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The Lincoln Motor Company was founded by Henry Martyn Leland during the First World War with the intent to build aero engines. Leland's first automobile company was Cadillac. The Lincoln name was chosen for the first president. The company was founded in 1917 and its stint in the production of aero engines was very brief, as war's end led to cancelled contracts and an idle workforce. Leland, having a history in the production of automobiles, naturally moved into that arena.
The first Lincoln automobiles appeared several years later, in September of 1920. There was a single model dubbed the 'L' built atop two different wheelbase sizes, either 130 or 136-inches. Power was from a 60-degree V8 that displaced 357.8 cubic-inches and featured 'fork-and-blade' connecting rods. This allowed the cylinders to be directly opposite one another. The bare chassis cost a staggering $4,000 and with town car clothing, the price rose to $6,600. This put the new Lincoln automobiles in direct competition with the well-established and well-known Cadillac Company.
Demand for the Lincoln automobiles was slow, partly due to a recession. This led to receivership for Lincoln. The company was rescued by Ford for the price of eight million dollars in 1922. The Lincoln Company became Ford's flagship and became the special project for Henry's son Edsel. Under his direction and with his guidance and designs, the Lincoln Company would excel. Relationships with prominent coachbuilders such as Locke, Willoughby, LeBaron and Brunn created some of the most elegant and eye-catching creations of the day. Most of the Lincoln open cars were bodied by Locke or Brunn through 1928. Some of the coachwork was moved 'in-house' in 1929, such as this Style 176 Phaeton which was available with and without the tonneau cowl and windshield.
Mechanical improvements were added to Lincoln vehicles every year. In 1927, four-wheel brakes were fitted. The following year the engine was bored out to 385 cubic-inches and in 1929, rubber engine mounts were added which greatly reduced vibration. That same year, the brakes were changed to the internal expanding type, and cooling fins were added to the rear.
In 1931, Lincoln introduced the Model K which rode on a very larger, 145-inch platform. The chassis was cruciform-braced allowing the vehicle a lower stance and better center-of-gravity. The design incorporated flowing fenders, a longer hood, and a new peaked radiator. Synchromesh and free-wheeling were added to the transmission, and cable-operated Bendix Duo-Servo brakes provided improved stopping power. The engine's compression was improved and better manifolding drove the horsepower even further.
In 1932, the Lincoln V12 engine was introduced and the new KB Model was born. The engine had an L-head design and mounted at a 65-degree angle. It displaced 447.9 cubic-inches and offered 150 horsepower. The Model KA rode on a 136-inch wheelbase and powered by a V8 engine. This would be the final year for the V8 as the new V12 engine would become the standard for Ford flagship company.
The 1933 Lincoln catalog contained 26 KB body styles and 17 styles from custom coachbuilders. Only 533 buyers were found, mostly due to the Great Depression and the increase in competition from other luxury car makers. There were only nine examples of the 252-A Dual Cowl Phaeton produced, such as this example. These cars, along with the 252-B models (which did not have the tonneau cowl or windshield) were the last fully-open cars in the Lincoln catalog. They were available in future years but only on special order.
This Lincoln Model KB Dual Cowl Phaeton was built in the spring of 1933. The list of owners include Lou Andola, Tony Porta, and a long-time ownership in the Browning Collection in Utah. While in the Browning Collection, it was treated to a frame-off restoration. The car is painted in two-tone blue and has a tan canvas top. The interior is tan leather and the odometer reads just over 44,000 miles.
In 2008, this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $250,000-$400,000. Those estimates were nearly proven accurate as bidding reached $242,000 including buyer's premium. This was enough to satisfy the vehicles reserve and the lot was sold.By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008
The first Lincoln automobiles appeared several years later, in September of 1920. There was a single model dubbed the 'L' built atop two different wheelbase sizes, either 130 or 136-inches. Power was from a 60-degree V8 that displaced 357.8 cubic-inches and featured 'fork-and-blade' connecting rods. This allowed the cylinders to be directly opposite one another. The bare chassis cost a staggering $4,000 and with town car clothing, the price rose to $6,600. This put the new Lincoln automobiles in direct competition with the well-established and well-known Cadillac Company.
Demand for the Lincoln automobiles was slow, partly due to a recession. This led to receivership for Lincoln. The company was rescued by Ford for the price of eight million dollars in 1922. The Lincoln Company became Ford's flagship and became the special project for Henry's son Edsel. Under his direction and with his guidance and designs, the Lincoln Company would excel. Relationships with prominent coachbuilders such as Locke, Willoughby, LeBaron and Brunn created some of the most elegant and eye-catching creations of the day. Most of the Lincoln open cars were bodied by Locke or Brunn through 1928. Some of the coachwork was moved 'in-house' in 1929, such as this Style 176 Phaeton which was available with and without the tonneau cowl and windshield.
Mechanical improvements were added to Lincoln vehicles every year. In 1927, four-wheel brakes were fitted. The following year the engine was bored out to 385 cubic-inches and in 1929, rubber engine mounts were added which greatly reduced vibration. That same year, the brakes were changed to the internal expanding type, and cooling fins were added to the rear.
