1934 Lincoln Model KB Series 271 Convertible Victoria

When, if ever, does an automobile become a member of a family? If never, wouldn't nearly eighty years with the same family raise some doubts?

Lincoln's Model K line of automobiles was the most luxurious offered by the company. First making its appearance in 1931, the K-Series would originally include a two or four door phaeton and then, later, a dual-cowl model. Utilizing an L-series V8 with higher compression and a downdraft Stromberg carburetor the Lincoln produced some impressive horsepower, right around 120hp.

One year later, the K-Series would come available with a V12 derivative known as the KB. Horsepower was now pushed to 150hp and provided Lincoln with a foundation for luxury and performance.

Besides the performance upgrade, the new K-Series featured much more refined body styling. Simple, yet appealing, the new series was classic in its look, but contemporary. Additionally, Lincoln offered its K-Series customers with an extensive catalog of possible body styles that included designs by some of the best and most recognizable names in the business, LeBaron, Dietrich, Willoughby, Waterhouse and Brunn.

Chassis KB3375 would be ordered in 1934 and Brunn would be commissioned to build a Convertible Victoria body for the chassis. Completed, the car would be delivered to its new owner where it would remain until 1942 when it was then purchased by its current owner.

Well over seven decades in the care of its owner, KB3375 would become a very prominent feature in the person's life serving to deliver newspapers to distribution terminals early on and then becoming a daily mount for going to and from work.

Despite its rather common and humble life, the KB is anything but ordinary. Among the experts it is generally believed only about a half a dozen of the Convertible Victoria body style were ever built by Brunn. Among those half a dozen, just three are known to still exist.

Despite being recently updated with a new interior and convertible top, KB3375 remains highly original, showing the decades of love and care gushed over it by its owner.

Matching chassis and engine numbers are just for a start with this car. Living a quiet existence with one family so long has to qualify the car as a member of the family, and certainly a difficult piece with which to part. All told, the rarity, genuine nature, long period of ownership and assured exclusivity make this 1934 Lincoln KB Convertible Victoria one for the headlines.

The 1934 Lincoln KB Convertible Victoria would be offered for sale for the first time in nearly eight decades. Consigned through Bonhams and offered as part of the auction house's Arizona auction, the Lincoln had to be a highlight for anyone drawn by the love affair between mankind and the automobile.

When the bidding came to an end, the car would part ways with its long-time owner for the sum of $451,000 thereby leaving a wonderful parting gift to the family that had taken it in as one of their own for so long.

By Jeremy McMullen