1933 Lincoln Model KA Dual Cowl Phaeton

Lincoln went into receivership after two years of production due to an erroneous multi-million dollar tax bix. The company was bought out of receivership by Henry Ford and his son Edsel soon became in charge of the company. High standards were issued for the coachbuilders and engineers of the Lincoln automobiles. This quest for perfection was realized in 1932 with the introduction of the Lincoln KB which sat atop a large 145-inch wheelbase and powered by a V12 engine that displaced 448 cubic-inches. It was outfitted with numerous luxury amenities making it powerful and refined.

A smaller version of the KB was introduced in 1933 that featured a 382 cubic-inch engine. It was dubbed the KA and served as an alternative to its larger sibling. The engine was based on the KB V12 but was made simpler and less expensive. It featured detachable cylinder heads made from cast-iron, four main bearings, aluminum pistons, and offset cylinder banks.

This 1933 Lincoln KA Dual Cowl Phaeton has coachwork by Dietrich. It was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook where it was estimated to sell between $125,000 - $175,000. Its 382 cubic-inch L-head engine produces 125 horsepower which is sent to the rear-wheels through a three-speed sliding gear transmission. There are Bendix Duo-Servo mechanical brakes on all four-wheels and the wheelbase measures 136-inches.

This Dual Cowl Phaeton's first owner is believed to have been Josephine Caeverth of Lockport, New York who later sold it to the Robert C. Wood Auto Agency on March 11th of 1943. It was later purchased by Lawrence Fitzpatrick on November 4th of 1943. The car passed through several more owners throughout the years; in 1969 it was treated to a restoration by the 'Restoration Shop' located in Jamesburg, New Jersey. Spare parts were used from a 1934 Lincoln donor car; after seven and a half years, the project was completed.

This car has been awarded a First Junior AACA award on numerous occasions. It was placed on display in the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum in Auburn, Indiana in 1983 where it resided until it was brought to auction.

This is a very rare body-style with as few as nine and as many as 12 created in 1933. This car crossed the auction block later in the day, after nearly 80 other vehicles had made the journey. Bidders were still enthusiastic, even after the long day, and drove the winning bid to $154,000.

The car returned to auction in 2010 at RM Auctions Amelia Island sale in Florida. The estimate was set at $120,000 - $160,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $101,750, inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2010