For Sale: 1932 Lincoln KB in Saint Louis, Missouri

For many enthusiasts, the 1932 Lincoln KB represents the pinnacle of aesthetic and mechanical achievement for the Lincoln marque. The KB carried Lincolns first V12, an engine type destined to power all Lincolns from 1933 through 1948. The Lincoln fork and blade connecting rod arrangement was continued, and in this, as well as other respects, the new engine was a continuation of design features used since the first Leland designed motor cars. Built for only two years, the KB V12 was the largest displacement engine offered by Lincoln until the mid-sixties. It was a response to the horsepower and cylinder race started by Duesenberg in 1928, further escalated by the Cadillac V16 introduced in 1930, as well as to the deepening depression which was swiftly killing luxury car sales by 1932. The response by the competitors in the field, Lincoln included, was to offer more flamboyant and powerful automobiles than ever before.
The new KB was an aesthetic triumph as well. Born in a year when there were few unattractive cars, the Lincoln was nevertheless a standout. The wheelbase was long, the hood was long, and the entire ensemble could only be described as majestic. It was the last year for unskirted fenders and a vertical radiator grille, while windshields were developing an attractive slant, and variations were catalogued on the KB chassis alone. In addition to the factory-built bodies, prestigious coachbuilders Judkins, Brunn, LeBaron, Murphy, and Dietrich provided suitably beautiful and high-quality coachwork for the KB chassis. Due to its overbuilt nature, the KB V12 was an expensive car to produce, and soon Ford's accountants came knocking with its death warrant. Indeed, 1933 proved to be the final year for the KB with the big 448 cubic-inch twelve, marking the end of a brief but glorious era for the Lincoln Motor Company.
One of the most popular, and surely one of the sportiest, was the LeBaron Convertible Roadster, of which the car on offer is a fabulous example. Unfortunately, 'popular' in those depressed times meant that only a mere 125 of these LeBaron bodied convertibles were built. While Lincoln used the word Roadster, this model actually had wind up windows and thus did not, strictly speaking, meet the roadster definition and by today's terms would be considered a coupe body style. The LeBaron Convertible was first offered on the Lincoln chassis in 1930. The extended 145-inch wheelbase initiated in 1931 permitted the top contour to be lowered and lengthened, improving the appearance. The top folds below the belt line providing a particularly sporting appearance when the top is lowered. The car is equipped with a golf bag door on the right side.
The KB LeBaron presented here was the recipient of a ground up nut and bolt restoration completed in 2016. Today, it presents in superb condition and is worthy of continued concours or touring duty, with the gorgeous black paint and black canvas top in impeccable order. The flowing fenders, slanted windshield, chrome radiator, and LeBaron's rakish body exude Classic Era elegance. Further accentuating the sporting looks are red wire wheels shod with white wall Firestones, dual side-mount spare wheels, and the iconic sprinting Greyhound mascot. The paint, bright work, and details are outstanding.
Inside, striking red leather adorns the seats and door cards and matching red carpets provide a beautiful complement to the dark exterior. The dash and superb restored instruments sit in a central cluster with beautiful art-deco detailing. The black canvas top, with contrasting red piping, is superb, finished with a matching boot.
The magnificent presentation continues under the hood, with the mighty 448 cubic inch V12 wearing its bare alloy, black porcelain, and chrome with impressive effect. As expected, the engine is true to factory specifications and meticulously detailed, while also showing very light signs of use that hint at the car's potential as a real performer on tours and driving events.
Here is a Classic Era car that gracefully combines a sophisticated, sporty style with a memorable presence and an aura of the highest quality inside and out. The ease of driving smoothness these cars deliver may come as a revelation to those not familiar with the operation of a KB.
Lincolns of 1932 are regarded as some of the finest cars of the era, and this example is no doubt one of the best KBs available. It represents the pinnacle for Lincoln in the pre-war period, when the marque proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with Packard and Cadillac in the hotly contested battle for luxury car supremacy.

Offers welcome and trades considered.