Vehicle Description
West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional
example of this 1935 Lincoln Model K V12 LeBaron Roadster, 1 of 30
built in this striking open body style. Well-restored and
thoroughly maintained with the original matching engine stamping
shown with the chassis tag showing the matching number.1935 LINCOLN
MODEL K V-12 ROADSTER1 OF 30 PRODUCED WITH LEBARON COACHWORK414
c.i. 150HP L-HEAD V12 ENGINE3 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONCCCA FULL
CLASSICDUAL SIDE MOUNTS WITH STEEL COVERSBLACK LEATHER
UPHOLSTERYSIDE LOUVERED HOODTWO GUAGE CLUSTERLOCKING GLOVEBOXSUPER
RAY FOG LAMPSRUMBLE SEATREAR SEAT FOOT RESTDUAL MIRRORS17" WIDE
WHEELSWIDE WHITEWALL TIRESGRAYHOUND RADIATOR MASCOT Widely
considered the most desirable of the Classic Era Lincoln models,
this rare K Convertible Roadster is believed to be one of only
thirty examples coached by LeBaron, with reportedly only 3 known to
remain. The Lincoln K series (also called the Lincoln Model K, in
line with Ford nomenclature) is a luxury vehicle that was produced
by the Lincoln Motor Company between 1931 and 1940. The second
motor line produced by the company, the Model K was developed from
the Model L, including a modernized chassis on a longer wheelbase.
In 1931, Lincoln introduced a V-12, becoming a feature of the
company for nearly 20 years. One of the most exclusive vehicles
produced in the United States during the 1930s, the Model K
competed domestically against the Cadillac V-12 and V-16, Packard
Twin Six, Chrysler Imperial, Pierce-Arrow Model 53 and the
Duesenberg Model J, as well as bespoke bodied ultra-luxury models
from Hispano-Suiza, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, and
Mercedes-Benz. Alongside multiple body configurations produced by
Lincoln, bare chassis were provided for coachbuilders. Lincoln made
significant design changes in 1935, both with their model
designations and engineering of their well respected luxurious
automobiles. These changes began with the elimination of the KA and
KB chassis numbers determining the wheelbase. All cars would be
considered K-Series and have model designations instead. Both
136-inch and 145-inch choices in wheelbase still existed, but now
each chassis would be offered with your choice of body, so buyers
no longer felt obligated to buy the longer wheelbase to have the
most prestigious offerings from Lincoln. The stylish open Roadster
body sports a rakish windshield, flowing fenders with skirts and
running boards, and elegant side-mounted welded steel-spoked
wheels. The significant small-mesh grille, hood side-louvres and
iconic greyhound ornament, framed by the chromed headlights and a
single piece front bumper, produce an overall aesthetic of sporty
flamboyance. The top is completely retractable into the recess
behind the front seats, producing a clean open-car contour, even
when the ample two-seater rumble is erected in the rear deck. A
side panel accesses the interior luggage space sufficient for golf
clubs or weekend totes, while the rear luggage rack facilitates
larger bags. The external grandeur is mirrored by the Art Deco
styling of the interior with its leather upholstery and dual-dial
instrument panel, accented with brightwork knobs and levers. The
1935 model was markedly quieter than its predecessors, as it
benefited from the addition of five rubber engine mounts.
Furthermore, hydraulic shock absorbers, which automatically
adjusted to temperature and road conditions, plus a new
synchronized gearing mechanism, rendered the ride noticeably
smoother. This gorgeous 1935 K Convertible Roadster presents in
stunning yellow, true to the Lincoln K flagship model in the
original sales brochure. By 1935, the fine car market had all but
disappeared. With the world gripped by the most serious economic
depression of all time, many could no longer afford such luxuries.
Even those that were still able to buy fine automobiles felt that
it was inappropriate to spend such huge sums when so many were
suffering financially. As a result, most of the great manufacturers
were either bankrupt or nearly so. Lincoln would be one of the few
survivors, due to the support of the Ford Motor Company. Edsel Ford
retained a strong interest in these cars, and he actively supported
the great designers of the time with commissions on Lincoln
chassis. Improvements for 1935 would include a better center of
gravity by moving the passenger compartment forward a full
11-inches to distribute and balance weight more evenly on the axle
centers. The engines were now installed with five rubber mounts
along with an improved camshaft and needle bearing tappet rollers
for more silent operation. They also offered a better, smoother
suspension. An engine oil filter and free-wheeling were now
standard equipment, and helical cut gears and new synchronizing
allowed for better, easier shifts from the transmission. Although,
the longer wheelbase proved more popular with sales totaling 820
vehicles, the more desirable today are the 136-inch special order
models from the LeBaron and Brunn coachbuilding shops. Only 580
cars would find this well-balanced, shorter chassis in 1935. Of
those, only 30 would become the gorgeous special order LeBaron
Convertible Roadster, designated Model 542, such as this rare and
fantastic example. The shear presence and design of this LeBaron
Convertible Roadster is impressive. Its size, curves, color,
design, and rarity really make it irresistible when viewing in
person. The rake of the windshield and convertible top, the
curvature of the crowned, skirted fenders, the overall shape of the
rear deck hiding the rumbleseat, and the forward grille all
comprise a sleek and stimulating Lincoln. All Lincoln owners in
1935 were honored with leather interior seating, Art Deco inspired
two-gauge instrumentation clusters, locking glovebox, sidemounts
with steel covers, rear luggage rack, 17-inch wire wheels and
whitewall tires as standard equipment. The greyhound mascot on the
radiator was now a fixed ornament as well. The L-head engine
measures 414 cubic inches and produces 150 horsepower while paired
to a three-speed manual transmission. This is an early built
example and ready to enjoy immediately. LeBarons convertible
roadster was built on a shortened, sportier 135-inch wheelbase
chassis, and only 30 examples were produced, at a price of $4,600
each in 1935, reserving them for only the worlds wealthiest
buyers., and it is one of reportedly only three that survive today.
K4419 has benefited from a now older but still very comprehensive
professional restoration to high standards. The interior, engine
bay, and undercarriage are detailed, and the car is equipped with
dual side-mounted spares with matching painted metal covers, as
well as accessory rearview mirrors. It has continued to be well
cared-for and has been extensively sorted mechanically and
cosmetically; it presently shows 363 miles since restoration. The
Model K Convertible Roadster is rarely seen and highly collectible,
as it is one of the most beautiful Lincolns of the Classic Era.
Offered here is one of the few survivors. It has been beautifully
restored, presented, and maintained, and it ready to be enjoyed on
the show field or the open road.
