Award Winning Frame Off Restored 1 of 6 Model K LeBaron 414 L-Head V12 3 Speed

SUMMARY

On the heels of the Lincoln Motor Company debuting their newest line-topping Continental, it seems only appropriate that RK Motors Charlotte would debut one of the finest Lincolns ever produced. And, according to some automotive historians, the tailored Model K IS the best Lincoln ever produced. With the introduction of Cadillac's 1930 V16, and 1931 V12, it had become apparent that the multi-cylinder race to woo America's most prosperous buyers had hit the ground running. That meant any company wishing to compete at the very top of the new car market would need to adopt the 'bigger is better' mindset. And when Henry Leland founded Lincoln, he constructed the brand on the premise of cars without compromise. True to that philosophy, Lincolns had always been well built cars. And this incredible classic, 1 of only 15 1938 Model K LeBarons assembled, and 1 of only 6 known to still exist, is the epitome of what was, and should still be, great about the Lincoln Motor Company. If you're looking for a legendary American automobile that's primed for the concours, come in and find out why "ownership of the Lincoln is one of life's pleasant and rewarding experiences"!

COACHWORK/TRIM

Produced from 1931 to 1939, the Lincoln Model K was a favorite of celebrities and dignitaries across the globe. And while the brand banked its image on made-to-order cars, it also placed stock orders, sometimes 50 at a time, to a multitude of coachbuilders. Known as the catalog custom system, this accomplished three things: 1) a shorter delivery time 2) allowed customers to still enjoy the quality and exclusivity of a coachbuilt automobile and 3) allowed customers to easily customize certain aspects of their cars in a variety of ways. Not surprisingly, catalog bodies were sourced from the leading coachbuilders of the day, including Judkins, Waterhouse, Murphy, Brunn, Dietrich, Willoughby and LeBaron. In many ways, this philosophy signaled a permanent change, as mass production models like the Lincoln Continental and Zephyr started providing the bulk of revenue for luxury franchises. That meant, by 1938, Model K LeBaron orders had wilted to just 15 bespoke cars.

However, as is often the case in the realm of classic cars: low production equals increased collectability. And, in addition to being one of the finest vintage Lincolns ever produced, K9105 is believed to be 1 of only 6 1938 Model K LeBarons still in existence. With its low windshield, clean top lines and sweeping fender lines, the car is a masterpiece of classic era design. Naturally, that body's aesthetic is Wall Street swank, wrapping intricate brightwork around conservative 2-stage. That expertly applied pigment has been buffed to the kind of liquid-smooth shine that's right at home sitting on the show field. And in November of 2016, rolling as some of the finest pre-war luxury on the planet, this convertible was honored with a Palmetto Award at the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance.

ENGINE

It's no surprise that one of the finest Lincolns ever built is powered by one of the finest engines ever built. Simpler than the brand's storied KB V12, this LeBaron's 414 cubic inch KA V12 uses five main bearings and side-by-side connecting rods to create a smooth 150 horsepower. That said; there was one problem. The mill was so expensive to manufacture that it would eventually by replaced by a more conventional V8, making 1939 the last year for the ultimate Lincoln. The result is, among today's premium car collectors, 1932 through 1939 Model Ks have achieved legendary status.

DRIVETRAIN

Driven by Edsel Ford, Lincoln was unwavering in its commitment to the coachbuilt car. Although a baseline of factory standard sedans was offered, each year new designs were solicited from customhouses for the top-of-the-line Model K, and those renderings were used to produce sales catalogs for Lincoln dealers. The brand's chassis, specifically designed to receive bespoke coachwork, featured unparalleled quality. The foundation for that quality was solid front and live rear axles, longitudinal leaf springs and 4-wheel vacuum servo assisted drum brakes. With those bits in mind, the model did receive continuous updates in the form of better frame reinforcement, an adjustable vacuum booster, thermostatic shock absorbers and a new 3-speed transmission.

INTERIOR

The interior of this antique cruiser is not as sparse as one might think. Tasteful door panels join plush carpet and comfy leather seats to serve as all of the car's soft points. The dash and steering wheel are restored pieces that feature an assortment of period correct knobs, gauges and controls. There's a small mirror and dual windshield wipers, which add a bit of livability. And overall, this Lincoln emphasizes the kind of tailored, upscale coddling that most showroom-fresh metal lost a long time ago.

Model K Lincolns are regarded as some of the finest and most undervalued cars of their era. This LeBaron is an elegant, luxurious and exceptionally stylish reminder of the incredible engineering prowess of one of the world's most storied automotive franchises. And today, the car remains in excellent overall condition, prepared to show and cruise while accumulating value and prestige.