1937 Lincoln Model K Coupe

Henry Leland founded Lincoln Motor Company in 1917. Leland had previously started the Cadillac Motor Car Company in 1903 from the remains of Henry Ford's second failed attempt to start an auto company (Henry's third attempt resulted in the Ford Motor company we know today). Leland's Lincolns were very expensive and well-built, but stodgy in design. Ford Motor acquired Lincoln in 1922 and Edsel Ford, Henry's son, used his natural design instincts to lead Lincoln to build beautiful, luxurious cars. With Ford's backing during the lingering depression, Lincoln was able to continue its focus on the luxury market.

All Lincolns were powered with a 414 cubic-inch V-12 engines producing 150 horsepower. By 1937, sales of the Lincoln K, introduced in 1931, had dwindled as the era of big V-12 and V16-powered luxury cars was coming to an end. LeBaron only built 24 of this model in 1937 and this is one of six known to exist.

The color of this car is the original Canal Gray selected by LeBaron. It is equipped with a radio, rare for this era Lincoln. It is not equipped with side mounts at the direction of Edsel Ford who wished to give the car more gracefully flowing lines. The car was found in pieces in the back of a tired old body shop where a previous owner had the 'vision' to make it into a street rod. A full-restoration was undertaken to the most authentic standards possible.

The Lincoln Series KA and KB were consolidated by 1935 into a single variant that was equipped with the firm's largest and most potent 'L-head' V12 engine. Offering the pinnacle of luxury and style, the Model K was offered with a Plethora of factory and custom bodies with price tags that exceeded the V12 Cadillacs and Packards of the era. Among the circa-21 unique body styles offered on the Model K in 1937 was this two-passenger Coupe by LeBaron.

This Coupe by LeBaron has a low roofline, a sloping rear deck, a long hood, an Art Deco teardrop design, side-mounted spares, and a 'short' 136-inch wheelbase. Of the 24 constructed in 1937, fewer than ten are known to survive.

This LeBaron Coupe was discovered in the back of a body shop. It remained in original condition with a matching-numbers engine block stamped K7604 and the odometer showing just over 51,000 miles. Prominent collector Dave Kane embarked on a concours-quality restoration, returning it to its original factory specifications, including its original finish of Canal Grey with Vermillion pinstriping and a black leather-trimmed top. The interior was trimmed with grey broadcloth upholstery.

By 2014, the Lincoln was in the care of Tom Brace of Falcon Heights, Minnesota, who showed it at that year's Mid-America National Meet where it was awarded the Lincoln Trophy. In 2017, it was shown at the Cobble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the following year at the Mid-America National Meet where it received the Elliston H. Bell Founder's Trophy for the most outstanding Senior Lincoln.

Mr. Kane was able to convince Mr. Brace to sell him the Lincoln. He continued the car's success on the concours circuit by showing it at the 2021 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, receiving The Ford Motor Company/E.T. 'Bob' Gregorie Trophy for Enduring Design Excellence.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2024