1938 Lincoln Model K

The 1938 Lincoln model lineup consisted of the streamlined, unibody Zephyr and the more conservative body-on-frame Model K. The Model K had a more traditional appearance and had been updated continuously since its 1930 introduction. By 1938, the headlights had been integrated into the fenders rather than set alongside the grille, and the fenders became better integrated with the body. The windshield had a more rakish profile thanks to its new V-shaped glass introduced in 1937. 1938 improvements included changes to the grille which now had 18 rather than 30 horizontal bars. The engine louvers were also revised since the thermostatically controlled hood shutters had been eliminated. Thirteen catalog bodies were offered and the standard sedan models all had built-in trunks.

Powering the Model K was an L-head twelve-cylinder engine with a 414 cubic-inch displacement and 150 horsepower. The three-speed sliding gear transmission had floor shift controls and, for 1938, received improvements to its synchromesh. Improvements to the Bendix Duo-Servo mechanical brakes were made which improved its resistance to fading. Vacuum boosters had been introduced on the Model K cars in 1937.

For 1938, Lincoln produced 19,751 examples of the Lincoln-Zephyr and 416 examples of its Model K. The Model K and Zephyr would return in 1939, but in 1940, only the Zephyr remained, joined by a longer and lower version called the Continental. Lincoln would continue to employ twelve-cylinder engines through 1948, returning to V8 power in 1949.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2019