 1937 Model K | 1939 Model K  |
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1938 Lincoln Model K news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Cabriolet Limousine Coachwork: Brunn |
Thanks to Edsel Ford's personal interest in the marque, Lincoln was a rare survivor of the Great Depression. This long wheelbase Model K Seven Passenger chassis carries a 3-window semi-collapsible cabriolet body custom built for Elizabeth Cates of Ohio. Mrs. Cates ordered the Brunn body with an enclosed roof for the chauffeur and extra headroom to accommodate her husband's tall silk hat. It was given numerous special touches dictated by Mrs. Charles H. Cates of Youngstown, Ohio. The list includes the extra-tall town car body to accommodate Mr. Cates' top hat, along with a solid roof over the chauffer's compartment so that Leonard Prather, her chauffer of 30 years, was protected. She requested black medallions on the wheel covers in lieu of the normal blue cloisonne, and key locks in the hood to prevent intrusion into the engine compartment. The car remains in nearly original condition with just 30,000 miles on the odometer.
 |  |  | Victoria Convertible Coachwork: Brunn |
 |  |  | Convertible Sedan Coachwork: LeBaron |
This is one of only 15 LeBaron convertible sedans sold by Lincoln in 1938. Most significantly, this car is unrestored, with just over 39,000 original miles showing!
Most of the LeBaron convertible sedans were built on Lincoln's long, 145-inch wheelbase chassis, with a division window. Price new was $6,000.
Power was supplied by Lincoln's venerable 414 cubic-inch V-12 that developed 150 horsepower.
 |  |  | Victoria Convertible Coachwork: Brunn Chassis Num: K9002 Engine Num: K9002 |
| Sold for $192,500 at 2008 RM Auctions. | |||
The Lincoln range of automobiles was introduced in 1920. They were immediately praised for their high quality and engineering. Their appearance, however, did not receive the same rave reviews. Brunn was later tasked as a design consultant for the Lincoln automobiles. A deal was later arranged for twelve new bodystyles.
When Ford took-over Lincoln, Brunn and Edsel Ford hit it off, and the designs from the Buffalo-based company continued. The small orders were built at Brunn's workshops, while the larger quantities were shopped out to Detroit-area companies.
At Brunn's peak, 150 craftsman were employed and the company averaged 20 bodies per month, with most going to Lincoln. Herman A. Brunn son, Herman C. Brunn, was sent to Paris to apprentice with Kellner. The young Brunn would return a year later and join his father's business.
This 1938 Lincoln Model K Convertible Victoria with coachwork by Brunn is a concours-winning example with its original coachwork. This was the third example built for the 1938 model year. It was shipped by boat to Buffalo on October 11 of 1937. It was delivered to the workshop a month later. It has been in the collection of several prominent east coast collections until the late 1970s, when it was acquired by Ernest Stern of Pittsburgh. While in his care, the car was treated to a complete restoration. It would remain in his care until his death in 1996. It was then sold to Don Williams of the Blackhawk Collection, who would later sell it to Chicago Collector Joe Hayes in 1998. The current owner, an individual from Colorado, purchased the car in 2000.
The car is finished in Cambridge Blue and has been well maintained over the years. It was shown at Pebble Beach in 2003 and earned a First in Class at the 2007 Rocky Mountain Concours d'Elegance at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.
In 2008, this Convertible Victoria was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $350,000 - $450,000 and carried a reserve. A high bid of 192,500 including buyer's premium was enough to satisfy the vehicles reserve. The lot was sold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2009
 |  | Brougham Coachwork: Brunn |
This Lincoln brougham was used by Edsel and Eleanor Ford for formal outings both in Detroit as well as other cities. It was not uncommon for Mr. Ford to have his cars shipped or, in some cases, kept in another city, available when he visited.
The Brunn type 411 brougham body style was one of the most expensive models in the 1938 Lincoln catalogue, selling for $7,000, enough to buy a very nice house in most American cities.
 |  |  | Convertible Sedan Coachwork: LeBaron |
The car is powered by a 4.38 liter, water-cooled, side valve, V-12 engine developing 110 horsepower, coupled to a three-speed sliding gear transmission. It has a top speed of 90 mph.
