Vehicle Description
This 1933 Lincoln KB Convertible Sedan (Chassis: KB-2005) was
delivered in early 1933 to Long Island, New York, as one of 15
Dietrich-bodied Convertible Sedans produced. Six are believed to
have survived, with this example serving as the earliest - and the
only one featuring open fenders. All Lincoln KBs utilize a chassis
sharing a 145-inch wheelbase. The car is powered by a 448
cubic-inch V12 engine producing 150 horsepower mated to a 3-speed
floor-shift manual transmission. Impeccable restoration work was
performed on this Lincoln throughout its life, including being
returned to its original color of dark green in the 1990s. The
quality of restorative craftsmanship, as well as the legendary
build quality which Lincoln and Dietrich are recognized for is
evident in this rare KB Convertible Sedan.
After its early life in New York, KB-2005 found its way to
Indianapolis under the ownership of Jack Pope, who used it on
several caravans in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1971, Art Graver
purchased this Lincoln, owning it for over 20 years before
embarking on a restoration that was unfinished due to his passing.
By 1991, KB-2005 was acquired by Lee Gurvey, and a full restoration
of the Lincoln was finally completed at the direction of marque
expert, Fran Roxas. Reportedly, during disassembly, an untouched
sample of original Dietrich Dark Green was discovered and used to
formulate the final paint finish. Shortly after completion, this
Lincoln KB Convertible Sedan was awarded First in Class and Most
Elegant Convertible at the 1992 Pebble Beach Concours
d'Elegance.
Notably, KB-2005 was later owned by Los Angeles Times publisher and
famed car collector Otis Chandler from 1997 until his death in
2006. Scott Kriens purchased this Lincoln from the Otis Chandler
Estate, enjoying the car until it was added to the collection of
John Shibles in 2013. Upon his acquisition, KB-2005 was treated to
significant mechanical refreshing by Steve Babinsky and his team,
along with an exquisite new convertible top. Shibles drove this car
in the 2015 Pebble Beach Motoring Classic, and showed it on the
lawn at Pebble Beach, winning the Lincoln Trophy for "most
significant" Lincoln. Now ready for its next journey, KB-2005 has
been freshly serviced, and includes a binder of ownership records,
photos, and ephemera from various events in which it
participated.
