Vehicle Description
This 1930 Lincoln Model L Derham Bodied Convertible Phaeton is an
absolutely stunning, rare custom-bodied example with Concours
D'Elegance pedigree. In the midst of World War I, Cadillac
executive Henry Martyn Leland wanted to convert Cadillac's
manufacturing facilities to produce Liberty aircraft motors in
assistance of the War effort. However, Leland's opinion was the
opposite of the ultimate decision maker, GM boss William Durant,
ultimately causing Leland to walk out of General Motors. Following
Leland's exit from GM, he founded the Lincoln Motor Company to help
the US build Liberty engines but the war ended too soon and the
Liberty engine business opportunity was not a success. The next
step for Leland and his Lincoln Motor Company was the release of
the Model L, powered by Leland's precision-built V8, but the car
didn't sell well enough and Henry Ford ended up purchasing Lincoln
from Leland, and installed Edsel Ford as the new head of Lincoln.
While under the leadership of Edsel, Lincoln was positioned as
Ford's luxury marque due to the Lincoln's impressive performance
coupled with their tremendous beauty. The 1930 Lincoln Model L was
left largely unchanged from the previous generation, likely due to
the challenging economic conditions brought on by the Great
Depression along with the imminent debut of the Model K the
following year. The 1930 Model L did offer more precise steering
than the previous edition due to the addition of a new worm and
roller steering gear design. One way America's luxury automakers,
such as Cadillac, Packard, and Lincoln, elevated their products
above the standard was by offering custom bodies built by famed
coachbuilders. One such coachbuilder was the Derham Body Company
based in Rosemont, Pennsylvania. For Lincoln, the custom Derham
bodies were "made-to-order" and for the custom Derham Convertible
Phaetons, like this particular example, a mere 21 units were
produced and had an MSRP in 1930 of $6,000. It is said that the
uniquely designed Convertible top on the Phaeton was either
borrowed or licensed from Hibbard & Darrin in Paris and added to
the car's sporty lines. This 1930 Derham-bodied Lincoln Convertible
comes to us from the cherished hands of respected collectors and
with impressive documentation. This 1930 Lincoln Model L is also
deemed a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America and is
eligible for CCCA events and CARavans. Powering this '30 Lincoln
Model L is a 384.8 Cubic Inch L-Head V8 paired with a single barrel
carburetor that together were said to have created 90 horsepower
when new. The 385 V8 is backed by a 3 speed manual transmission
that is shifted via a floor mounted shifter. Exhaust exits the
Flathead Lincoln powerplant via a single tailpipe, generating a
nice throaty sound out the rear. This 1930 Derham-Bodied Lincoln is
loaded with fantastic options! Up front, a single Trippe driving
light provides addition brightness while cruising at dusk or at
night and it sits below the gorgeous Lincoln "Greyhound" hood
ornament. Dual sidemounted covered spare tires are another
wonderful addition to any pre-war classic as they elevate the
exterior appearance and each is topped with chrome outside mirror
for additional visibility while squeezing this 4 door convertible
into a tight parking space at a car show or local drive-in. In the
rear, a covered trunk is mounted atop the luggage rack further
adding to the prestigious look of this exceptional motor vehicle.
Riding on a set of of wide whitewall bias-ply tires, each mounted
on a painted wire wheel that is capped off with a chrome Lincoln
hubcap, this '30 Model L Derham Convertible has a gorgeous look
whether you're parked at the car show or cruising down the road.
The beige cloth convertible top is in fantastic condition and is
manually raised and lowered, and retains its unique and iconic
Hibbard and Darrin designed profile. The Derham Coachwork has been
refinished in a beautiful paint scheme consisting of a Buckskin Tan
body with Winterleaf Brown fenders, and accented with orange
beltline pinstripes, completing the exterior look of this CCCA Full
Classic. The interior of this 1930 Lincoln Model L Derham
Convertible Phaeton is absolutely stunning! The front and rear
bench seats, along with the door panels, kick panels, dash and rear
armrests have all been reupholstered in beautiful Macadamia beige
leather. The brown carpeting, wooden steering wheel, and chrome
instrument panel are all in wonderful condition as well and appear
to remain in their stock configuration. Mounted above the tilt-out
windshield is a pair of rearview mirrors which is always a welcome
addition to any large pre-war Full Classic. The rear passenger
compartment also come outfitted with an entry light and robe cord
mounted on the back of the front seat. Instrumentation includes a
90 MPH speedometer, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, amp
gauge, and fuel gauge, along with a Seth Thomas Electric clock.
Whether you're adding to your established collection of Lincolns or
CCCA Full Classics, or you're buying your very first classic car,
this 1930 Lincoln Model L Derham-Bodied Convertible Phaeton would
make an excellent addition. Give Ellingson's a call today at
763-428-7337!
*384.8 Cu. In. L-Head V8
*Single Barrel Carburetor
*3 Speed Manual Transmission
*90 Horsepower
*Dual Covered Sidemounted Spare Tires
*Extensive Documentation
*1 of 21 Derham Convertible Phaetons Produced
*Buckskin Tan & Winterleaf Brown Exterior w/ Orange Accents
*Macadamia Leather Bench Seat Interior
*Beige Cloth Convertible Top
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 3,861 Miles
