1931 Lincoln Model K

Lincoln introduced the Model K in 1931 on a lengthened 145-inch wheelbase, replacing the 136-inch Model L. The refined 385 cubic-inch V-8 engine had increased compression, a Stromberg downdraft two-barrel carburetor, five main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, and delivered 120 horsepower at 2,900 RPM. The engine was backed by a three-speed sliding gear transmission with floor shift controls, double dry disc clutch, and now featured synchromesh on second and third gears, plus freewheeling. Bendix Duo Servo mechanical brakes on four wheels provided the stopping power. The long platform allowed designs to endow the Model K with a lower, longer, and more modern appearance. The suspension was comprised of a solid front and full-floating rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.

The Lincoln Motor Company was founded in 1917 by Henry Leland and his son Wilfred. Leland, who was also among the founders of Cadillac, had sold the company to General Motors in 1909, remaining as an executive until 1917 when he left following a dispute with GM President William Durant. The new Lincoln marque was financed by a $10 million government contract to built Liberty V12 aircraft engines. When the contract ended, Leland returned to automobile production with the introduction of the Model L in 1920.

Leland, a talented engineer, configured the V8 with two connecting rods sharing one bearing on the crankshaft, allowing for a shorter crankshaft and smaller overall engine size. The 357.8 CID engine initially developed 81 horsepower, increasing to 90 hp a few years later. The coachwork was designed by Angus Woodbridge, the son-in-law of Henry Leland.

The newly-formed Lincoln company struggled in the postwar recession-era with struggling sales and false tax evasion claims. The company was rescued in 1922 by Henry Ford for 8 million. Henry Ford's son Edsel was soon appointed President and Ernest C. Kanzler General Manager. New body designs followed, hydraulic shock absorbers were added, the wheelbase grew from 130- to 136-inches, and production economies were implements that reduced manufacturing costs by approximately $1,000 per car.

Despite the niche market segment, Lincoln Model L sales increased by about 45 percent, and by the close of 1923, the company had become profitable.

By the early 1930s, competition in the American luxury market was fierce, and Lincoln's response was the Model K. It continued to use the Leland-designed V8 with its fork-and-blade connecting rods but with new cylinder heads, manifolding, and a two-barrel downdraft carburetor (this was the first appearance of a downdraft two-barrel on any American automobile.) Horsepower rose dramatically, now rated at 120 horsepower, with 1/3 from the same displacement's 90bhp rating in 1930.

Along with engine improvements, Lincoln introduced an all-new drop-frame chassis with cruciform brakes, six cross members, a 145-inch wheelbase, and nineteen-inch wheels. A year later, Lincoln installed a new, 448 cubic-inch V12 engine into the frame to create the Model KB. Design changes included a longer hood, flowing fenders, rounded bumpers, a new peaked radiator shape, higher windows, new bowl-shaped headlight shells, and dual trump horns with town and country settings.

The company continued to offer both factory and semi-custom bodies, enlisting some of the finest coachbuilders of the era including Dietrich, Brunn, Judkins, LeBaron, and Derham. Prices for the factory coachwork ranged from $4,400 to $5,100. The custom coachwork ranged from $4,700 to over $7,000. Factory bodies included a 5- and 7-passenger sedan, coupe, limousine, a Sport Phaeton, Sport Tourer, and town sedan.

Lincoln produced 3,592 vehicles during the 1931 calendar year, a decrease from 3,515 the previous year, attributed to the Great Depression.

The Model K would be offered as an eight- and twelve-cylinder model for 1932. The following year, the Model KA and Model KB continued although both were now powered by twelve-cylinder engines. Model KA and KB designations continued through 1934, reverting back to the Model K in 1935. In 1936, Lincoln introduced the very popular Zephyr Model with an integral body frame construction and an all-steel roof. Production of the exclusive Model K continued through 1939, and for 1940, only the Zephyr and newly introduced Continental remained.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020