 1924 Model L | 1926 Model L  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |
1925 Lincoln Model L news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
 |  |  | Sport Phaeton Coachwork: Brunn |
 |  |  | Coupe Coachwork: Judkins |
 |  |  | Berline Coachwork: Judkins Chassis Num: 26405 |
| Sold for $65,550 at 2013 Bonhams. | |||
After helping to establish Cadillac's reputation as 'The Standard of the World,' he left to form a company using his surname, Lincoln. The first Lincoln vehicle's to emerge were well built and superbly engineered. Introduced in 1921, they were powered by a 358 cubic-inch L-head 60-degree V8 engine. They used fork-and-blade connecting rods and disposed the cylinders directly opposite each other rather than the more traditional V-engine setup which offset the cylinder banks slightly to make room for adjacent connecting rod bearings on the crank journals. Another unusual feature for this period was the full pressure lubrication system on Leland's engine.
The mechanical components of the Lincoln were impressive; however, the styling was stodgy and out of date. They sought the help of Brunn & Company of Buffalo, New York to help freshen-up the line. Brunn quickly created twelve body designs, but it was too late as dismal sales, the post WWI recession and an erroneous $4½ million tax bill spelled the end of Lincoln. The company entered receivership only to be rescued by Henry Ford.
After Leland left just four months later, Edsel Ford took charge and quickly commissioned some of the finest American coachbuilers to create designs for Lincoln. Locke, Judkins, Dietrich, Derham, LeBaron and others soon joined Brunn. Ford's engineers did what they could to improve Leland's V8, changing to aluminum pistons and revising the heads for better cooling.
This particular Model L is a Three Window Four Passenger Sedan with coachwork by Judkins. It was once in the Harrah collection and later purchased by Eugene Beardslee. The Harrah Collection had performed a restoration, transforming it into a show quality example. It is painted in Orriford Lake gray, over black fenders. The colors continue onto the interior. There are wood door cappings, and a polished aluminum dash panel. In the rear is a trunk which contains a period tool roll, jack and wheel spanner. Accessories include BiFlex bumpers and stirrup mounted chrome headlamps.
In 2013, the car was offered for sale at Bonhams Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $65,550 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013
The Lincoln Motor Company was founded in 1917 by Henry M. Leland and acquired by Ford in 1922. Leland, one of the founders of Cadillac, had left Cadillac during the First World War to form the Lincoln Motor Company, which was intended to build Liberty aircraft engines. He had left Cadillac due to a disagreement with General Motors boss William C. Durant. When Leland left, he was 74 years old, and chose the name Lincoln after the President he had voted for in 1864. At the conclusion of the War, Leland was forced with the decision to close the plant, or try to find another business for the 6000 employee's and the factories. The factory was retooled to accommodate luxury automobile manufacturing.
The transition period and process was difficult and the company entered financial difficulties. It was bought by the Ford Motor Company, and served as a personal victory for Henry Ford. During the very early years of automobile production, Henry Ford had been forced out of his second company by a group of investors led by Leland. Henry Ford's original company was later renamed Cadillac and later purchased by rival General Motors. This would later become Lincoln's chief competitor.
In 1927, the Lincoln marque adopted the greyhound as their emblem, which was later replaced with diamond, which is still in use in modern times.
The Lincoln L Series was powered by a 60-degree V8 engine producing 80 horsepower and had a guaranteed top speed of at least 70 mph. Those who did purchase a very early Lincoln automobile had to wait nearly a year for delivery, as the company was behind by eight-months and deliveries did not commence until September of 1920. The post-war recession, slow delivery time, and dated appearance all affected sales negatively. The board members put the company up for sale in 1922, and Henry Ford took the opportunity to enter the luxury car segment.
Henry's son, Edsel Ford, was given the responsibility of running the Lincoln Company. Quality and sales improved. The engines were given aluminum pistons and improved cylinder head cooling which greatly increased the vehicles durability, ride, and performance. The wheelbase was enlarged from 130-inches, to 136-inches in 1923. Some of the finest coachbuilders of the time were invited to work their craft. Names included Brunn, Dietrich, Holbrook, Judd, LeBaron and Locke.
By 1928, the engine had been enlarged from 357.8 cubic-inches to 384.8 cubic-inches and horsepower increased to 90.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2007
The transition period and process was difficult and the company entered financial difficulties. It was bought by the Ford Motor Company, and served as a personal victory for Henry Ford. During the very early years of automobile production, Henry Ford had been forced out of his second company by a group of investors led by Leland. Henry Ford's original company was later renamed Cadillac and later purchased by rival General Motors. This would later become Lincoln's chief competitor.
In 1927, the Lincoln marque adopted the greyhound as their emblem, which was later replaced with diamond, which is still in use in modern times.