Built in the back seat is a luscious wooden divider/bar and service cabinet, with insulated storage for wine bottles.
 |  |  | Tourer Cabriolet Coachwork: Brunn |
 |  |  | Victoria Convertible Coachwork: Brunn Chassis Num: K-9139 |
| Sold for $203,500 at 2011 RM Auctions. Sold for $176,000 at 2013 RM Auctions. | |||
From 1933, Brunn built Convertible Victorias with blind rear quarters on the Lincoln chassis. This style had been a staple of Waterhouse, the Webster, Massachusetts coachbuilder, but when Waterhouse foundered in 1932, Edsel Ford worked aggressively to keep the body style alive. The result was the acquisition of Waterhouse design rights by Brunn and the continuation of the style through 1937.
This Convertible Victoria was built by Brunn in late 1937. It was ordered by Walter E. Weiss of the Pittsburgh-based Sterling Drug chain. It was to rest on the 145-inch chassis and featured a vee windshield and retractable rear quarter glass. For 1937, there was no other automaker - except Hudson - who offered convertible coupes with rear quarter windows.
Lincoln built just eight convertible Victoria's built. It is painted Washington Blue and upholstered in dark saddle leather and has a tan Haartz canvas top. It was built without side-mounts, with the spare being kept in the enclosed trunk. Current mileage stands at about 54,000.
In 2011, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Hershey Auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $160,000 - $200,000. As bidding came to a close, the vehicle had been sold for the sum of $203,500 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2011
 |  |  | Victoria Convertible Coachwork: Brunn |
From 1933, Brunn built convertible Victorias with blind rear quarters on the Lincoln chassis. This style was a staple of Waterhouse, but when they floundered in 1932, Edsel Ford worked aggressively to keep the body style alive. Brunn acquired the Waterhouse design rights and continued the style through 1937.
This car is powered by a side-valve, 414 cubic-inch, V12 engine, developing 150 horsepower, coupled to a three-speed manual transmission. The 5,801 pound car is capable of an estimated 87 miles-per-hour.
 |  |  | Touring Coupe Coachwork: Judkins |
The chassis arrived in Merrimac, Mass. on April 14th of 1938. It was termed 'Touring Coupe' because it was open like a touring car but with a fixed roof and only two doors. It is believed to be the first 'hard top convertible.' It is powered by a V-type 12-cylinder engine of 414 cubic-inches providing 150 horsepower. The original sale price was $7,000.
Becoming a vehicle that was known for luxury, the Lincoln underwent a total transformation in 1931. Re-powered, re-styled, and becoming lower-priced, this entire transformation was done under the censorship of Edsel Ford. The Lincoln Model K replaced the Model L, and only a total of forty five models were ever produced.
With an increased horsepower from 90 to 120, the newly added Stromberg carburetor increased the engine with 384.8 cubic inches. With a price significantly lower than any other Lincolns, the Model K 7-passenger Touring vehicle was used primarily as a limousine. Though at $4,400, the model K still cost ten times the amount of a Ford.
The largest updates were contained in the body style. The wheel base was now increased to 145 inches with a longer hood, and rounded bumpers which now gave it a low and sleek profile. Dual trumpet horns and large bowl-shaped head lights now gave the front a stunning look. Utilized mainly as a limousine, sales were less than half of what they were in the late 1920s due to the Depression.
A reflection of the earlier Ford Model K, the Lincoln K-series was a luxury vehicle line that was produced until 1942. A V12 became standard in 1933, while the original K-Series featured a 385 in³ (6.3 L) V8. The option of ordering a fully custom coachwork was available for customers.
Appearing on a new chassis in 1931, the original Model K had a 145 in (3683 mm) wheelbase. Available as a dual cowl model, factory bodies were a 2 or 4-door phaeton. A derivative of the earlier L-series 60° V8, the 384.8 in³ (6.3 L) engine had a dual downdraft Stromberg carburetors, altered timing upped power to 120 hp (89 kW), and higher compression.
Splitting into two lines in 1932, the Lincoln K-series featured the carryover Model KA and the new V12-powered Model KB. The engine output was pushed to 125 hp (93 kW) while the V8 car reverted to a 136 in (3454 mm) wheelbase. Producing 150 hp (112 kW), the KB featured the marque's new V12, 447.9 in³ (7.3 L) 65° L-head unit. These two new lines featured a new grille with less of a surround, and vent doors rather than vertical louvers on the sides of the hood. Both series also featured a parking light on top of each front fender and 18 inch wire wheels.
