1935 Lincoln Model K

Many consider Henry M. Leland to be one of the founding fathers of the modern automobile, helping to form Cadillac in 1902 from the remnants of the Henry Ford Company. Later, he built aircraft engines in support of the allied war effort for World War I. After the war, he returned to automobile production with his Lincoln marque building the Model L. It was a quality vehicle with precious machinery but stodgy styling. Unable to make money, Leland was forced to sell out for Ford in 1922. Edsel Ford was placed in charge, new designs followed, and the company became profitable, despite the 1920 specifications remaining unchanged through 1930.

Cadillac introduced its V16 model in 1930 and its V12 in 1931. Lincoln responded in 1931 with the K Series Eight resting on a new 145-inch wheelbase frame with six cross-members and cruciform braces, resulting in a low and sleek profile. A year later, the Model KA was used to designate the eight-cylinder Lincolns resting on a 136-inch wheelbase platform, and the Model KB for the twelve-cylinder models on the 145-inch platform. The V-12 displaced 447.9 cubic-inches and its overall weight exceeded 1.5 ton with valves that measured two inches in diameter. It had a cast-iron block, seven main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, and a Stromberg DD downdraft two-barrel carburetor. The eight-cylinder engine produced 125 horsepower, and the V-12 had 150 horsepower and 292 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were backed by a three-speed sliding gear manual transmission with floor shift controls and a double dry disc clutch. Bendix Duo-Servo mechanical brakes on all four wheels provided the stopping power.

A new double-drop frame was introduced for 1933 on the Model KB, and a slightly smaller 382 cubic-inch V12 powered the KA. Derived from the KA V12, the KB engine was less expensive to produce and simpler. For 1934, a single 414 cubic-inch V12 engine was offered, powering both the KA and the KB. This would be the only available power plant for Lincoln automobiles until 1936.

The fine car market had nearly become extinct by 1935 as the world struggled with the tightening grip of the economic depression, and many could no longer afford such luxuries. Buyers who still possessed the means felt it inappropriate to indulge in such luxuries when so many were suffering. As a result, most of the great manufacturers had gone out of business or were struggling to survive. Lincoln was one of the few survivors, due to the support of the Ford Motor Company.

Along with a vast list of factory bodies, Edsel Ford actively supported the great designers of the time with commissions on Lincoln chassis. The factory bodies were no less opulent or well-constructed and remained the most popular with Lincoln's customers. Bodylines became softer and more rounded. The 136-inch wheelbase was reserved for the two-door factory custom and five-passenger standard bodies. Custom coachwork on the shorter platform included the LeBaron Convertible Sedan Phaeton, LeBaron Coupe, LeBaron Convertible Roadster, and a Brunn Convertible Victoria. Three factory bodies were offered on the larger platform, including a touring, sedan, and limousine - all with seating for seven passengers. Brunn, LeBaron, Judkins, and Willoughby also created bodies for the longer-wheelbase platform.

For 1935, the V-12 engine was placed forward several inches in the frame, resulting in better handling, and additional interior room for its occupants. The center of gravity was improved by moving the passenger compartment forward 11-inches to distribute and balance weight more evenly on the axle centers. The quieter operation was achieved by mounting the engine on five rubber mounts and improving the camshaft and needle bearing tappet rollers. The suspension was tuned for better and smoother operation. Free-wheeling and an engine oil filter were now standard equipment, and helical-cut gears and new synchronizing allowed for better, easier shifts from the transmission. Additional improvements included a revised exhaust system and fully-automatic spark control.

The KA and KB model designations, previously used to determine the wheelbase, were eliminated, replaced by the K-Series designation instead. Both 136- and 145-inch wheelbases still existed, with the longer wheelbase proving more popular with sales totaling 820 vehicles. 580 examples were built on the shorter chassis in 1935.

Although Model Ks were highly customizable and often built to specific customer order, Lincoln placed lot orders for body design from some of the industry's most regarded coachbuilding firms, sometimes for as many as fifty bodies at a time. These bodies, known as 'catalog customs,' were built in advance, greatly reduced delivery schedules while still maintaining the quality and exclusivity of the coach-built automobile. Lincoln's selection of coachbuilders for 1935 included Judkins, LeBaron, Willoughby, and Brunn.

Interior changes included an enlarged glovebox, and a new dash with a spot for the optional radio, and two large dials containing the instrumentation. Options included dual side mounts, heater, and clock.

Lincoln produced 1,411 vehicles in 1935.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020