The Lincoln L Series was powered by a 60-degree V8 engine producing 80 horsepower and had a guaranteed top speed of at least 70 mph. Those who did purchase a very early Lincoln automobile had to wait nearly a year for delivery, as the company was behind by eight-months and deliveries did not commence until September of 1920. The post-war recession, slow delivery time, and dated appearance all affected sales negatively. The board members put the company up for sale in 1922, and Henry Ford took the opportunity to enter the luxury car segment.
Henry's son, Edsel Ford, was given the responsibility of running the Lincoln Company. Quality and sales improved. The engines were given aluminum pistons and improved cylinder head cooling which greatly increased the vehicles durability, ride, and performance. The wheelbase was enlarged from 130-inches, to 136-inches in 1923. Some of the finest coachbuilders of the time were invited to work their craft. Names included Brunn, Dietrich, Holbrook, Judd, LeBaron and Locke.
By 1928, the engine had been enlarged from 357.8 cubic-inches to 384.8 cubic-inches and horsepower increased to 90.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2007
Considered to be one of the most elegant of chauffer-driven automobiles of the 1920's, the Lincoln Model L Towncar was introduced in 1924. The Model L was an exclusive portrayal of the brand that represents everything that embodies American Luxury, Lincoln. Founded by Henry M. Leland in 1917, Lincoln Automobiles were operated under the Ford Motor Company. LeLand's favorite President had always been Abraham Lincoln, and at the age of 74, Henry founded the Lincoln Motor Company.
Beginning with the same desire for upscale markets that has carried through the years, the vehicles produced in the 1920's were just as exquisite and they are today. Leland has been recognized for his reputation for quality vehicles for the entirety of his career. Also known for prestige and status, the Lincoln automobile has been produced upon a standard of luxury and excellence.
Leland was an expert at producing cars that were of the greatest care and quality, but he was not adept at adding the finer points of styling to the Lincoln. The tight economic times and the stogy appearance of the Lincolns forced sales to droop. Customers could not afford the $4600-6600 price tag, though it was comparable in size and price to the Cadillac, the amount equaled most annual salaries. The Ford family swooped in at this time and purchased Lincoln at an incredibly low sales price.
Eventually Edsel Ford came onto the scene with his passion and flair for the finer things in life, and soon became responsible for the refined, elegant styling that made Lincoln one of the premier motor vehicles in the world. Hand selected by Edsel and produced by Gorham, an auspicious greyhound mascot was mounted to the Lincoln Model L Towncar in 1929.
Coachbuilder Judkins was responsible for the bodying of the Model L. Powered by a flat-head V8 engine of 358 inches, the Model L was capable of delivering 90 horsepower through a 3-speed manual transmission. By 1923 the 136 in, version was the only one left while the 130in wheelbase was dropped. In 1925 the Model L was being shaped into a truly exquisite vehicle under the skill and direction of Edsel Ford's designs in 1925. Minor styling updates were very apparent.
Edsel also became the first luxury car builder that made custom bodied vehicles during the mid-20's that were directly available in catalogue form that was from the automaker itself. Custom body manufacturers were also used extensively which resulted in the increase of more styling improvements and updates. The most exclusive and expensive Lincoln model cost $7200 in 1925.
Having created a reputation in 10 years which Cadillac, Packard and Pierce-Arrow had attempted for nearly 30, Lincoln rounded out the model run of the L in 1930. A more refined V8 and available 120 HP in the Model K eventually replaced the Model L in 1931. The Model K also featured duo servo brakes and 145 inch wheelbase.
Equal to the finest vehicles in the world, the Lincoln had very clearly established itself as a producer of luxury vehicles. (Ironically enough, the most consistent competitor that Lincoln has faced for decades has remained Cadillac, a company that was also founded by Henry Leland.)By Jessica Donaldson
Beginning with the same desire for upscale markets that has carried through the years, the vehicles produced in the 1920's were just as exquisite and they are today. Leland has been recognized for his reputation for quality vehicles for the entirety of his career. Also known for prestige and status, the Lincoln automobile has been produced upon a standard of luxury and excellence.
Leland was an expert at producing cars that were of the greatest care and quality, but he was not adept at adding the finer points of styling to the Lincoln. The tight economic times and the stogy appearance of the Lincolns forced sales to droop. Customers could not afford the $4600-6600 price tag, though it was comparable in size and price to the Cadillac, the amount equaled most annual salaries. The Ford family swooped in at this time and purchased Lincoln at an incredibly low sales price.
Eventually Edsel Ford came onto the scene with his passion and flair for the finer things in life, and soon became responsible for the refined, elegant styling that made Lincoln one of the premier motor vehicles in the world. Hand selected by Edsel and produced by Gorham, an auspicious greyhound mascot was mounted to the Lincoln Model L Towncar in 1929.
