1937 Lincoln Model K Panel Brougham

There were a total of 17 styles available on the Lincoln Model K for 1937. One of the premier coachbuilders for the series was Willoughby of Utica, New York. Their roots extended to the carriage trade. R.M. Bingham of Rome, New York purchased the nearby Utica Carriage Company in 1897. His son-in-law, Edward Willoughby, was named president of the company. In 1903, Willoughby established a separate company bearing his own name with the purpose of building automobile bodies. By 1910, Edward's son Francis joined him in the company. During the Coolidge and Hoover administration, the Willoughby Company was tasked with creating coachwork for the presidential vehicles. The list of well-known clientele included Mayor Jimmy Walker of New York City, Horace Dodge, Joe Louis, and the Rockefellers.

Packard's two best customers were Lincoln and Packard. Other manufacturers that requested their services included Duesenberg, Rolls-Royce, Pierce-Arrow, Cadillac, Marmon, and Wills Ste. Claire.

The company prospered until the Great Depression forced them out of business in 1938.

This 1937 Lincoln Model K Panel Brougham with coachwork by Willoughby was built only to customer order. For the 1931 season, only 15 examples were built. This example is currently in excellent, restored condition. It is painted in black, with a pale yellow faux cane on the rear portion of the body. The chauffeur's compartment is upholstered in black leather. The passenger area is gray broadcloth.

In 2008, this Panel Brougham Model K was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $350,000 and carried a reserve. A high bid of $150,000 was not enough to satisfy the cars reserve. The lot was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2009