In 1931, Lincoln introduced the Model K which rode on a very larger, 145-inch platform. The chassis was cruciform-braced allowing the vehicle a lower stance and better center-of-gravity. The design incorporated flowing fenders, a longer hood, and a new peaked radiator. Synchromesh and free-wheeling were added to the transmission, and cable-operated Bendix Duo-Servo brakes provided improved stopping power. The engine's compression was improved and better manifolding drove the horsepower even further.
In 1932, the Lincoln V12 engine was introduced and the new KB Model was born. The engine had an L-head design and mounted at a 65-degree angle. It displaced 447.9 cubic-inches and offered 150 horsepower. The Model KA rode on a 136-inch wheelbase and powered by a V8 engine. This would be the final year for the V8 as the new V12 engine would become the standard for Ford flagship company.
The 1933 Lincoln catalog contained 26 KB body styles and 17 styles from custom coachbuilders. Only 533 buyers were found, mostly due to the Great Depression and the increase in competition from other luxury car makers. There were only nine examples of the 252-A Dual Cowl Phaeton produced, such as this example. These cars, along with the 252-B models (which did not have the tonneau cowl or windshield) were the last fully-open cars in the Lincoln catalog. They were available in future years but only on special order.
This Lincoln Model KB Dual Cowl Phaeton was built in the spring of 1933. The list of owners include Lou Andola, Tony Porta, and a long-time ownership in the Browning Collection in Utah. While in the Browning Collection, it was treated to a frame-off restoration. The car is painted in two-tone blue and has a tan canvas top. The interior is tan leather and the odometer reads just over 44,000 miles.
In 2008, this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $250,000-$400,000. Those estimates were nearly proven accurate as bidding reached $242,000 including buyer's premium. This was enough to satisfy the vehicles reserve and the lot was sold.By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008
2008 Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey by RM Auctions
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $250,000-USD $400,000
Sale Price :
USD $242,000
1933 Lincoln Model KB Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Lincoln Model KB
(Data based on Model Year 1933 sales)
1933 Lincoln Model KB Dual Cowl Phaeton Chassis#: KB 2408 Sold for USD$134,400 2022 Bonhams : Amelia Island Concours | |
1933 Lincoln KB Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton Chassis#: KB2190 Sold for USD$156,800 2021 Worldwide Auctioneers : The 14th Annual Auburn Auction | |
1933 Lincoln Model KB Convertible Sedan by Dietrich Chassis#: KB 2284 Sold for USD$240,800 2021 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction | |
1933 Lincoln Model KB Seven-Passenger Sedan Chassis#: KB 2366 Sold for USD$53,200 2020 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction | |
1933 Lincoln Model KB Seven-Passenger Sedan Chassis#: KB2366 Sold for USD$71,500 2019 RM Sothebys : Hershey | |
1933 Lincoln Model KB Convertible Roadster by LeBaron Chassis#: KB2243 Sold for USD$179,200 2018 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | |
1933 Lincoln KB Convertible Victoria Chassis#: KB2432 Sold for USD$324,500 2015 The Auburn Auction | |
1933 Lincoln KB Town Car by Brunn Sold for USD$96,250 2015 Auctions America - California | |
1933 Lincoln KB Phaeton 2010 Meadow Brook 1st in Class Sold for USD$375,000 2012 Mecum's 25th Original Spring Classic - Indianapolis | |
1933 Lincoln KB Five-Passenger Convertible Coupe by Brunn Chassis#: KB2317 Sold for USD$134,750 2011 RM Auctions - Concours d'Elegance at St. Johns | |
1933 Lincoln KB Custom Dietrich Convertible Sedan Sold for USD$385,000 2010 RM Auctions - Sports & Classics of Monterey | |
1933 Lincoln KB Panel Brougham Chassis#: KB 2063 Sold for USD$148,500 2010 Gooding and Company - Scottsdale Auction | |
1933 Lincoln Model KB Chassis#: KB2432 Sold for USD$154,000 2009 Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook | |
1933 Lincoln Model KB Sold for USD$242,000 2008 Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey by RM Auctions | |
1933 Lincoln Model KB Convertible Sedan Chassis#: KB2005 Sold for USD$495,000 2006 The Otis Chandler Collection Auction | |
1933 Lincoln KB Convertible Coupe Chassis#: KB2371 Sold for USD$253,000 2006 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona | |
1933 Lincoln KB Panel Brougham Sold for USD$148,500 2004 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona | |
1933 Lincoln KB Convertible Victoria Sold for USD$143,000 2003 Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall |
Lincoln Model KBs That Failed To Sell At Auction
1933 Lincoln Model KB's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1933 Lincoln Model KB Convertible Roadster by LeBaron | KB2243 | 2020 RM Sothebys : Palm Beach Online | $145,000 | $170,000 | |
1933 Lincoln Model KB Convertible Sedan | KB2284 | 2012 RM Auctions at Amelia Island, Fla | $210,000 | $275,000 | $375,000 |
1933 Lincoln Model KB Convertible Sedan | KB2005 | 2011 Gooding and Company Pebble Beach Auctions | $425,000 | $510,000 |
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1933 Lincoln Model KB
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