit as the "Master of Precision" long before establishing Lincoln to build Liberty aircraft engines for World War I. Leland created Cadillac's reputation as "The Standard of the World", then left after a dispute with Billy Durant and started Lincoln. First building Liberty aircraft engines and finally in 1921 Lincoln had introduced its first car, the Model L. Powered by a 358ci L-head, 60°, V-8 engine. Unlike more conventional V-engines which offset the cylinder banks slightly to make room for adjacent connecting rod bearings on the crank journals, Leland's Model L used expensive, precision-made fork-and-blade connecting rods and disposed the cylinders directly opposite each other. His engines also had full pressure lubrication which was unusual for the time as well.
Because of the post-WWI recession, combined with not so well designed coachwork, Lelands lack of ability to deliver cars once orders were filled and an enormous $4.5 Million dollar tax bill spelled failure for him and his company. Lincoln went into receivership but was purchased by Henry Ford soon after in 1922 to give him a motorcar that could reach the Luxury car market with success. Edsel quickly took charge of Lincoln and began to create some of the best quality cars of the era.
In 1929 Lincoln engineers gave their car some mechanical upgrades that greatly improved the L including rubber engine mounts, aluminum pistons and increased the engine's oil pressure while Edsel Ford and his design team made some new changes to the exterior design with a new, higher, radiator and hood line. By 1930 the L was at its best and was a powerful large car for someone of status with a range of custom designed bodies by some of the best coachbuilders such as Judkins, Dietrich, Derham, LeBaron, Brunn and Locke.
Offered here is a fantastic late series L with a beautiful semi-custom dual cowl sport phaeton body designed by Locke. One of only a handful original dual cowls that exists today. Sold new in California, it was later acquired by a California collector in the 1960's where it would remain until this year when we acquired the car from his estate. It is as solid as expected being a car from California and is overall just an incredible original car. Besides being a late model L with all of the design upgrades, it also has factory high speed upgrades such as an accessory dual-throat downdraft Winfield SR carburetor and manifold, special high lift camshaft and a factory high speed rear axle. It wears an older restoration that has held up incredibly well and wears just a bit of age that gives this car the perfect look. Finished in black with a grey leather interior it is just stunning. It retains all of its original wood cabinetry work in the rear compartment under the rear cowl as well. Just an incredible, rare and good looking model L that really is one of the best. Contact us for more information.
