1935 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan Phaeton

For 1935, Lincoln moved the passenger compartment forward on the wheelbase and the hood was shortened accordingly. This design concept mirrored in Fords that year as well. These changes brought a lower center of gravity for better handling and a smoother ride.

The 67-degree V-12 engine offered 150 horsepower at 3800 RPM, and was mated to a 3-speed manual transmission. The cars were fitted with a live axles and Bendix Duo-Servo mechanical brakes making the Model L a solid, comfortable, and exclusive platform. In total, Lincoln built just 1,411 Model L vehicles in 1935.

In 1936, Lincoln introduced the streamlined Lincoln-Zephyr.

The Great Depression had crippled every aspect of the economy, especially the luxury car segment. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was president, having won election in 1932 on the promise of 'a new deal for the American people.' He won by a margin of nearly 17 points, carrying 42 of the 48 states and accumulating 472 electoral votes to incumbent president Herbert Hoover's 59.

Roosevelt's New Deal began to gain steam before the 1936 election campaign with landmark achievements such as instituting the Social Security system. Another popular campaign pledge which happened on December 5, 1933, was repealing Prohibition and putting the bootleggers out of business.

This 1935 Lincoln Model K V-12 Phaeton is known as Franklin Delano Roosevelt's California campaign car. FDR used it for appearances around Los Angeles, riding in the back of an open luxury car waving to the crowds that always turned out to greet him.

Sid and Jenny Craig acquired this Lincoln K in 1993 from Tom Barrett through the Classic and Vintage Car Company in Beverly Hills. It rides on a 136-inch wheelbase and was delivered in the Royal Dark Blue in which it has been restored. It wears coachwork type 544, a standard four-door sedan, and is believed to have been specifically bodied for FDR's California use by his local supporters.

The restoration is an older job that still shows well in modern times. It has folding side windows, rear compartment footrest and jump seats, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, a orraine remotely operated spotlight, wide whitewall tires on wire wheels a luggage rack and, importantly for FDR, a smoker's kit in the rear.

In 2009, this vehicle was offered for sale by Bonhams Auction at the Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club in Carmel, CA. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $348,000 inclusive of Buyer's Premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2009