Coachbuilder Judkins was responsible for the bodying of the Model L. Powered by a flat-head V8 engine of 358 inches, the Model L was capable of delivering 90 horsepower through a 3-speed manual transmission. By 1923 the 136 in, version was the only one left while the 130in wheelbase was dropped. In 1925 the Model L was being shaped into a truly exquisite vehicle under the skill and direction of Edsel Ford's designs in 1925. Minor styling updates were very apparent.
Edsel also became the first luxury car builder that made custom bodied vehicles during the mid-20's that were directly available in catalogue form that was from the automaker itself. Custom body manufacturers were also used extensively which resulted in the increase of more styling improvements and updates. The most exclusive and expensive Lincoln model cost $7200 in 1925.
Having created a reputation in 10 years which Cadillac, Packard and Pierce-Arrow had attempted for nearly 30, Lincoln rounded out the model run of the L in 1930. A more refined V8 and available 120 HP in the Model K eventually replaced the Model L in 1931. The Model K also featured duo servo brakes and 145 inch wheelbase.
Equal to the finest vehicles in the world, the Lincoln had very clearly established itself as a producer of luxury vehicles. (Ironically enough, the most consistent competitor that Lincoln has faced for decades has remained Cadillac, a company that was also founded by Henry Leland.)By Jessica Donaldson
| CHRYSLER GROUP LLC DRIVES AWAY WITH HIGHEST AND MOST HONORS AT THE 20TH ANNUAL TEXAS TRUCK RODEO | |
 | Vehicles from Ram Truck and Jeep® brands win eight of 19 awards from the Texas Auto Writers Association at this year's Texas Truck Rodeo •'Truck of Texas' awarded to the 2013 Ram 1500 •Jeep Grand Cherokee - the most awarded SUV in history – captures 'SUV of Texas' award for third consecutive year October 22, 2012 , SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Ram Truck and Jeep® brand vehicles won significantaccolades this year at the 20thannual Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Texas Truck Rodeo. ...[Read more...] |
| Classic Motorcar Auctions' Grande Salon Event Tops $1.7 Million | |
 | Classic Motorcar Auctions LLC announces total sales for their 3rd annual Grande Salon Auction reached $1.7 million, including buyer's premium. The two-day auction, which was held Sept. 15-16, 2012 during the Glenmoor Gathering event at the historic Glenmoor Country Club in Canton, Ohio, had a 51% sell-through rate. The auction's high sale was a beautifully restored 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton at $150,000, followed by the 1912 Ford Model T prototype six cylinder Speedster once belong...[Read more...] |
| Mecum Confirms Theory That Everything Is Bigger In Texas | |
 | $31.6 Million Total Sales at the Dallas Convention Center, Sept. 5-8 Mecum Auctions completed their second annual Dallas Auction, held September 5-8, 2012, packing over 1,200 vehicles into The Dallas Convention Center and experienced competitive bidding from start to finish throughout the 4-day event. Total sales for the Dallas auction were $31,618,778 and are expected to easily surpass the $32 million mark once the final totals from Bid Goes On sales are factored in later this week. ...[Read more...] |
| Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion : Cobras Take It To The Limit | |
| Today was the day everyone was waiting for, or at least the 30 or so thousand people flocking to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion were waiting for it: the chance to see 45 competition Shelby Cobras charging around California's famously challenging 2.238-mile road course known as Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The Cobras are part of the Reunion's celebration of the Shelby Cobra's 50thAnniversary, and besides those signed up for racing, there were hundreds more in the paddock, surrounding corr...[Read more...] | |
| Classic Motorcar Holds Grande Salon Auction During Glenmoor Gathering | |
 | 1912 Edsel Ford Model T Six Cylinder Speedster to Cross the Block CANTON, Ohio - Classic Motorcar Auctions LLC will hold their 3rd annual Grande Salon Auction Sept. 15-16, 2012 during the Glenmoor Gathering event at the historic Glenmoor Country Club in Canton, Ohio. The Grande Salon Auction will feature more than 150 antique, classic and sports cars as well as various automotive memorabilia up for bid. Vehicles will be available for preview on Friday, Sept. 14 from 1-8 p.m. The a...[Read more...] |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Cadillac | Chevrolet |
| Chrysler | Dodge |
| Ford | GMC |
| Hummer | Jeep |
| Mercury | Pontiac |
| Saturn | |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1925 |
| Ford Model T ($226-$665) |
| Franklin Model 10C ($1,950-$2,850) |
| Stearns Sedan ($2,475-$3,395) |
| Packard 236 ($3,755-$10,500) |
Average Auction Sale: $72,300 |
| Lincoln: 1921-1930 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Lincoln History |
| Other models by Lincoln |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| Bonhams - The Scottsdale Auction |
| Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance |
| Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's |
| Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blackwood Capri Continental | Cosmopolitan K-Series LS | Mark LT MKS MKT | MKX MKZ Model L | Navigator Premiere Town Car | Zephyr |
| 1924 Model L | 1926 Model L |
