1933 Lincoln Model KA

The Lincoln K Series was produced from 1931 to 1940 and could be acquired with factory bodies or bespoke coachwork. It replaced the previous Model L, Lincoln's first model that had been introduced in 1921. The Model L had a 136-inch wheelbase and powered by a 384.8 cubic-inch V8 delivering 90 horsepower at 2,800 RPM. The Model K rested on a new 145-inch wheelbase with six cross-members and cruciform braces, 7.00 x 19 tires, freewheeling, double-acting Houdaille hydraulic shock absorbers on all four corners, and synchromesh on second and third gears. The 384.8 CID V8 continued, although it received a new Stromberg carburetor, more efficient manifolding, and five main bearings, and separate generator and starter units. The previous vacuum pump was replaced by a mechanical unit.

The 1932 model K was divided into the Model KA powered by an eight-cylinder engine and the Model KB with a twelve-cylinder (V12) engine. The Model KA rested on a 136-inch wheelbase and was available in seven standard body styles. The Model KB used the 145-inch wheelbase, had a similar appearance to the medium-priced KA, and available in nine standard and fourteen factory custom bodies. The twelve-cylinder engine displaced 447.9 cubic inches with seven main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, and Stromberg DD downdraft two-barrel carburetors.

Lincoln introduced another V-12 engine in 1933, with aluminum pistons and detachable cast iron heads. The V12 engine was installed in a new double-drop frame with the Model KA using a 381.7 cubic-inch displacement and the Model KB having a 447.9 CID. Both versions had mechanical valve lifters, a cast-iron block, and a two-barrel Stromberg downdraft carburetor. The smaller had four main bearings while the larger had seven. By 1934, both the KA and KB used the new engine, now enlarged, with the differences between the two models being limited to wheelbase length.

The 1933 Lincoln Model KA was offered in twelve body styles and styling improvements included hood louvers instead of the shutters, a chrome mesh grille sloped backward, and early models used the older clamshell-type fenders. Mid-way through production, valanced-type fenders were adopted and Lincoln offered to retro-fit earlier 1933 models with these without cost to owners.

The engines were backed by a three-speed sliding gear transmission and Bendix Duo-Servo mechanical brakes were at all four wheels. The suspension was comprised of longitudinal leaf springs. 18-inch steel spoke wheels were standard equipment and dual side mounts were optional. Body styles on the model KA included a coupe, convertible roadster, town sedan, sedan, and convertible sedan phaeton. Seven passenger sedan and limousine bodies were also available. Prices ranged from $2,700 to $3,200.

The 1933 Model KB was priced from $4,200 to $7,000. A total of 1,114 examples of the 1931 Model KA were built on the 136-inch platform and 533 on the Model KB 145-inch platform.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020