1922 Lincoln Model L Brunn Phaeton Deluxe

The early days of the Lincoln Motor Company can be viewed as a legacy of World War I, a manifestation of the prestige of Henry Leland, an indication of the vast economic power of Henry Ford, and eventually the consummate good taste of Edsel Ford. Leland had founded Cadillac on the financially distressed remains of The Henry Ford Company, which Henry Ford soon left, going on to establish the Ford Motor Company. Together with his son Wilfred, Leland oversaw Cadillac's emergence as a technological leader, staying on when the company became a division of William Durnat's new General Motor Corporation in 1909. But in 1917, when Leland wanted to adapt Cadillac resources to production of Liberty aircraft engines, Durant balked and the Lelands walked. Leland was able to raise sufficient backing for his engine plant, and when the war ended he was able to raise more financing to launch Lincoln.

Established in 1920 as Cadillac competitor, the first Lincoln won praise for its meticulous engineering and V8 power, but dowdy company styling and production hiccups led directors to put the company up for sale. In February of 1922 Lincoln was absorbed by Ford. The deal included the Lelands, but that uneasy marriage lasted just four months, whereupon Edsel Ford became president of the new Ford division.

This four-passenger sport phaeton was built shortly after the Fords acquired Lincoln. It still sports the 'Leland-Built' badge on the radiator shell as well as Leland-Lincoln hub caps.

The early Lincolns were exceptionally well-built - and fast - automobiles but rather conservative in their appearance. They were powered by the Leland-designed 90 horsepower V-8, which remained in production through 1932.