The Model KA V8 engine was replaced in 1933 with a new 381.7 in³ (6.3 L) V12. The large KB engine shared very few similarities with this new L-head engine. Only a few minor changes that were readily visible occurred on the 1933 K-series. The return of hood louvers and the deletion of the bar linking the headlights were by far the most obvious updates. The chassis was also revised, along with thermostatic shock absorbers and transmission.
In 1934, the V12 engines were replaced by a single 414 in³ (6.8 L) version of the updated model KA V12. The KA and KB nameplates now denoted the wheelbase only. For this year, the only styling updates included the replacement again of the louvers with doors on the side of the hood, and a body-colored grille surround.
For 1935, the Lincoln line was trimmed down considerable, as all vehicles where simply referred to as the Model K. Putting focus on the lofty over-$4,000 segment, the marque was attempting to improve profitability, though unfortunately limiting sales in the depression devastated US.
The following year, a more modern Lincoln Zephyr was debuted. Costing much less, the Model K's days were considerably numbered. However, despite its high $4700 price-tag, a 7-passenger Model K limousine was the marque's best-selling model for 1936. A new and improved raked windshield and pressed steel wheels were also part of this years update.
Continuing in production for the next five more years, the Model K unfortunately faced a decrease in sales in comparison to the more modern Zephyr and the new flagship Continental which became more appealing to buyers. Though production was mostly ended with the 1939 model year, one final Model K, the 1942 model was a one-off 'Sunshine Special' convertible limousine that was built especially for President Roosevelt.By Jessica Donaldson
For more information and related vehicles, click hereWith an increased horsepower from 90 to 120, the newly added Stromberg carburetor increased the engine with 384.8 cubic inches. With a price significantly lower than any other Lincolns, the Model K 7-passenger Touring vehicle was used primarily as a limousine. Though at $4,400, the model K still cost ten times the amount of a Ford.
The largest updates were contained in the body style. The wheel base was now increased to 145 inches with a longer hood, and rounded bumpers which now gave it a low and sleek profile. Dual trumpet horns and large bowl-shaped head lights now gave the front a stunning look. Utilized mainly as a limousine, sales were less than half of what they were in the late 1920s due to the Depression.
A reflection of the earlier Ford Model K, the Lincoln K-series was a luxury vehicle line that was produced until 1942. A V12 became standard in 1933, while the original K-Series featured a 385 in³ (6.3 L) V8. The option of ordering a fully custom coachwork was available for customers.
Appearing on a new chassis in 1931, the original Model K had a 145 in (3683 mm) wheelbase. Available as a dual cowl model, factory bodies were a 2 or 4-door phaeton. A derivative of the earlier L-series 60° V8, the 384.8 in³ (6.3 L) engine had a dual downdraft Stromberg carburetors, altered timing upped power to 120 hp (89 kW), and higher compression.
Splitting into two lines in 1932, the Lincoln K-series featured the carryover Model KA and the new V12-powered Model KB. The engine output was pushed to 125 hp (93 kW) while the V8 car reverted to a 136 in (3454 mm) wheelbase. Producing 150 hp (112 kW), the KB featured the marque's new V12, 447.9 in³ (7.3 L) 65° L-head unit. These two new lines featured a new grille with less of a surround, and vent doors rather than vertical louvers on the sides of the hood. Both series also featured a parking light on top of each front fender and 18 inch wire wheels.
The Model KA V8 engine was replaced in 1933 with a new 381.7 in³ (6.3 L) V12. The large KB engine shared very few similarities with this new L-head engine. Only a few minor changes that were readily visible occurred on the 1933 K-series. The return of hood louvers and the deletion of the bar linking the headlights were by far the most obvious updates. The chassis was also revised, along with thermostatic shock absorbers and transmission.
In 1934, the V12 engines were replaced by a single 414 in³ (6.8 L) version of the updated model KA V12. The KA and KB nameplates now denoted the wheelbase only. For this year, the only styling updates included the replacement again of the louvers with doors on the side of the hood, and a body-colored grille surround.
