1937 Lincoln Model K Convertible Roadster

This Lincoln is one of 15 built by LeBaron in 1937 featuring this Convertible Roadster coachwork and is believed to be the only example with factory-mounted side spare wheels. At the time, all Lincolns were powered by the 414-cubic-inch V-12 engine with 150 horsepower, but by 1937 the sale of large displacement engines with 12 and 16 cylinders were losing momentum, in favor of luxury sports and family cars. This highly original example made a cameo appearance in the 1952 movie With a Song in my Heart starring Susan Hayward and Rory Calhoun, and remained in California for six decades before being acquired by Rick Parker of Maryland. This rare American classic has never been restored and its current custodian since 2015 maintains the car in running/driving condition, meticulously preserving its originality.

Lincoln styling for 1935 featured streamlined bodies on the Model K chassis, with the passenger compartments moved forward on the chassis, and with its lower center of gravity, the ride and handling were improved. Many Model Ks were built to specific customer order, and the improvements to the 1935 allowed greater stylistic freedom for Lincoln's various body designers. Lincoln often placed orders for body designs from coachbuilding firms in quantities that reached as many as 50 bodies at a time. Since they were built in advance, delivery schedules could be shortened while still adhering to high levels of quality and exclusivity of the true coach-built automobile. These coach-built bodies are generally known by the term 'catalog customs.' By 1935, the list of limited-production coach-built designs on Lincolns came from Brunn, Judkins, LeBaron, and Willoughby.

For 1937, Lincoln built 977 Model Ks with 15 of those being the 2/4-Passenger Coupe Roadster wearing coachwork by LeBaron.

This particular example has a known history from 1999, when it was acquired by Rick Parker of Maryland from fellow Lincoln and Continental Owners Club (LCOC) member Jim Riffenburgh of Atascadero, California. In 2015 it was acquired by its current owner.

This Lincoln Model K rides on a 136-inch wheelbase chassis and has the Greyhound radiator mascot, twin side-mounted spares, Victoria-style blind quarters, 'V' grille, and Art Deco-influenced 'teardrop' headlights. There is a rumble seat at the rear which provides seating for two additional passengers.

The car rides on proper steel wheels with factory hub caps, trim rings, and period style whitewall tires.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2020