Vehicle Description
In 1922, Henry Ford exacted revenge on his former nemesis Henry
Leland by purchasing the Lincoln Motor Company for $8M. Some twenty
years prior, a group of investors led by Leland had forced Henry
Ford out of his own business, going to reorganize and re-launch it
as Cadillac. Leland soon left Cadillac to found Lincoln Motor
Company with his son, and despite a lucrative contract during World
War I to supply Liberty aero engines, the company soon hit hard
times. Ford was more than happy to bail out Leland, however at a
heavily discounted price, a deliberate jab to the man who caused
Ford to start from scratch so many years prior. Ford successfully
purchased Lincoln, swiftly forcing Leland and his son out of the
company. But what was bad for Henry Leland proved quite good for
Lincoln Motor Company. Henry Ford put his son Edsel in charge, who
wasted little time improving quality and expanding product
offerings. By 1923, sales had risen 45 percent, and the company was
finally turning a profit. Lincoln was now fully established as a
genuine competitor in the luxury marketplace, The K-series was
Lincoln's first all-new product since Leland's ouster, replacing
the ageing and expensive L-series. The K was made available as
either a V8-powered KA or V12-powered KB series. A variety of
wheelbases and coachbuilt body styles could satisfy virtually any
client's wishes. Ford contracted with a number of premier
coachbuilders of the day, such as Brunn, Murphy, Judkins LeBaron
and Rollston. By the 1934 model year, the K-series was combined
into a single line. The V8 engine had been dropped several years
before, as had the small-displacement V12. The only engine
available was the beautiful and powerful 414 cubic inch (6.8 liter)
twelve-cylinder which would go on to power the K through the end of
its run. Mechanically, the KA and KB were identical, with the
wheelbase being the only difference between the two. As before,
Lincolns were bodied by any number of high quality coachbuilders,
including Murray, with whom Ford had a long standing relationship.
Murray was primarily a body builder, producing bodies for the likes
of Dietrich, as well as for many of Ford's more pedestrian and
commercial models. But they had the skill and facilities to produce
limited high-end bodies as well, such as the one fitted to our
featured 1934 Lincoln KA. This handsome 1934 Lincoln K-Series V12
(S/N KA2938) wears a rare and interesting High Hat Limousine body
by Murray and has been treated to a high quality restoration, which
remains in very good and well-maintained condition. It is finished
in an understated shade of dark blue, which is accented by gray
wire wheels and gray coachlines. While the color combination is
understated, the same cannot be said about the rather imposing
proportions of the body. The High Hat limousine was of course
designed for the gentleman of high social standing who did not wish
to remove his hat when climbing aboard, and the rear compartment is
generously proportioned with additional head room. The roof is
upholstered in black, lending an attractive and formal appearance.
Paint quality and body finishing was executed to a high standard,
and the car is well detailed with good quality brightwork and fine
original equipment. It wears a pair of chrome Flexbeam headlights,
dual Trippe Light driving lamps, and a greyhound radiator mascot.
Dual sidemount spare wheels adorn the fenders, and a large trunk
with an upholstered cover rides on a chrome plated trunk rack. Wide
whitewall tires on painted wire wheels continue the theme of formal
elegance. The interior is all about traditional limousine
accommodations. The driver's compartment is trimmed in black
leather, as it was a harder-wearing material that would not show
dirt. The dash is nicely equipped with correct instruments that
appear to be in excellent original condition. Beautifully detailed
diamond-pattern wood trim adorns the door tops, which has been
nicely restored with a period appropriate finish that doesn't
appear over-restored. An opening divider window separates driver
from passengers. Rear passengers are treated to a luxurious cabin
trimmed in gray broadcloth with matching gray carpeting. The same
diamond-pattern wood continues on the door caps, quarter window
sills and divider window sill. A pair of jump seats can be deployed
for two occasional passengers and the rearmost quarter windows
crank open to allow for an airy cabin, an unusual feature for a
formal limousine. The quality of the trim and finishing is
excellent and the car presents in tidy, clean and attractive order.
Lincoln's alloy-head 414 cubic inch V12 produced 150 horsepower in
the typically silky-smooth manner of a 1930s multi-cylinder engine.
This example is pleasingly well detailed, showing signs of careful
use and regular maintenance since completion, with mainly period
correct fittings and hardware. This car was awarded an AACA Senior
award in 2012 as well as a CCCA National 1st Place, a testament to
the quality and detail put into the restoration. The fascinating
body is certainly a talking point, while the K-series chassis and
lovely V12 engine make it a fantastic choice for touring. As a
CCCA-recognized Full Classic, this Lincoln remains in showable
condition, yet would also make a fine and comfortable choice for
touring.