For 1935, the Lincoln line was trimmed down considerable, as all vehicles where simply referred to as the Model K. Putting focus on the lofty over-$4,000 segment, the marque was attempting to improve profitability, though unfortunately limiting sales in the depression devastated US.
The following year, a more modern Lincoln Zephyr was debuted. Costing much less, the Model K's days were considerably numbered. However, despite its high $4700 price-tag, a 7-passenger Model K limousine was the marque's best-selling model for 1936. A new and improved raked windshield and pressed steel wheels were also part of this years update.
Continuing in production for the next five more years, the Model K unfortunately faced a decrease in sales in comparison to the more modern Zephyr and the new flagship Continental which became more appealing to buyers. Though production was mostly ended with the 1939 model year, one final Model K, the 1942 model was a one-off 'Sunshine Special' convertible limousine that was built especially for President Roosevelt.By Jessica Donaldson
| Edsel Ford's Speedster Stars at 'The Amelia' | |
 | Edsel Ford's 'continental car', a custom boattail speedster, will take its rightful place in the Sports Car Class of the 18th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. In the shape of Edsel's seminal speedster is the genesis of Ford's legendary design department. Edsel Ford was hardly 'a chip off the old block'. The acorn fell well away from the mighty oak that was Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company. Edsel was not just the President of Ford, he was a car guy to his core. His ta...[Read more...] |
| Magnificent Series of Coachbuilt Classics To Grace RM's Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance Sale | |
 | • RM Auctions returns as the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, March 9, 2013 • Single-day sale features breathtaking roster of more than 80 investment-quality collector cars • Notable highlights include an outstanding series of coachbuilt classics headlined by a multi-million-dollar 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Walker-LaGrande Convertible Coupe and a trio of Cords from the personal collection of Jim Fasnacht • Frequently updated list of entries available online at r...[Read more...] |
| Lincoln at Los Angeles Auto Show Press Days: Celebration of Its Past and Future As Brand Rolls Out Its Reinvention | |
 | > The brand pays tribute to its heritage today, displaying seven of the most influential Lincoln designs > Thursday sees a display full of the all-new MKZ premium midsize sedan and MKZ Hybrid, the future of Lincoln, on the Lincoln stand > Lincoln launches on Tumblr http://lincolnnow.tumblr.com beginning with the visually stunning classic Lincolns shown on the stand and select images from archives. Continues with an all-new collection of photographs by photographers Jamie Beck and Kevin Burg ...[Read more...] |
| Final Countdown Underway to RM's Michigan Sale | |
 | RM Auctions, the official auction house of the Concours d'Elegance of America, has secured a wonderful selection of classic automobiles for its St. John's sale, July 28, in Plymouth, Michigan. Hosted on the beautiful grounds of the Inn at St. John's, the single-day sale is a mainstay on the auction concours circuit and boasts a reputation for including exceptional American classics. The upcoming sale, featuring more than 70 quality collector cars, presents nearly a century of American and Eu...[Read more...] |
| Consignments now invited for RM St. John's | |
 | RM Auctions, the official auction house of the Concours d'Elegance of America, returns to the Inn at St. John's, July 28, 2012 for its firmly rooted Michigan sale. A featured attraction of the Concours weekend and a longstanding summer tradition for collectors, the single-day sale has established a reputation for offering outstanding American classics. In 2011, the sale enjoyed a very positive response to its new venue at The Inn at St. John's, realizing more than $7.6 million in sales with ...[Read more...] |
 1938
Lincoln
models |
| Lincoln Series 86H Zephyr |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Cadillac | Chevrolet |
| Chrysler | Dodge |
| Ford | GMC |
| Hummer | Jeep |
| Mercury | Pontiac |
| Saturn | |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 1938 |
| Lincoln Series 86H Zephyr |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1938 |
| Cadillac Series 90 ($5,135-$7,170) |
| Packard 1604 Super Eight ($2,900-$5,800) |
Average Auction Sale: $140,983 |
| Lincoln: 1931-1940 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Lincoln History |
| Other models by Lincoln |
| Manufacturer Website |
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| Blackwood Capri Continental | Cosmopolitan K-Series LS | Mark LT MKS MKT | MKX MKZ Model L | Navigator Premiere Town Car | Zephyr |
| 1937 Model K | 1939 Model K |
